Why Conduct a Yearly Review
When I turned 25, I had checked every box off my list and realized, I was "out" of things to check off. I finished college, I bought a house, I had a boyfriend, dog, career. What next?
In the midst of this crisis, confusion or spiritual awakenings (depending on who you ask), I began to look inward for answers. I started getting deliberate and intentional with my life. Part of that process included conducting a personal annual review.
Since 2010 I have conducted a personal review reflecting on the past year. I was originally inspired by the work I did with Molly Mahar and inspiration from blogger Chris Guillebeau. I look forward to completing this process each year.
What are the benefits of conducting a yearly review?
1. Recognize Accomplishments - We accomplish so much in a year, month, week and day. Rarely do we take time reflect on those small moments. Our focus is mostly on big achievements, like graduations, career change, and the start of new relationship. But often it's those small wins that are incredibly significant. Meeting a new contact, making a lifestyle change like drinking more water, or committing to a mediation practice.
2. Goal Setting and Planning - So many people start the new year with New Years Resolution - which is awesome. However, to be successful, your goal needs a course of action. A plan. Starting new habits, new beginnings are not easy. Especially considering that you have had many more years of conditioning and doing things a different way.
“A goal without a plan is a just a wish. ”
3. Alignment - Conducting a yearly review is more than just crossing off items your bucket or life list. It is living life in alignment with your values. By reflecting on where you have been and where you want to, it makes it easy to recognize what is important.
Create your own year end review with this simple, five step worksheet. My Year End Review Worksheet was created for those who want to enter the new year with clarity and focus.