EP154: The Year In Review: Wins, Challenges, and Lessons
DON’T LET YOUR YEAR GO UNNOTICED
Spend time reflecting and learning to make it mean something!
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
As we approach the end of the year, life often feels like a whirlwind. Deadlines pile up, performance reviews are due, budgets need finalizing, and outside of work, the holiday season brings its own chaos. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle.
Whether it’s the end of the year, the end of a project or any other time that makes sense - there is so much magic in reflecting on the year or the project you’ve just navigated. Taking time to look back is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a crucial step in your personal and professional growth as a leader and as a human being.
In this post / episode, we talk about how you can make this reflection a powerful tool to celebrate your successes, learn from challenges, and step into the new year with clarity and intention.
Why Reflecting Matters
Reflection gives you the opportunity to:
Avoid repeating past mistakes.
Identify and amplify your strengths.
Celebrate your progress (yes, this is important!).
Prepare for intentional growth in the year ahead.
This isn’t just for your team or organization—it’s for YOU. As a leader, your personal growth directly impacts the value you bring to those you lead. Reflecting on your own wins, challenges, and lessons ensures you’re leading from a place of self-awareness and strength.
A Framework for Year-End Reflection
You don’t need a three-day retreat to make this happen. Block off 30 minutes, turn off distractions, and give yourself this gift of reflection.
Here’s a simple framework to guide you:
1. Review Your Goals
Start by revisiting the goals and aspirations you set at the beginning of the year. These might include:
Professional milestones like getting promoted, hitting financial targets, or honing specific leadership skills.
Personal ambitions such as improving your health, strengthening relationships, or embodying your word of the year.
Even if you didn’t formally write them down, take time to recall what you were striving for. Skim through your calendar, journal, or even photos from the past year to jog your memory.
2. Gather Data
Look for evidence of your progress. Ask yourself:
Did I achieve what I set out to?
What feedback have I received from colleagues, mentors, or employees?
What do my metrics—whether financial, personal, or behavioral—tell me?
If you don’t have all the data readily available, now is a great time to ask for feedback or revisit tools that track your progress.
3. Celebrate Your Wins
This step is non-negotiable. Too often, we move from one achievement to the next without pausing to celebrate our progress. Ask yourself:
What are three accomplishments I’m most proud of from this year?
How will I celebrate them?
Celebration doesn’t have to mean throwing a party. It could be something as small as taking a quiet day for yourself or as exciting as booking a dream getaway (hello, Walt Disney World!). What matters is acknowledging and honoring your hard work without guilt or apology.
4. Face Challenges and Learn
Reflecting on what didn’t go as planned can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth. Consider:
What were the top three challenges I faced this year?
What lessons did I learn from them?
What would I do differently if I had the chance?
Approach this exercise with curiosity and objectivity. The goal isn’t to judge yourself but to uncover insights that will help you navigate similar situations in the future.
5. Decide What to Carry Forward
What habits, strategies, or lessons do you want to bring into the new year? While this is more forward-looking, it’s worth starting now. Take what worked for you this year and build upon it to create momentum for the year ahead.
Make Reflection a Ritual
This process isn’t just a one-time exercise. Reflection is a practice that you can incorporate into your routine—monthly, quarterly, or whenever a significant milestone occurs.
And don’t stop with yourself. Use this same framework with your team. When leaders model self-awareness and celebrate growth, it creates a ripple effect of positivity and motivation.
Ready to Begin?
Set aside 30 minutes, grab a notebook or open your favorite app, and start reflecting. You might be surprised by how much you’ve accomplished and how those lessons can set you up for a powerful new year.
Remember, growth begins with reflection. Let this practice guide you as you close out this chapter and prepare for the next.
What Do You Think?
What will you celebrate this year? What lessons will you carry forward? I’d love to hear your reflections—leave a comment or connect with me to share your journey.
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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