As the year draws to a close, it is natural to reflect on the successes, achievements, and setbacks of the past months. This end-of-year introspection is a valuable tool, shaping current pursuits and offering clarity for future goals. However, a common misconception is that as the year nears its end, it is too late to initiate change or pursue new ambitions. How we approach this closure significantly impacts our potential for growth.
Viewing closure as a dead end might skew year-end reflections with pessimism and a sense of defeat. But seeing closures as opportunities for fresh starts can unlock immense potential for personal and professional success. Instead of perceiving endings as limitations, they can serve as launching pads for new beginnings and exciting possibilities.
Reflection at the year's end stands as a crucial tool for honoring both personal and professional triumphs. Whether it is reaching academic milestones or overcoming personal hurdles, dedicating mindful attention to these experiences nurtures an ongoing sense of accomplishment and drive. Moreover, it is equally essential to recognize the spaces where success might have escaped us. Exploring these instances can offer valuable insights for troubleshooting and gaining clarity on what to retain, release, or modify moving forward. Viewing setbacks through this lens reshapes and transforms obstacles into opportunities for continual growth.
If you are uncertain about finishing the year on a strong note, we urge you to utilize the template below to facilitate your reflective process. These questions were crafted to help motivate you to a strong finish and empower your beginning in the new year.
Assessing Commitments
- Which strategies were effective in helping to manage and complete the tasks and goals I set for the year?
- In what ways was balance achieved between my professional commitments and well-being?
Managing Stress
- Were there coping mechanisms that were more effective than others in managing stress?
- What improvements or modifications can I make to better balance professional pressures and self-care?
Setting New Year Foundations
- What new goals do I wish to set for the upcoming year?
- What steps can I take to align my aspirations with actionable plans?
Creating Support Systems
- What resources or groups did I access for academic or emotional support this year?
- How can I better utilize available support systems in the future?
Embracing Growth
- What lessons have I learned from the setbacks or difficulties I encountered this year?
- How can I foster a more resilient mindset moving forward?
It is our hope that you can use these questions as a framework to dive deeper into your accomplishments, challenges, and aspirations, allowing for a purposeful start to the new year.
Need to talk?
For trainees: The Department of Mental Health Services is available to provide mental health and personal counseling services to all students, residents, and fellows. There are a few ways to access services:
- To request an appointment with the Department of Mental Health Services, send a secure message via the online portal or call 317-278-2383 during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- For urgent matters, call 317-278-HELP (4357), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A licensed clinical health specialist will provide an assessment and help direct you to appropriate treatment options based on the situation. You may also call on behalf of a trainee if you are a family member, friend or colleague concerned about their well-being. You may call anonymously, if desired.
- TimelyCare is a free resource to all IU students that allows them to have 24/7 on-demand emotional support as well as scheduled telehealth visits (with some after hours and out of state access) through a national vendor. You can engage with a clinician via phone, video, or video chat. Signing up just requires your student email.
For IU Health employees:
- IU Health Physicians Employee Assistance Program
- IU Health Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services; call 317-962-8611
- National Crisis Hotline; call or text 988 (available 24/7)
For IU Employees:
- The IU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides 24/7/365 access to licensed mental health counselors via SupportLinc or 888-881- LINC (5462) for IU School of Medicine team members and their households.
Access to Anthem LiveHealth Online is included with your IU-sponsored medical coverage. This service allows you to engage with a mental health provider via telehealth using your IU insurance provider.
