In the last week of every year, I usually hole myself in a hotel or villa and reflect on the year that is about to end and prepare for the new one. I’m lucky to work for companies that have mandatory year-end leave, so I use that time to great effect.

Here is an idea of how to do your own year-end reflection so that you can start 2024 on the right foot.

Day 1: Evaluate the year that is about to end

Look at the following categories:

• Health
• Career
• Creative pursuits
• Relationships
• Spirituality

Ask yourself:

• How did you fare in each category?
• What can be improved?
• If you’ve set goals for each, did you achieve your goals? If you have achieved them, what is the secret to your success? If you have not, what hindered you?
• Flip through your diaries or journals and take note of events that really stood out for you.

Day 2: Reflect on the discoveries that you’ve made for the year

What new concept, product or idea changed your life for the better? How did it improve your life and how can you improve on it for the new year?

Day 3: Think about the goals you want to achieve in the new year

Preferably one goal per category:

• Health
• Career
• Creative pursuits
• Relationships
• Spirituality

They should also be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) goals that you can measure.

For example, if your ultimate desired outcome is to “get fit”, create a SMART goal that can get you there.

For example, “Maintain a consistent workout schedule of 10,000 steps of walking a day by Q1 2024” is something you can track and measure.

Day 3: Alternatively, perhaps do a “Depth Year” where you finish unfinished projects

What are the projects that you’ve shelved for a long time and how do you want to achieve them?

Day 4 and 5: Clean slate activities

• Clean your desktop computer of old files and reorganize files
• Clean your home, purge or donate old clothes, sell things
• Look through your work projects and list down tasks that still needs to be actioned
• Complete DIY projects around the house
• Go through your fridge and throw out expired food

Do you do year-end reflections? If so, how do you do yours? Ideas are always welcomed.

Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash