Reflection on Quote with Guiding Questions

Every year in the monastery, we took a five or eight day silent retreat at the end of year. This was often the time I’d reflect on the past year – how I’d grown, where I saw gaps, and how I wanted to grow in the next year. 

During this time, I’d often set personal growth goals based on the vows I made to God to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Here’s a way you can adapt this framework for goal setting:

1. Vow of Poverty → Monk Mindset #6: Detachment: Seek Nothing to Find Everything

2. Vow of Chastity → Monk Mindset #5: Love is your purpose

Guiding Question: How can you stop doing one thing that keeps you from loving others well OR start doing one thing that helps you to love one person better?

3. Vow of Obedience → Your Daily Duties

• Monk Mindset #1: Meditation & Prayer

• Monk Mindset #2: Work & Study

• Monk Mindset #3: Family & Community

• Monk Mindset #4: Personal Wellness

Guiding Question: Think about your essential daily duties (particularly meditation, work, caring for your family, or personal wellness). What’s one specific way you can live them just 10% better next year? 

Hoping and praying that 2025 is your best year yet!

John & Monk Mindset Team 

Full Monk Mindset Course ready for New Year 2025