How to Review Your Year (Free Year-end Review Printable)

By reflecting on our challenges, we learn to adapt emotionally to crises, protect against the harmful effects of stress, and build self-confidence. This reflection enables us to maintain a healthy outlook, even in the face of life's inevitable storms. This promotes overall mental wellness and readiness for future challenges​ [1].​

Ask yourself what challenges you faced. They can be specific (an incident at work) or vague (burnout and fatigue). 

What didn't I like about this year?
It's equally important to recognize what didn't resonate with us. Whether it was the stress from overcommitment, the discomfort of a stagnant routine, or the frustration with a particular habit, acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards change.

Celebrating Achievements

At the year's end, it's easy to dwell on the unachieved goals or the things we wish to improve. However, such a narrow focus can often spiral into self-criticism, overshadowing the many positive aspects of our lives. A healthier approach is to acknowledge and celebrate our victories and joys, no matter their size, which helps us foster a positive self-image and appreciation for our lives.

What are you proud of? 

Recognizing our own achievements is essential for nurturing self-respect and motivation. However, achievements do not necessarily equate to status-goals. Instead, the things that make us feel proud tend to come from our personal values.

Ask yourself what made you proud from the last year.

For example:

Each of these achievements, whether they're actions for the greater good, gestures of kindness, or steps toward self-improvement, contribute significantly to our sense of self-worth and purpose.

What brought You Joy? 
Joy often finds us in the simplest moments, and its recollection can illuminate our overall outlook on life. It could be the spontaneous laughter shared with friends, the sense of accomplishment after organizing a cluttered space, or the tranquil moments of early morning when the world is quiet and the coffee is just right. Joy can also come from creative expression, like painting or writing, or the rush of endorphins after a rejuvenating jog. Reflecting on these joyful occurrences reminds us to cherish and seek out what truly makes us happy.

By putting a spotlight on what we're proud of and what brought us joy, we set the stage for a positive and fulfilling reflection, allowing us to step into the new year with an uplifted spirit and renewed confidence.

How did you practice self-compassion? 
In a world that often stresses achievement and productivity, practicing self-compassion is a refreshing act of self-care that can have profound effects on our overall well-being. Self-compassion means offering ourselves the same kindness and understanding that we'd extend to a good friend. It's about recognizing our shared humanity, understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and treating ourselves with gentleness during challenging times.

Reflect on how you've practiced self-compassion over the past year.

For example:

• Allowed yourself to take guilt-free breaks, understanding that rest is not idleness but a necessary part of productivity and creativity.
• Spoke to yourself with kindness and encouragement during setbacks, replacing self-criticism with supportive self-talk.
• Engaged in activities that nourish your soul, such as meditation, walks in nature, or enjoying your favorite hobbies, acknowledging that these moments are just as important as work-related achievements.

These acts of self-compassion reinforce the idea that our worth is not solely tied to our output. By fostering a compassionate inner dialogue and treating ourselves with respect, we lay the foundation for a more supportive and fulfilling relationship with ourselves.

Recognize Three Positive Things about Yourself
Acknowledging our intrinsic qualities is a powerful affirmation of our individuality and self-worth. Reflecting on the positive traits we've demonstrated over the past year helps to solidify our understanding of who we are and what we are capable of, which can help grow our self-confidence.

Consider three positive aspects of yourself that stood out this past year.

For example:

• Your resilience in the face of adversity that happened during the year
• Your kindness towards others, even when you were not feeling your best
• A flair for creativity that manifested in new hobbies
• Innovative problem-solving at work
• Keeping in contact with friends and family 
• Staying true to yourself even when you were challenged 

Each of the qualities that you list reflects a facet of your character that you have cultivated. And don't worry, this is not about self-aggrandizement: it's about honoring the growth you've experienced and the strengths you've honed.

Reflecting on Boundaries

Narrowing it Down

The question, "If I could only do one thing in the new year, what would it be?" invites us to hone in on what truly matters most. It's about pinpointing that one goal or aspiration that stands above all others, reflecting our deepest desires and priorities. This focused approach simplifies our intentions, clearing the clutter of numerous resolutions to reveal what genuinely resonates with our core values.

For example:

• Committing to a Sustainable Lifestyle:

  • Perhaps this is the year you decide to significantly reduce your carbon footprint, an effort that might include adopting a plant-based diet, minimizing waste, or choosing eco-friendly transportation methods.

• Nurturing a Supportive Relationship:

  • This could involve deepening a bond with a family member or friend, dedicating time and energy to improve communication, understanding, and shared experiences.

• Pursuing a Long-Held Dream:

  • Maybe there's a personal ambition you've shelved for years, like writing a book, starting a business, or traveling to a dream destination.

This singular focus can be incredibly powerful, providing a clear direction for the year and helping to align our daily actions with our most profound intention. It's about selecting one path that feels most vital and fulfilling, ensuring that our energies are concentrated on something that truly matters to us, promising a year of meaningful pursuit and personal growth.

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Resources and Citations:

• https://brilliantio.com/why-resilience-is-important/
• The Positive Effects of Savoring on Psychological Health
• How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain
• The Science of Resilience: How to Overcome Life's Challenges
• The Psychology Behind Joy: What Brings Us Happiness
• The Role of Self-Compassion in Personal Well-being