The end of the year can be a powerful reset point, a chance to pause, reflect, and think about what we want next. I’m not one for the “New Year, New You” mindset—radical resolutions are often just empty promises. But I do believe the end of the year serves as a temporal landmark. It offers a sense of closure and an invitation to step into something new, carrying with us the lessons and insights we’ve earned.
Instead of thinking about setting lofty goals or sweeping changes, I use this time of year for an audit—an honest, introspective look at where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m headed. This practice grounds me and helps to guide my intentions for the new year. If you’re considering doing your own year-end audit, here are a few questions to get you started:
1. What were your most significant accomplishments in 2024?
Reflect on the wins—big or small. Celebrate what you did well and give yourself credit where it’s due.
2. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Looking back at the obstacles helps you see how you adapted. These challenges can show you how resilient you are and where your strengths lie.
3. How did you grow personally and professionally throughout the year?
Growth doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes it’s the subtle shifts that make the biggest difference. Identify moments where you felt stretched or expanded.
4. What lessons did you learn from both successes and failures?
Success is a great teacher, but so is failure. Reflecting on both can deepen your understanding of yourself and your journey.
5. Did you achieve any goals or resolutions you set for 2024?
Acknowledge your achievements, but also explore why certain goals were or weren’t met.
6. What new skills or knowledge did you acquire?
Did you add to your toolkit this year? From professional certifications to personal hobbies, each new skill adds value to your life.
7. How did you maintain a work-life balance, and what improvements could be made?
Balance is often elusive, but it’s worth evaluating what worked and what didn’t, especially if it impacted your well-being.
8. What relationships were most meaningful to you in 2024?
Relationships nourish us. Consider which connections felt enriching and how you contributed to them.
9. Did you take steps toward your long-term aspirations, and how?
Progress can be incremental. Reflect on any small or big steps you took that moved you closer to your dreams.
10. What changes or adjustments would you like to make in the coming year?
Based on your reflections, what would help you feel more aligned, balanced, or inspired moving forward in 2025?
Doing a year-end audit brings clarity. It’s less about what needs “fixing” and more about acknowledging growth, identifying gaps, and choosing where to direct your energy in 2025. Think of it as a way to harness the fresh-start energy of the new year, with a grounded approach that respects your unique journey.