Looking back to move forward
It's that time of year again.
It feels like many of us are rushing headlong towards the end of the year. As I leave client work and training delivery behind to head into review and business planning mode for 2025/6, I’m looking forward to hibernating and immersing myself in a review of not just my self employed world but also a broader reflection on what has gone on for me in 2025...it’s been a lot!
Like many people in this currently chaotic world of ours, it’s been a year of navigating some very big highs (business going well, celebrating a big birthday and finishing my very first crime thriller) and some definite challenges (health concerns, expensive building work, family ‘stuff’)
But although I’m a Christmas Grinch (I seem to be getting worse), I do lean into the last couple of weeks leading up to the end of the year as the perfect time to reflect on what’s been and what’s to come. I turn my back on the frenetic consumerism and instead hunker down with the heating on, tea and treats at the ready.
I like to chat and I like to write so my reflections always involve talking to my husband over dinner or on long walks with friends or writing in yet another lovely designed colourful journal, usually adorned with a flamingo! I borrow from different frameworks to give me a different perspective on the usual reflective questions.
You may or may not have big decisions in your life to make. You may have some niggling thoughts or inklings of a dream or a brave idea but have not put time aside to think about it properly. Wherever you have got to in life, spending time reflecting on the year, either by yourself or with family, what you’ve learned, enjoyed or have found challenging can make a big difference to how you make the most of the next one.
It’s not just about looking back, but instead looking back to look ahead.
I’ve got some big ideas that I’m planning that will come to pass in about eighteen months but which need planning now so the transition is much easier.
“The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Be patient and stay the course”. Fabienne Fredrickson
So, to use a simple framework I look for the wins, the walls and the wisdom! I add a combination of questions to get me thinking differently. I let these questions percolate over a week or so but I always end the year feeling much clearer about what I need to do (or let go) in 2026. And I have a renewed sense of what’s important.
How about trying this?
1. What have been your wins - personally and professionally?
What were your biggest achievements or milestones?
What brought you joy?
What moments brought a sense of pride or accomplishment?
What habits, behaviours, or relationships supported these successes?
What people, experiences or situations have fuelled you this year both physically and mentally?
2. What have been the walls?
What obstacles or challenges have you faced?
How did these impact your progress or wellbeing?
Did you get in your own way at all? Were there patterns, habits, or situations that stood in your way repeatedly?
What people, experiences or situations drained your energy this year?
What clutter, physical, mental or emotional are you noticing in your life?
3. What wisdom can you take forward from the wins and walls?
What did you learn about yourself? Others? The situation you are in?
How or what have you grown or changed because of them?
What will you take forward into 2026 because of these insights?
3. Think of the important people in your life (partner, friends, parents, children, colleagues, siblings). For each of them ask yourself – what does this person/group need from me this year. How can I show up for them? What do I need from them? Do they know this?
6. Saying no. The practice of healthy ruthlessness can be life changing. Boundaries protect your time, space and your self. Think about a time this year when you did something you didn’t want to do. List three things you want to say no to in 2026. This isn’t as easy as just writing things down and is one of the main topics brought to me in coaching!
7. Saying yes. Is there anything you regret not doing this year? What will you say yes to in 2026?
8. What conversation have you not had this year that you want to have in 2026?
Although, it’s wonderful to reflect peacefully by yourself, I know that this is even more powerful when you do it conversation with someone you trust, whether that be a family member, friend or colleague, or coach.
I know that I learn what I believe when I write things down but I also know when I say things out loud, I often find myself thinking... “Aah, now I’m saying this, I realise...”
So I hope that In the mad rush towards the end of the year I hope you have some headspace for the "review and reflect" - you won't regret it, I promise.
See you in 2026!