Week 1:
Week 14. Fear of Success:
- Imposter Syndrome * Self-Sabotage * Procrastinating on “Big” Goals * Fear of Visibility/Attention * Downplaying Achievements * Settling for Less * Comfort in the Familiar
Week 15. Perfectionism as a Shield:
- Using Perfectionism to Avoid Completion * Fear of Making Mistakes * Overthinking and Analysis Paralysis * Procrastination Disguised as “Preparation” * Unrealistic Standards * Difficulty Delegating * Never Feeling “Good Enough”
Week 16. “Busy” as an Excuse:
- Over-scheduling to Avoid Inner Work * Using Activity to Numb Emotions * Saying “Yes” to Everything * Lack of Prioritization * The “Martyr Complex” * Fear of Stillness/Quiet * Distraction from True Priorities
Week 17. Relationship Patterns that Distract:
- Repeatedly Attracting Unavailable Partners * Staying in Unhealthy Relationships * Codependency & Enabling * Fear of Intimacy * Conflict Avoidance * People-Pleasing * Seeking Validation from Others
Week 18. Money as a Crutch:
- Overspending to Fill a Void * Hoarding Wealth/Fear of Scarcity * Using Money for Status/Security * Materialism & Consumerism * Financial Dependence on Others * Workaholism for Financial Gain *, Replacing Guilt-Driven Checkwriting With Generosity
Week 19. “Helping” That Hinders:
- Over-giving to Avoid Own Needs * Enabling Others’ Bad Habits * Rescuing Others from Consequences * Seeking Fulfillment Through Fixing Others * Difficulty Setting Boundaries * Taking on Too Much Responsibility * “Co-dependent Helping”
Week 20. Physical Neglect as a Distraction:
- Neglecting Physical Health * Poor Diet & Exercise Habits * Sleep Deprivation * Ignoring Body Signals * Using Substances to Cope * Disconnection from the Body * Somatization of Stress
Week 21. Creative Avoidance:
- Fear of Expressing True Self * Procrastinating on Creative Projects * Self-Doubt & Criticism * Perfectionism in Creative Pursuits * Comparing to Others * “Not Good Enough” Mentality * Blocking Creative Flow
Week 22. Spiritual Bypassing:
- Using Spirituality to Avoid Difficult Emotions * Intellectualizing Spiritual Concepts * Judgmental or Dogmatic Attitudes * Spiritual Pride * Lack of Self-Compassion * Ignoring Shadow Self * Disconnection from Embodied Spirituality
Week 23. Fear of Vulnerability:
- Difficulty Sharing Feelings * Hiding Authentic Self * Fear of Rejection/Criticism * Maintaining a “Facade” * Difficulty Asking for Help * Suppressing Emotions * Isolation/Loneliness
Week 24. Procrastination in Disguise:
- “Researching” Instead of Doing * Planning Excessively * Waiting for the “Perfect” Time * Starting Many Projects, Finishing Few * Distracting with Less Important Tasks * Fear of Commitment * Overwhelm Leading to Inaction
Week 25. The Comfort of Complaining:
- Chronic Negativity * Focusing on Problems * Victim Mentality * Gossip & Criticism * Blaming Others * Resisting Change * Draining Energy of Self and Others
Week 26. Addiction to Drama:
- Creating Chaos/Conflict * Thriving on Intensity * Attracting/Engaging in Drama * Emotional Rollercoaster * Fear of Boredom/Stability * Attention-Seeking Behavior * Difficulty with Healthy Boundaries
Week 27. Fear of the Unknown:
- Resisting Change & New Experiences * Staying in Comfort Zone * Fear of Failure/Risk * Clinging to the Familiar * Limiting Beliefs About Possibilities * Lack of Trust in the Process * “Playing it Safe”
Week 28. The “Shoulds” & Expectations:
- Living According to Others’ Expectations * Internalized “Shoulds” & Rules * Ignoring Own Needs & Desires * People-Pleasing * Perfectionism * Fear of Disapproval * Loss of Authenticity
Week 29. Entitlement & Victimhood:
- Blaming Others for Circumstances * Feeling “Owed” Something * Lack of Accountability * Expecting Special Treatment * Manipulating Others * Resisting Feedback * Difficulty with Gratitude
Week 30. Ignoring Intuition:
- Doubting Inner Guidance * Overthinking Decisions * Seeking External Validation * Fear of Making the “Wrong” Choice * Ignoring Gut Feelings * Disconnection from Inner Wisdom * Living from the Head, Not the Heart
Week 31. Control as a Defense:
- Micromanaging * Need for Certainty & Predictability * Difficulty with Surrender * Fear of Loss of Control * Rigidity & Inflexibility * Anxiety & Stress * Difficulty with Trust
Week 32. Fear of Intimacy ( Deeper Dive):
- Emotional Unavailability * Difficulty with Vulnerability * Sabotaging Close Relationships * Fear of Abandonment * Keeping People at a Distance * Using “Walls” as Protection * Longing for Connection, but Fearing It
Week 33. Shadow Work:
- Identifying & Integrating Shadow Aspects * Acknowledging “Negative” Emotions * Working with Shame & Guilt * Understanding Projections * Embracing the “Dark Side” * Self-Forgiveness & Acceptance * Wholeness & Integration
Week 34. Inner Child Work:
- Connecting with Inner Child Needs * Healing Childhood Wounds * Re-Parenting the Self * Addressing Trauma * Self-Compassion & Nurturing * Playfulness & Joy * Inner Freedom
Week 35. Boundaries & Self-Respect:
- Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships * Saying “No” * Protecting Energy & Time * Honoring Own Needs & Values * Assertiveness * Self-Care * Respecting Others’ Boundaries
Week 36. Authenticity & Self-Expression:
- Living in Alignment with True Self * Expressing Needs & Desires * Embracing Uniqueness * Creative Expression * Speaking Truth * Vulnerability * Self-Acceptance
Week 37. Forgiveness & Letting Go:
- Forgiving Self & Others * Releasing Resentments * Healing from Past Hurts * Letting Go of Grudges * Compassion & Empathy * Freedom from the Past * Moving Forward
Week 38. Gratitude & Appreciation:
- Cultivating a Gratitude Practice * Appreciating the Present Moment * Focusing on Blessings * Shifting Perspective * Positive Mindset * Joy & Contentment * Abundance Mentality
Week 39. Surrender & Trust:
- Letting Go of Control * Trusting the Process * Faith & Spirituality * Acceptance * Flow & Ease * Openness to Guidance * Inner Peace
Week 40. Mindfulness & Presence:
- Cultivating Present Moment Awareness * Observing Thoughts & Emotions * Non-Judgmental Awareness * Meditation & Contemplation * Mindful Living * Reducing Stress & Anxiety * Inner Stillness
Week 41. Self-Compassion & Kindness:
- Treating Self with Kindness & Understanding * Challenging Inner Critic * Self-Forgiveness * Acceptance of Imperfections
Week 42. Discernment & Decision-Making:
- Tuning in to Inner Wisdom * Recognizing Intuition vs. Fear * Weighing Options with Clarity * Trusting the Process of Decision-Making * Making Aligned Choices * Taking Action with Confidence * Releasing Attachment to Outcomes
Week 43. Purpose & Meaning:
- Exploring Values & Passions * Identifying Core Beliefs * Uncovering Life Purpose * Finding Meaning in Everyday Life * Aligning Actions with Purpose * Contributing to Something Greater * Living a Life of Significance
Week 44. Service & Contribution:
- Identifying Unique Gifts & Talents * Using Strengths to Serve Others * Finding Ways to Make a Difference * Volunteering & Giving Back * Acts of Kindness & Compassion * Leaving a Positive Impact * Creating a Legacy
Week 45. Releasing the Past:
- Identifying Limiting Beliefs from the Past * Healing Old Wounds & Traumas * Forgiving Self & Others * Letting Go of Regret & Resentment * Moving Forward with Freedom * Embracing the Present Moment * Creating a New Future
Week 46. Embracing Change & Uncertainty:
- Developing Resilience & Adaptability * Stepping Outside Comfort Zone * Embracing New Experiences & Challenges * Trusting the Unknown * Letting Go of Fear & Resistance * Growth & Transformation * Living with Courage & Curiosity
Week 47. Cultivating Joy & Playfulness:
- Finding Joy in Everyday Life * Engaging in Playful Activities * Connecting with Inner Child * Laughter & Lightheartedness * Releasing Seriousness * Spontaneity & Fun * Celebrating Life
Week 48. Self-Acceptance & Love:
- Embracing Imperfections * Practicing Self-Compassion * Celebrating Strengths & Uniqueness * Challenging Negative Self-Talk * Cultivating Self-Love & Appreciation * Inner Peace & Harmony * Radiating Love Outward
Week 49. Building Healthy Relationships:
- Communicating Effectively * Setting Healthy Boundaries * Cultivating Empathy & Compassion * Practicing Active Listening * Resolving Conflict Constructively * Nurturing Supportive Connections * Creating Loving & Fulfilling Relationships
Week 50. Living with Integrity:
- Aligning Actions with Values * Being True to Self * Honesty & Authenticity * Keeping Commitments * Taking Responsibility * Living with Courage & Conviction * Inspiring Trust & Respect
Week 51. Gratitude for the Journey:
- Appreciating Life’s Lessons & Experiences * Acknowledging Growth & Progress * Celebrating Achievements * Embracing Challenges as Opportunities * Finding Gratitude in Every Moment * Living with Joy & Fulfillment * Inspiring Others
Week 52. Continuing the Journey:
- The Mental Discipline of Maintaining a Growth Mindset * Committing to Ongoing Self-Reflection * Practicing Daily Examen * Seeking Support & Community * Embracing Lifelong Learning * Living with Purpose & Passion * Sharing Wisdom & Inspiring Others
This extended list provides an EXAMPLE of a comprehensive framework for your year of intense focus. It’s not YOUR example, so you have to make it yours by adapting it to your unique needs and priorities. As you progress through your list of Examen topics each year, you will need to be open to new insights and discoveries about yourself and your true calling … so that when you work on your Examen process in the following year, you can be more diligent and precisely focused on your needs and God’s particular unique expectations for your life.
This deep inner work is a powerful journey of transformation. Be patient with yourself, ie you will fail and there will be times when you fill inadequate or not really up to the demands of leading your life, but don’t give in to the temptation to second-guess your Creator … celebrate your struggles, failures, doubts and you might even boldly, but privately take some of the credit for your progress … trust that you will LEAD a life of greater purpose, fulfillment, and authenticity.