In Michael Hyatt’s five day goal-setting program he emphasizes the need to makes sense of the previous year before setting goals. Why finish the past in 2016 before the New Year? It clears away subconscious negativity and makes room to live fully in the present. We’re able to start 2017 with fresh energy and motivation.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. - quote by George Santayana Click To Tweet

For example, an unfinished past is like issues I had with my iPad. It froze up and I couldn’t figure out why. When I took it to be serviced, the technician pressed the home screen. He showed me all the apps that were running in the background. Many were duplicates several times over. 

I had no idea. My device wasn’t functioning because of all the unknown apps in the background.  Once I swiped away all those unnecessary apps, it worked fine.

For most of us, we carry our unfinished past from years ago, not just in 2016.

We wonder why most people don’t even bother to take inventory of their past year or plan for change in the New Year. The apps running in the background of their lives have kept them from fresh beginnings. 

The journey through our past wasn’t meant to be forgotten. Our life experiences have meaning and valuable lessons for us.

The lessons of 2016 are catalysts for transformation in 2017. Click To Tweet

Our unfinished past takes up wasted energy and slows us down. Family members experience us as moody, irritable, and cynical. We’re easily triggered. The criticism/defensiveness patterns are like synchronized dance steps in the Tango of our marriages.

Your past holds a wellspring of insight for the New Year.

A small percentage of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually accomplish them.

I believe it’s the subconscious disappointments, anger, trauma and grief that keep us frozen. Even the highlights of the year can be forgotten. We forget to celebrate and fail to take in valuable lessons.

The end of the year is a good time to take inventory of the good, bad, and ugly of our lives. 

When we share our unfinished past with a professional counselor, compassionate minister, or a wise friend, we begin to notice the lessons. Then, we can swipe away the unnecessary apps of our lives.

Questions to Ponder

What part of your past is unfinished?

Who is that trusted counselor, minister, or friend in your life?

What lessons have you gained from your past?