This is the first of two reflections I’m sharing around year-end reflection. This first post is focused entirely on you—your personal growth, your challenges, and how you showed up over the past year.
This is an opportunity to slow down, look back honestly, and ask yourself meaningful questions. Growth doesn’t happen automatically; it happens when we take time to reflect. Below are 10 questions to help you dig deep and better understand where you grew, where you struggled, and what you want moving forward.
1. What Positive Changes Did I Make This Year?
If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get stuck in routines and resist change. At the end of the year, I like to look at all areas of my life and list the changes I made that turned out to be positive.
These changes don’t have to be dramatic. Maybe you started walking an extra mile a day. Maybe you stopped a habit that wasn’t serving you. Maybe you went to bed 30 minutes earlier, made a difficult decision, changed jobs, or moved to a new city.
Once you’ve made your list, ask yourself: Was that enough change? If not, what can you do next year to be more open to growth and change?
2. Where Did I Show Courage This Year?
Courage looks different for everyone. Maybe it was eating alone at a restaurant instead of staying home. Maybe it was asking someone to coffee, applying for a new job, or going on an interview.
When you look at the moments where you were courageous, ask yourself what came from them. Did you gain confidence? Did you learn something? Even if things didn’t go perfectly, did you feel proud for stepping outside your comfort zone?
3. What Were My Favorite Experiences This Year?
Think back through the year and identify the moments that created your fondest memories. These don’t have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes it’s something as simple as laughing uncontrollably with a friend over lunch.
I like to think of these as my “celebrations” for the year. Once you identify them, look for patterns. Were these moments with certain people? Were they personal or professional? What themes show up? These patterns can guide you in creating more of what truly matters next year.
4. What Am I Secretly Proud Of?
This is something deeply personal—something you may not share publicly, but that you know required resilience or courage. It could be overcoming a quiet struggle or accomplishing something meaningful behind the scenes. Acknowledge it. It matters.
5. What Did I Stop Tolerating This Year?
This question is about boundaries. What did you decide you would no longer put up with?
Maybe it was a draining relationship, a situation where you were being taken advantage of, or even something internal—like excuses you kept making for yourself. Growth often starts with deciding, “I’m not tolerating this anymore.”
6. What Did I Expect to Accomplish but Didn’t—and Why?
This can be a tough question, but it’s an important one. What goals or expectations did you have that didn’t happen?
Ask yourself honestly: Did your priorities change? Did fear get in the way? Did other things take precedence? Understanding why something didn’t happen helps you decide whether it’s something you truly want to pursue moving forward—or whether it’s time to let it go.
7. What Am I Resisting?
Resistance often points to something important. What opportunities, habits, or decisions have you been avoiding?
Dig deeper and ask why. Is it fear? Lack of time? A need for certainty? Understanding the root of resistance helps you take at least one small step forward next year.
8. Where Am I Hiding?
In what areas of your life are you playing small or staying under the radar? Are you afraid of being chosen, being noticed, or being asked to step up?
Ask yourself what you might be missing out on by hiding—and what could change if you showed up more boldly.
9. Where Did I Invest in Myself?
Investment can look like self-care, self-compassion, learning, or growth. Maybe you attended a conference, took a class, read a book, or listened to podcasts that challenged you.
It can also mean being kind to yourself—treating yourself to something you normally wouldn’t. One of the best investments you can ever make is in yourself, because the returns last for years.
10. When Did I Show Up as My Best Self?
Think about moments when you truly showed up as your best self. Maybe you supported a loved one, delivered a presentation, or did something thoughtful for someone else.
How did it feel? How did others respond to you? And how can you create more opportunities to show up that way next year?
Take time to answer these questions privately. If you have someone you trust deeply, consider sharing your reflections with them. This kind of reflection not only brings closure to the year—it creates clarity and momentum for the year ahead.
If you found this helpful, I hope you’ll share it. Thanks for reading.