Mid-Year Review Revelations: Depth Year

Jun 20

🐦‍⬛ I have a serious case of shiny object syndrome. OK. That’s not exactly a revelation. BUT it is a guidepost to get me back on track. So, here it goes. The first area uncovered in my Mid-Year Review:

🔎 Refocus on my Depth Year

I’ve posted about this before, but in case you missed it, a “Depth Year” means committing to a focused and intentional approach to personal growth and learning by limiting the acquisition of new things or pursuits for a set time. (David Cain, the creator of Raptitude, a personal development blog, popularized the Depth Year concept.) Emphasis is placed on deepening existing interests, skills, and knowledge rather than starting new ones. It’s an invitation to fully explore and appreciate what you already possess without the distraction of constantly seeking novelty. Doh! This is where my shiny object syndrome gets activated.

👋🏼 Hello, I’m Pattie Belle, and I am a novelty addict.

📆 How to plan a Depth Year:

📚 Reading:

Instead of accumulating new books, the focus is on rereading and reflecting on previously unread or unfinished books, allowing for a deeper understanding and connection with the material. I did well with this one during the year's first quarter, but it has been a slippery slope lately. I am expecting a book package as I write this.

👓 Learning:

Rather than starting new courses or pursuing new subjects, the Depth Year encourages dedicating time to delve further into established areas of interest. This may involve deeper diving into a specific field of study, refining existing skills, or exploring advanced aspects of a hobby or passion. Again, my first quarter performance was excellent, and then there were purchases made and new learning consumed, and now I am wondering where I am and what I am doing.

📦 Consumption:

A Depth Year encourages a mindful approach to consumption. This involves reducing unnecessary purchases and avoiding the accumulation of new possessions. It's an opportunity to appreciate and fully utilize the resources, books, tools, and materials one already possesses. I have miraculously stayed on track with this one. I have enough. I am enough.

🎢 Experiences:

One of the aims of this shift away from consuming is to focus on people and experiences – to appreciate and maximize the value of these over material goods and to deepen connections with friends and loved ones. I need to refocus and level up on the friends and family piece because, in the end, it’s the people that matter.

✅ If you’re interested in the process I use to plan and track my life, check out my 12 Week Plan + Track System. I’ve just added my Mid-Year Review process as a bonus! Join me and design your life one quarter at a time. Link below. ⬇

#quarterlyplanning #12weekyear #designyourlife #depthyear

Check Out The 12 Week Plan + Track

Hi there! I’m Pattie Belle Hastings.

But you can call me PB. I am a designer, facilitator, content creator, and professor. I facilitate teams and groups as well as design & lead workshops and courses on creative industry topics. I would love to design and facilitate your company’s creative breakthroughs.

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