Reflecting on the last year
And planning for the next
It’s that time of year again. It’s that time of year when I look back at my plans for the last twelve months and figure out what I’m actually going to get done, and what I’m going to leave for later.
It’s a time to be cutthroat - and I don’t mean in the Black Friday queues. This is a great time to be decisive about what tasks to complete, and what to leave for later. The impending end-of-year deadline really helps to focus the mind on which are the highest-value activities, and which don’t matter so much.
I wonder though: Why is it hard to be this decisive at other times of the year?
I spent a long time developing a planning system that encourages frequent reviews and consistent self-reflection. Doing a quick check-in every week, and a deeper dive at the end of every month really serves to keep the important things front-of-mind.
But there’s something about the end of the year that encourages a more profound sense of reflection. And there’s also something exciting about thinking ahead to what the new year may bring.
So I’m curious to try and experiment with a new end-of-year process. And I’d love your help to do so.
How do you reflect on your year?
How do you plan for next year?
How do you decide what you’re going to squeeze into the last month, and what you’re gonna push (or even drop altogether!)?
Let me know.
Rich