At this time of year there is a magnetic pull to look ahead and begin planning the new year. While this is powerful, we miss out on priceless information by jumping ahead too soon.

So before you jump on this bandwagon, how about trying something new?

Look back.

Look back and tell the truth about the year that’s been.

“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinhem

Yeah, it might piss you off, but you can’t let that stop you. Looking back and really seeing both positive and negative aspects of the year is the best way forward. Trust me on this one.

It takes courage and truth-telling; I know you’ve got both.

When you do this work before brainstorming what you want for 2013, you actually create on a blank canvas and not on top of the crap you’d rather hide and forget about.

Telling the truth strips away all pretense.

Let’s begin.

1.  What worked this year?

Rewind and go back to the start of 2012. Review the past 12 months and make a list of anything that left you feeling satisfied.

2.  What were some of your accomplishments?

It’s sad, but this is often the most challenging question to answer. It’s also an opportunity to be generous with yourself.

3.  What didn’t work?

Think of the many areas of your life: business, relationships, health. Be honest about any experiences where you would have loved a do-over.

4.  What was missing that things didn’t turn out the way you wanted or planned?

Big learning here if you look. What was missing? Structure, planning, resources; get specific. The more detailed the better; huge learning that will propel you forward when you get this.

5.  What are the three greatest lessons of the year?

Do you need to strengthen boundaries or practice better self-care? Maybe it’s time to let go of your attachment to a certain outcome or belief. Whatever is, get it, own it, and move on.

6.  What opportunities do you now see?

And finally, it’s time to start creating what you want for next year. Take all the wisdom you’ve just claimed and go for what you want! As if you had a blank canvas, and a better set of brushes, this is your opportunity to create.

But only after you’ve told the truth.

“There is no truth except the truth that exists within you.” ― Neale Donald Walsch

Tell it now.