“Only through a process of rigorous self-examination can we begin to set goals that align with our values and aspirations.”– Peter F. Drucker
The New Year often inspires us to set ambitious goals and make resolutions to better ourselves. However, many resolutions fail not because they are unachievable but because they lack a foundation rooted in a clear understanding of where we currently stand. A self-audit is a powerful tool to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and priorities before charting your goals for the future.
As Socrates famously said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Taking the time to reflect is an act of wisdom and self-care, allowing us to align our future aspirations with our current realities.
Why Do a Self-Audit?
- Clarity: A self-audit provides clarity about your current state, helping you identify areas that truly need improvement.
- Realism: By understanding your starting point, you can set realistic and achievable goals.
- Focus: It prevents you from chasing every shiny resolution and allows you to concentrate on what truly matters.
- Motivation: Knowing how far you’ve come can boost your confidence and motivation.
The Bible encourages self-examination, reminding us: “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40). Reflection is not just about self-improvement but about aligning our lives with higher values and purpose.
How to Conduct a Self-Audit
To perform a meaningful self-audit, carve out some quiet time and reflect on the past year. Here are key areas and questions to consider:
1. Personal Growth
- What did I learn about myself this year?
- Did I step out of my comfort zone, and how did that affect me?
- What personal habits helped or hindered me?
2. Career and Professional Life
- Did I achieve my career goals for the year? Why or why not?
- What new skills or knowledge did I acquire?
- Am I satisfied with my current job or career path?
3. Relationships
- How did I nurture my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
- Were there any conflicts, and how did I handle them?
- Are there relationships that drain me or bring negativity into my life?
4. Health and Wellness
- Did I prioritize my physical and mental health?
- What habits improved my health, and which ones harmed it?
- Did I experience burnout, and how did I cope?
5. Financial Health
- Did I stick to my budget and savings goals?
- What were my biggest financial wins and losses?
- Am I closer to achieving financial stability or freedom?
6. Hobbies and Passions
- Did I dedicate time to activities that bring me joy?
- Did I explore or develop any new interests?
- Am I happy with how I spend my free time?
7. Time Management
- Did I use my time effectively, or did I waste it on unimportant tasks?
- What distracted me most, and how can I address that?
- Am I satisfied with the balance between work, rest, and play?
8. Spirituality and Purpose
- Did I align my actions with my core values?
- How did I contribute to something greater than myself?
- Do I feel fulfilled and purposeful in my daily life?
The words of 2 Corinthians 13:5 challenge us: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” A self-audit isn’t just about achieving worldly success but about walking in alignment with our faith and purpose.
Turning Insights into Actionable Resolutions
Once you’ve answered these questions, identify patterns and prioritize areas for improvement. Use the SMART framework to create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
For example:
- Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” say, “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week starting January.”
- Instead of “I want to save money,” say, “I will save Kshs. 5,000/- monthly by carrying pre-packed lunches to work ”
As theologian C.S. Lewis observed, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” You should therefore do the audit with a positive mind-set, and self-compassion. “You are really cool, multi-dimensional and wise, fearfully and wonderfully made. No failures in the past define you. Forwards ever, backwards never.”
Let your self-audit empower you to craft resolutions that reflect your true potential and purpose.
Closing Thoughts
Keep in mind that a self-audit is not about judging yourself harshly but about understanding yourself deeply.
If you take the time to reflect on your journey so far, you’ll find that the goals you set will be more meaningful, achievable, and aligned with your true aspirations.
By grounding your resolutions in self-awareness, you’ll position yourself for a more intentional and successful year ahead.
Remember, growth starts with reflection, and faith in the journey ahead. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
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