Ah, the end of the year. That magical time when we gather around spreadsheets, social media highlights, and our planners to reminisce on the goals we crushed and the goals that crushed us. But let’s get one thing straight: Year-end reflection isn’t about self-flagellation over missed targets. It’s about gratitude, growth, and gearing up for what’s next. So grab a cup of your favourite holiday cheer, and let’s dive into how to wrap up your year without the guilt trip.

Ditch the “Shoulds”

Stop me if this sounds familiar: “I should have done more this year.” “I should be farther along.” “I should…” Yeah, we know how it feels. These sneaky thoughts love to crawl up the back of our minds when we look back at the time that passed. But whenever we hear their voices, we must not heed their call.

Instead, flip the script. Think about what your three-years-ago self would say about where you are now. Would they be amazed? Probably. Would they nitpick about missed deadlines or a failed launch? Probably not. They’d be too busy high-fiving you for making it this far. Reflection is about perspective. Celebrate how far you’ve come, not how far you think you should be.

And for the record, surviving is an accomplishment too. And thriving is not an obligation. Whether you thrived, survived, or somewhere in between, every step forward counts. Every progress must be recognized and celebrated as such, as we will see in the next topic. Own it.

Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)

You hit some goals. You missed some. That’s life. But don’t let the misses overshadow the wins. Maybe you didn’t double your revenue, but did you land that dream client? Improve your workflow? Survive a tough personal season? Wins come in all shapes and sizes. Write them down, say them out loud, or shout them from the rooftops. Whatever it takes to honour them.

When you go up a staircase, you need to go step by step. Sure, you could sometimes jump a couple of steps to get up faster, but that’s tiring and you can’t do it every single time you go up. Our life goals are just like that. Every step is equally important and deserves to be celebrated.  Take a moment to revel in what you did accomplish—and don’t just focus on the obvious.

And hey, don’t forget to thank the people who had your back. Whether it was a mentor, a colleague, or the barista who nailed your overly complicated coffee order on deadline day. These are the handrails that help you pull up closer to your goal. Be grateful to them as gratitude amplifies every win. 

Honour the Challenges

We’ve all had those “Oh, crap” moments—the ones where you think, “How am I going to get through this?” But guess what? You did. Those challenges are part of your story, and they’re worth remembering.

Reflect on the tough stuff with compassion. What did you face this year that tested your patience, strength, or sanity? What did you learn? Challenges aren’t failures; they’re growth in disguise. When you frame them as opportunities for resilience and wisdom, they stop feeling like burdens and start feeling like badges of honour.

And let’s be clear here: You don’t have to sugarcoat the hard stuff. But you can acknowledge it as part of the journey. After all, you can’t get to the top if there are no steps to climb up. Just don’t let it define your year. 

Look Back to Move Forward

Reflection without intention is just nostalgia. Which is fine, from time to time. However, you can’t let yourself get lost in the bittersweet memories. Once you’ve reviewed your wins and challenges, it’s time to set your sights on what’s next. But here’s the kicker: Leave the baggage behind.

Start with gratitude for where you’ve been, then channel that energy into where you want to go. What did you learn this year that you can build on? What sparks joy about the next chapter? Use those insights to set intentions that feel exciting, not oppressive.

And remember, flexibility is your friend. The best-laid plans will likely hit a few curveballs. That’s life. Adjust, adapt, and keep moving toward your bigger picture.

Keep the Dopamine Flowing

We’re wired to chase the next big thing. It’s why goalposts are never permanent fixtures. But while you’re running toward the next milestone, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Like we said, always going up two steps at a time might get you there faster, but it can exhaust you to the point that you won’t be able to enjoy your accomplishments. 

Practicing gratitude and celebrating progress keeps you motivated. Whether it’s a daily journal, a monthly planning session, or a quick mental high-five, find a way to regularly check in with yourself. Acknowledge what’s working, pivot on what’s not, and give yourself credit for showing up.

And when you do hit that goalpost, take more than five seconds to celebrate before moving the bar. You’ve earned it.

Year-end reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By honouring your wins, challenges, and growth, you set yourself up for a new year filled with intention and possibility. So carve out some time this month to reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s a planning party or a solo journaling session, find a method that works for you and roll with it.

Here’s to wrapping up this year with gratitude and stepping into the next with purpose. Let’s make 2025 amazing—curveballs and all.