Why it's worth taking time to reflect on your year, even when you are busy

I read a lot about how important our mistakes are as a learning opportunity, and absolutely, they are. But depending on what you do for a job, you might not be making big mistakes regularly and so reflecting on your experience is another way to capture your learnings.

One of my favourite quotes is "we do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience".

As we come towards the end of the year it is a perfect time to pause and invest some time reflecting on the year you have had and planning for the next one.

I have pulled together a Year End Review coaching exercise with template which I will be using to reflect on my own year before I switch off for the Christmas break. If you would like a copy, it is available to download from the Resources section of my website: Resources | Ellie Rich Poole

Or if you prefer, grab a pen and paper and work through these questions:

What am I most proud of achieving this year?

List everything you have done. Check back in your calendar to remind you. Then reflect on what your personal highlights have been. How are you going to celebrate your successes?

What didn’t go so well?

Are there any things you felt disappointed by? Note down what happened, what you would do differently next time round. Then let it go.

What have I learnt?

Bearing in mind your achievements and disappointments, what have you learnt about yourself this year? What other learnings have you had? Have you learnt any new skills? Have you found out anything new about yourself?

What are my big goals for next year?

What are your priorities? What would you be disappointed not to have achieved this time next year? In life, as well as work.

What do I want to remember next year?

How will you make sure you don’t forget the learnings you have had, and your priorities? What do you want to make a note of right now, that you will take with you into the next 12 months?

In the spirit of Dorie Clark 's observation that 97% of business leaders say strategic thinking is their number one priority for success, yet 96% of business leaders say they are too busy for strategic thinking (!) give yourself the gift of some time to stop, pause and reflect, rather than crashing into another year without clarity around your goals. Then allow yourself to switch off and have a proper break.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2023

Ellie

xoxox