As the year draws to a close, it’s natural (and wise!) to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, what felt right — and what didn’t — and to consider where you’re headed. Conducting a thorough review of your life and work, and how you show up in both spaces, can be a powerful exercise in clarity, direction and resilience.
From one person simply trying to be their best version to another, here’s my approach to reflecting on where you’ve been, where you’re at and where you want to go next.
1. Reflect on Your Business and Personal Milestones
Start by setting aside dedicated time to look back at the past year’s wins, challenges and unexpected turns. This is more than just tallying up sales or counting clients — it’s about examining growth, quality and fulfillment. Did your business align with your values? Did your personal life complement your work goals? Take stock of the big and small wins, less-than moments and learning opportunities to build out your personal audit.
Tip: Look at each quarter and ask yourself questions, like: What was most rewarding? What was most challenging? Then, look for the patterns. What themes repeatedly come up for you, and do you need to adjust?
2. Prioritize What Truly Matters
In both business and life, prioritizing requires deep reflection; and not just on what matters to you most, but on what you’re willing to sacrifice. As you outline your top priorities for the new year, remember that placing something at the top means other areas will naturally fall lower on the list. If growing your business is your main focus, you might need to sacrifice certain personal luxuries or more relaxed timelines. If growing your family is your number one, your business may need to adjust to accommodate.
Tip: Be honest about your values and what you’re willing to set aside. Prioritization is not just about focusing on what’s important but also about making peace with the things you’re choosing to set to the side — whether just for a season or indefinitely. True honesty with yourself now will help you stay your course when life inevitably tries to pull you off of it.
3. Craft a Thoughtful, Flexible Plan
Set goals that are specific, measurable and aligned with your long-term vision, but remember that even the best-laid plans need a buffer. Life happens. Rather than rigidly adhering to a plan, think of it as a sturdy-yet-flexible framework.
Tip: Include a “buffer zone” in your plan — time, finances and resources that aren’t committed to a specific goal but can be drawn upon as unexpected situations arise. This approach allows for both the unplanned setbacks and the spontaneous opportunities that may present themselves.
4. Build in Time for Personal Reflection
As you finalize your plan, ensure there’s time for regular reflection. A monthly or quarterly check-in with yourself can help you assess when to stay the course and when to pivot. Building in these moments gives you a chance to celebrate and recalibrate timely.
Tip: Set a recurring reminder to “check in” with yourself. Use these sessions to realign your priorities and maintain clarity on what you want to achieve. Life will continue to evolve, as will your professional aspirations — and that’s perfectly okay.
5. Embrace Life’s Unexpected Twists
I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: Life happens. Approaching each year with a flexible, adaptive mindset allows you to respond — not react. No two years will ever look quite the same, and that’s part of the journey. Embracing a balance of intentional planning and openness to change will help you to lead the exact life that lights you up and makes you feel full.
Cheers to a new year, friend.
