5 Big Questions To Ask Yourself Every Year, From A Psychologist

There is a Diana Ross song that plays in my head whenever I take stock of my life. It goes, “Do you know where you’re going to, do you like the things that life’s been showing you, what are you looking for?”

The science is clear that self-love and self-compassion benefit us. But the truth is, not everyone buys into that. Some people feel that self-love sounds needlessly pompous and narcissistic; others fear compassion makes them lose their keen, sharp, ambitious edge.

But whether or not you want to practice self-love and/or self-compassion, everyone benefits from having an overview of what they are willing to accept about their lives and themselves. This is also an exercise in gratitude and, more importantly, an exercise in courage. 

Looking deep within can be scary; the epiphanies can feel overwhelming when you’re confronted with them, and it feels like there’s nowhere to hide. 

But done in a way that allows you to take action, and reflect on your strengths, trust yourself that you are on the right track to building a life that matters.