How to Celebrate Lessons Learned from a True Wealth Mindset

December 20, 2024
By Bart Zandbergen CFP

As the New Year dawns, we often think of defining and embarking on new goals. Yet, in that process we often forget to celebrate the lessons learned from the past year so we can embrace change in the New Year. By recognizing the lessons, we are able to create a powerful approach that allows us to define our goals by including what our experiences have taught us thus far in our journey. 

Here are eight steps to help you approach celebrating the lessons you have learned and the wisdom gained thus far in your journey from a True Wealth mindset. 

1. Reflect on the Past Year

Journal or Meditate: Take time to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned over the past year. What challenges did you face? What victories did you achieve? Write about these reflections in a journal or meditate on them to understand how they’ve shaped your growth.

Create a Gratitude List: List things you’re grateful for. Acknowledge not just the happy moments, but also the hard ones, because they helped you learn and evolve.

2. Set Intentions (Not Resolutions)

Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Instead of rigid resolutions, set intentions or goals that focus on personal growth. For example, “This year, I’ll be open to change and allow myself to learn from unexpected experiences.”

Visualize Change: Imagine what you want your life to look like in the New Year. How do you want to embrace change? Visualizing the positive aspects of transformation helps you stay motivated.

3. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small

Have a Celebration Ritual: Mark the end of the year by celebrating your achievements. It could be a small personal ritual like lighting a candle, having a quiet dinner with loved ones, or creating a vision board for the year ahead.

Share Your Lessons: With close friends or family, share what you’ve learned, what you’re proud of, and how you’re preparing for the future. This communal exchange fosters support and connection.

4. Embrace Change as an Opportunity

Shift Your Perspective: Instead of fearing change, choose to see it as an opportunity to grow. Acknowledge that life is always evolving, and change is a necessary part of progress.

Practice Flexibility: Embrace the unknown by trying new things—whether it’s starting a new hobby, switching up your daily routine, or learning a new skill.

5. Create a Ritual of Letting Go

Release What No Longer Serves You: Symbolically let go of what’s holding you back. This could be through writing down things you want to release (e.g., old habits, regrets, fears) and then safely burning or tearing up the paper.

Forgive Yourself and Others: Let go of guilt or resentment to make space for new experiences. This cleansing act can be freeing and empowering.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Embrace Imperfection: Celebrate the fact that you’re a work in progress. Be kind to yourself as you navigate change, and recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Commit to Self-Care: Set a goal to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Prioritize rest, healthy habits, and mindfulness, so you’re prepared for whatever change comes your way.

7. Learn and Grow Continuously

Pursue Personal Development: Take steps towards improving yourself by reading books, attending workshops, or taking courses. Embracing lifelong learning opens up new opportunities for growth.

Surround Yourself with Inspiration: Connect with people or content that inspire you. Seek out mentors, motivational speakers, or positive communities that encourage growth and change.

8. Celebrate with Others

Plan a Gathering or Celebration: Gather friends and family to celebrate not just the New Year, but the lessons learned and the excitement of new beginnings. It can be a simple toast to resilience, growth, and transformation.

By focusing on these elements, you’ll be ready to step into the New Year with a mindset of celebration, gratitude, and openness to change. Cheers to 2025 and all of the possibilities it may hold!

Disclosures:

Zandbergen Group is a dba of Axxcess Wealth Management a SEC registered investment advisor. 

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur. 

This material is presented solely for informational purposes, and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment or strategy is suitable for a particular investor. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. This document should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular securities. Market conditions can vary widely over time and can result in a loss of portfolio value.

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

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The Zandbergen Group is a DBA of Axxcess Wealth Management, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. Bart A. Zandbergen, CA Insurance License #OA96242. Letitia S. Berbaum, CA Insurance License #OH19537. Zandbergen Group, LLC is a DBA of Axxcess Wealth Management, LLC (“Axxcess”), a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Axxcess and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.