There’s something symbolic about wrapping up a year by reviewing it holistically. It can help you be at peace with the things that didn’t happen; find another strategy to approach a long-term goal, as well as reframe failures into learnings. And most importantly, it’s an opportunity to celebrate achievements, however small. The end of the year is a great opportunity to close a chapter, create a Wow! list and pat yourself on the back. And create new goals and priorities that relate to all areas of your life.

I invite you to find some solo time during December to ponder your year and hear what it has to say. Grab a pen and answer the following:

REVIEWING YOUR YEAR
Summarise your year in:

• three words
• an image
• a metaphor 

CHOOSE AN AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW
E.g. work, family life, social life, finances, your business

Feel free to review one area at a time or do a general review. Now answer the following:

• What are you mega proud of?
• What have you created that has made a difference? (to whom?)
• When did you step outside your comfort zone?
• What superpowers have you (further) developed this year?
• Who has helped you and been there for you?
• Who have you helped and been there for?
• How have you become more resilient?

EMOTIONALLY

• What achievement(s) make you feel fabulous?
• What didn’t go according to plan?
• What did you learn or takeaway from this experience (these experiences)?

PHYSICALLY

• How have you prioritised your health and wellbeing this year?
• What is on your ‘at my best’ minimum list?
• What would you like to do more of?

PERSONAL GROWTH AND COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT
What have you learnt this year? List your professional, personal and social skills

PRACTICALLY (TANGIBLE RESULTS)
What results have you tracked in terms of numbers?
As a new small business owner, I have added further questions that might resonate with you:

• What measurements are significant to your (business) growth? (e.g. SoMe activities, new clients and revenue generated etc.)
• How have you increased your visibility?

HOW HAVE YOU SPENT YOUR TIME?
Time is man’s most precious commodity. And one we never have enough of. Create your own headings that resonate with you.
As inspiration, I am sharing mine: networking and partnership building, marketing and visibility, technology, learning and mindset growth.
Your list will help you zoom in on how you would like to spend your time in the new year.

REFLECT ON THE STORY YOU ARE TELLING
Life is a journey and we encounter many transitions. Sometimes we choose them (e.g. a new job, a move to a new country, marriage). Sometimes we don’t (redundancy, divorce). Each transition creates a new story. Your story can motivate, inspire and encourage others. Your story can support you in reaching your goals. But it can also keep you stuck. What transitions have you experienced this year? And what story are you telling?

PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR
What do you want your three words, image and metaphor to be next year?

What do you want to let go of?
How will you do this?
Who can help you?
When will you start?

What do you want to expand / have more of?
How will you do this?
Who can help you?
When will you start?

REALISTIC PRIORITIES FOR 2020
The word ‘goal’ can put many people off, so begin with your top three priorities for the first quarter of 2020. And continue this review quarterly throughout the year.

Keep this exercise. It can be fun to help you when you review your next year.

Good luck and feel free to share any successes, or other ways of reviewing your year.

Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash