Looking back to look forward
We can reflect on the past and plan for the future at any time, but the end of a calendar year, the sense of closure with a fresh start in January, gives us an extra push.
It can often be easier to focus, and perhaps overly focus, on what went wrong or not as expected. The things we didn’t achieve and the disappointments.
This year as I sat down to reflect on 2025 in my life and business, I chose to highlight the positives for myself.
The positives are not only the things that went well, but the things that I learnt.
I’m not dismissing the negatives, more reframing them as learning and growth opportunities, removing them as obstacles to moving forward.
And with the benefit of 12 months’ perspective, I have greater clarity on where I’ve been in this past year, where I am now, and what I want the outcomes for my next year to be.
If you want to try it yourself, here are a few simple steps you can follow:
Give yourself 10 minutes of quiet time and space (it doesn’t have to be more than that, but take more time if you want)
I use a pencil and lined writing pad, as the act of writing this out longhand helps me to think, but do whatever works for you
Answer these questions:
What are you most proud of this year? This is personal to you and could be around work, family, health for example, or your behaviour, especially in a challenging situation.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt about yourself this year? It could be something new, surprising, or confirmation of something you believe about yourself.
What didn’t go as planned this year? What got in the way?
When you’ve answered these questions by looking back, it’s time to look forward.
What are the 3 key outcomes you want for yourself in 2026?
What is the first thing you need to do to make each thing happen?
When are you going to take each of these actions? Schedule time for them in your calendar and commit to doing them
Get in touch if you want to talk this through.
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