Embrace the Balance of Light and Dark: Reflecting on the Year with a Completion Ritual

As we approach the winter solstice, we at Archer and Associates find ourselves reflecting on the profound balance of light and dark that this season embodies. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, a turning point where the light begins to return, slowly but surely. This natural phenomenon is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing both the light and the dark.

During this time of year, there is a natural pull inward, a call to reflect and rest. The darkness invites us to slow down, to be still, and to turn our focus inward. Yet, as the light begins to return, there is also a pull outward, a call to action and renewal. The increasing daylight brings with it a sense of hope and possibility, a reminder that new beginnings are on the horizon. This balance of light and dark, of inward reflection and outward action, is essential for our growth and well-being. It teaches us that both aspects are necessary and that we must honor each in its own time.

In our work with clients, we often emphasize the importance of recognizing and embracing this balance. Just as the seasons pull us in both directions, so too do the light and shadow aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and resilience.

The essence and importance of completion.

As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the importance of completion rituals. This time of year is a natural period for reflection and closure, a moment to look back on the past year and acknowledge all that has transpired. Completion is not just about ticking off tasks or achieving goals; it's about truly understanding and integrating the experiences we've had.

At Archer and Associates, we have a structured process for this. Every year, we schedule a completion conversation where we review the past year in detail. This isn't just a superficial glance; we dive deep into what happened, what worked, what didn't, and how we felt about it all. We start by stating the facts—what were our goals, and what did we achieve? But we don't stop there. We also explore the emotions and insights that came with those experiences. How did we feel about our successes and our failures? What did we learn from them?

One of the key aspects of this process is to talk until there's nothing left to say. We ask ourselves, "Is there anything else?" and we keep asking until we are truly complete. This might mean acknowledging the times we fell short, the unexpected challenges we faced, or the moments of grace and courage we exhibited. We look for patterns and themes. This helps us to see the bigger picture, to understand the underlying dynamics at play, and to make more informed decisions moving forward.

This ritual of completion is not just a business practice; it's a personal one as well. It allows us to clear the slate, to let go of the past year with all its highs and lows, and to prepare ourselves for the new year ahead. By doing this, we create space for new ideas, new goals, and new beginnings. We are not carrying the baggage of unfinished business into the new year; instead, we are starting fresh, with a clear mind and a renewed sense of purpose.

We invite all leaders to engage in their own completion practice, as it provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past year, integrate lessons learned, and enter the new year with clarity and renewed purpose. Not everyone enjoys journaling, and that's perfectly okay. There are many ways to engage in a personal completion ritual that can be just as effective and meaningful.

One of the ways you can do this is by taking a walk with yourself. Walking is a powerful way to connect with your thoughts and feelings. Another approach is to have a conversation with yourself. This can be done out loud or in your mind. Ask yourself questions about the past year and answer them honestly. What were the highlights? What were the low points? What did you learn from these experiences? This self-dialogue can help you process your thoughts and emotions, and it can be a powerful way to gain insight and understanding. You could also have a conversation with a trusted friend.

For those who enjoy creative expression, you might consider creating a piece of art or writing a poem. This can be a beautiful way to capture your reflections and feelings about the past year. You don't have to be an artist or a poet to do this. The act of creating something can be therapeutic and can help you express yourself in ways that words alone might not be able to.

Use the following questions to help guide your reflection:

1. What have I accomplished this year and my experience of that?
2. What did I fail to accomplish and my experience of that?
3. What do I resent about what happened during the year?
4. What do I regret about things I did or didn’t do during the year?
5. Did you experience a major life or career event (promotion, reorganization, death of a loved one, significant health event, starting or ending a close relationship, etc.)? What was your experience and what needs to be said about it to feel complete?
6. What came together seamlessly for you?
7. What challenges blew up in your face?
8. What would it take for you to feel more confident?
9. What is in the way of expressing your true self?
10. What do you need to say about this last year to feel complete? Is there anything else?

Finally, consider incorporating a physical ritual into your completion practice. This could be lighting a candle, burning a piece of paper with something you want to let go of, or creating a small ceremony to mark the end of the year. Physical rituals can provide a sense of closure and can help you feel more grounded and present.

Remember, the goal of a completion ritual is to create a sense of closure and readiness for the new year. By acknowledging where you've been, celebrating your achievements, and learning from your experiences, you set the stage for the next chapter. Find a practice that resonates with you and make it your own.

We invite you to share your own year-end leadership words of wisdom on social media - use #CompletionRituals and tag us to connect and inspire each other as we prepare for the new year with clarity and purpose.