Today, on the last day of 2025, I want to share with you my personal end-of-year reflection framework.
Yes, it’s THAT time of the year again!
Why do people do this?
I do it…
- To be more CONSCIOUS and in tune with my values.
- To STOP me from rushing straight into strategizing and planning the next year.
- To take time to look back BEFORE looking forward.
And to notice and acknowledge what has been. Things that went as I had hoped for and the surprises along the way. And to check in on my intentions for the year.
Rather than rushing it, I like to take time to do this. That way I can come back to it a couple of times as new thoughts may emerge.
Not only when I sit down and think about it. But also when I’m out and about or pottering around at home.
Then I make an appointment with myself. I sit down and write down my reflections.
And I follow a framework of questions that I’d like to share with you today.
I use THIS with my clients and everyone tells me how eye-opening it is!
End-Of-Year Reflection Tool For Public Sector Leaders
You can just hit pause whenever you need more time to think.
I invite you to consider different areas of your life. I suggest these 5 areas:
- Health and well-being
- Relationships and connections
- Growth and learning
- Fun and hobbies
- Your career and your impact
You can just take a pen and jot down your thoughts as I read out the questions.
It doesn’t have to be an essay, some key words is enough. And don’t worry if there’s an area where you can’t write anything down. Just take note of it.
I’d like to invite you to take a moment for yourself.
Make a cup of tea. Turn on some nice music if that’s what you like. Or look outside the window. Or close your eyes.
And then ask yourself:
- How have I felt over all this year?
- What ups and downs have I experienced?
- When did I feel on flow?
- In what ways have my values shown through this year?
- Who has supported me?
- What am I grateful for?
- What did I learn?
- What do I want to hold on to, and what do I want to let go of for next year?
And when the words are not flowing anymore, I invite you to sit there … FOR A LITLLE BIT LONGER.
Just to allow yourself the time and space to not only tap into your analytical brain. But also to tune into your body. Notice whether you are feeling any kind of sensation.
For example: are you clenching your teeth? Is there any stiffness or tightness anywhere? Or is your body relaxed? Is there a tickle? Is there warmth? And in which part of your body are you feeling it?
Then, thinking about these questions and tuning into your body:
What’s emerging for you?
If you were to choose a word to capture what 2025 was about, what would it be? Okay, you may have two words or three.
Setting Your Intentions For The New Year
You can ask yourself exactly the same questions.
- How do you want to feel overall this coming year?
- What do you want to experience?
- How can you feel in flow more of the time?
- In what ways do you want your values to shine through in the coming year?
- Who IS around you to support you? Who do you NEED to support you?
- What do you WANT to learn, or what do NEED to learn in 2026?
- What is it that you decided to hold onto from 2025, and that you want to carry over into the new year?
- What was it again that you decided to let go of?
Now, I’d love to hear from you: What are your words to capture what 2025 was about? And what are your intentions for 2026?
Feel free to reach out to me by email or send me a DM on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing from you!
All the best for the new year, and …
Until next time: make space, rediscover YOU, and then take action.