As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. What went well? What didn’t? What lessons did you learn? A structured personal annual review can help you uncover insights, celebrate progress, and set the stage for even greater growth in the year ahead.
To make the process simple and actionable, here’s an exercise built around 7 powerful questions. These questions help you reflect on your choices, energy, challenges, and growth—giving you clarity and direction as you prepare for the future.
1. What Did I Change My Mind On This Year?
Growth often comes from shifting perspectives. Reflect on the beliefs, habits, or assumptions you let go of this year. What new insights or evidence prompted the change?
For example:
- Did you embrace a new approach to work or relationships?
- Did you adopt a healthier mindset about failure or success?
- Did you let go of something that wasn’t serving you?
Why It Matters: Changing your mind isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of growth and adaptability. Recognizing these shifts can inspire confidence in your ability to evolve.
2. What Created Energy This Year?
Think about the people, activities, or habits that brought you joy, excitement, and a sense of purpose. What moments made you feel alive and motivated?
For example:
- Was it a project at work that aligned with your passions?
- Did you find a hobby that reignited your creativity?
- Did certain relationships uplift and energize you?
Why It Matters: Identifying what fuels you helps you focus more on the things that bring you closer to your best self.
3. What Drained Energy This Year?
On the flip side, consider what left you feeling exhausted, stressed, or uninspired. Were there tasks, commitments, or relationships that sapped your energy?
For example:
- Was there a job or routine that no longer aligned with your goals?
- Did you spend too much time on distractions or unproductive habits?
- Were there unresolved conflicts that weighed on you?
Why It Matters: Understanding energy drains allows you to set boundaries and eliminate or minimize what holds you back.
4. What Were the Boat Anchors in My Life?
Boat anchors are the things that hold you back or keep you stuck. These might include limiting beliefs, old habits, or obligations that no longer serve you.
For example:
- Did fear of failure stop you from taking a risk?
- Were you stuck in a comfort zone that kept you from growing?
- Did certain commitments prevent you from pursuing bigger goals?
Why It Matters: Recognizing your anchors helps you identify areas where you need to let go, make changes, or seek support.
5. What Did I Not Do Because of Fear?
Fear is often the biggest obstacle to growth. Reflect on the opportunities you avoided or the dreams you didn’t pursue because of fear—whether it was fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown.
For example:
- Did you avoid asking for a promotion or taking on a challenging project?
- Did you hold back from sharing your creative work with others?
- Did fear stop you from having a difficult but necessary conversation?
Why It Matters: Acknowledging fear-based decisions can motivate you to face those fears and take action in the coming year.
6. What Were My Greatest Hits and Worst Misses?
Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Reflect on the accomplishments you’re proud of and the moments that didn’t go as planned.
For example:
- What goals did you achieve? What were the highlights of your year?
- What setbacks or mistakes did you experience? What lessons did they teach you?
Why It Matters: Celebrating wins builds confidence, while learning from misses equips you with valuable insights for the future.
7. What Did I Learn This Year?
Finally, take stock of the lessons you’ve gained. These could come from successes, challenges, relationships, or even the books and ideas you’ve encountered.
For example:
- What did you learn about yourself, your values, or your priorities?
- What practical skills or knowledge did you acquire?
- How did this year change your perspective on what matters most?
Why It Matters: Growth is rooted in learning. Recognizing your lessons ensures you carry them forward into the new year.
How to Use Your Answers
- Celebrate Progress: Reflect on how far you’ve come and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Give yourself credit for the growth you’ve achieved, even if it feels small.
- Set Intentions: Use your insights to define what you want more—and less—of in the coming year. Build on what created energy and let go of what drained it.
- Take Action: Identify one or two key areas of focus for the next year. What steps can you take to remove boat anchors, face your fears, or build on your successes?
A Year of Reflection, A Year of Growth
The Personal Annual Review is more than just an exercise—it’s a tool for clarity, growth, and intentional living. By reflecting on the past year with honesty and curiosity, you can step into the future with renewed focus and purpose.
So, grab a journal, block out some quiet time, and work through these 7 questions. Your future self will thank you for it.
