Taking a Stock Take of Your LIFE

Taking stock of your life is an act of self-reflection — a way to evaluate your current situation against your values and goals. It means pausing to look honestly at what’s working and what isn’t, then making a plan to adjust for greater fulfillment and alignment.

For me, it has become a tradition to do a life stocktake every year and plan for the new one. What I love about this exercise is that it forces you to reflect on issues or incidents you might prefer to forget. More often than not, you face the very things you don’t want to confront. We all struggle to admit our mistakes and shortcomings; it’s easier to overlook, pretend, or deny reality. Yet the greatest treasures lie in those moments when we look matters in the eye — whether good or bad — and ask ourselves how we can respond better. That honesty frees us from fear and doubt.

This year, take time to reflect on your goals. Did you achieve them? What challenges did you face, and how did they turn out? If the outcome was negative, what can you do differently? If positive, how can you build on it and outdo yourself?

Always remember: people are different. Not everyone will like you or your ways, and that’s okay. Likewise, you may not agree with others, but coexistence requires respect. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Our society has declined in ethics and morality, so examine that area too. Have your values slipped? Truth and integrity are central to the Christian life. Ensure your honesty gives you a clear conscience — nothing feels better than going to bed knowing you did the right thing.

Check your health: have you reduced sugar intake, cut back on junk food, or stopped relying on carbonated drinks? Review your network: are your friends supportive, sharing your values, or are they draining your energy? Reflect on your experiences and ask what lessons they taught you.

Look at your spiritual life: have you grown in your walk with God? Do you spend time daily in prayer and reading His Word? Has your love for Him grown cold?

Once you’ve asked these tough questions and recorded your findings, plan and prioritize for the new year. Don’t stop there — check in quarterly or midyear to track your progress. Don’t live by chance; plan intentionally so you grow into a better version of yourself.

Stay accountable and always remember: change begins with me. When you change yourself, you inspire others to change too. There’s no point in wanting change if we ourselves are unwilling to change.