Thomas Plante, Ph.D., discusses the benefits of gratitude. He notes some of his patients become depressed at the end of the year for reasons such as "... not achieving more or not having the kind of life and lifestyle that they had hoped and dreamed for." http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...itude-you-want

Plante:

One of many strategies to improve mood and perspective this time of year (and throughout the year for that matter) is to focus on the half full rather than half empty glass. Looking for the up side and being grateful for what you have is so important for both mental and physical health. This is not to say that we should be in denial or maintain a Pollyanna way of thinking about our lives but rather to be sure that we focus on what we are grateful for each and every day. And yes, I really do mean each and every day.

Michael Angier authored: Reflections -- A Top Ten List of Year-End Questions. http://www.cdnbizwomen.com/articles/angier19.html Perhaps some might find it useful:

1. What did I learn? (skills, knowledge, awareness', etc.)
2. What did I accomplish? A list of my wins and achievements.
3. What would I have done differently? Why?
4. What did I complete or release? What still feels incomplete to me?
5. What were the most significant events of the year past? List the top three.
6. What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about? What was my greatest contribution?
7. What were the fun things I did? What were the not-so-fun?
8. What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?
9. How am I different this year than last?
10. For what am I particularly grateful?