As we enter the final stretch of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Reflection is more than just a recap; it’s a great way to gain clarity, celebrate the things that worked and the progress you made, and set meaningful goals for a New Year. Here’s my short and hopefully helpful guide to make the most of your end-of-year reflection—and if you want 2025 to be your best year yet, I’ll show you how we can work together to make it happen.
Step 1: Begin by breaking down your year
Start by looking at the year, sometimes it can be helpful to break the year into segments: months, quarters, or seasons. Reflect on any recurring patterns—both good and bad—and consider whether they align with what you set out to achieve. Did you take steps forward, or were there moments when you felt you fell behind? This breakdown offers a bigger picture perspective, showing not only what you accomplished but also what may need more focus next year.
Step 2: List your highs and lows
Reflect on the moments that stood out—the achievements you’re proud of and the challenges that tested you. These highs and lows are meaningful indicators of what makes you happy and what drains you. As you look back on these experiences, ask yourself: Why was I proud of that? Why don’t I do more or that?. Why do I still do that when I don’t enjoy it? What could I change to avoid having to do that so often?
Step 3: Write down your motivations
Dig a little deeper and consider what kept you going during the year. Was it a personal goal, a sense of responsibility, or perhaps a vision for the future? Clarifying your motivation can reveal whether your goals are aligned with your core values. As an extreme example, but I have seen it, you may realise that what your thought was your lifetime goal of having a high-paying corporate job doesn’t fully align with your core values. Deep down you may have discovered this year that you love being creative, working outside, and crave a sensible work life balance. This insight may lead you to adjust your goals.
Step 4: Assess what worked and what didn’t
Think about the strategies and habits you used this year—some of them probably worked wonders, while others may have held you back. Maybe you discovered something very simple but absolutely essential to you, for example, that you need to build in a walk during the day or learned that certain commitments were more of a drain than a gain. Make a list of these strategies to help you build on what worked and avoid what didn’t in the coming year.
Step 5: Reflect on what stresses you
Stress is inevitable, but some types of stress are avoidable. Take a close look at the triggers you encountered this year. Was it tight deadlines, unplanned commitments, or perhaps certain environments? Knowing what causes you stress can enable you to create boundaries and strategies to manage it more effectively.
Step 6: Write down what you’re grateful for
Finally, gratitude is an essential part of reflection for me. Why not take a moment to list the people, moments, and achievements that filled your year with positivity. Gratitude shifts our perspective, helping us focus on the positive aspects of our journey, and it provides the motivation we need to set new goals with a clear and positive mindset.
Call to Action: Let’s make 2025 your year
Reflecting on your year is a powerful first step, but if you’re ready to set the stage for real change, why not take action now? Let’s make 2025 a year of meaningful progress, focus, and fulfilment.
Visit careercoachingsheffield.co.uk to book your January 2025 session.
Start the year with an effective career plan to ensure you make 2025 start with a bang!
Comments