As we look back at 2024, there is a lot to reflect on – two big elections in the UK and US and the recent UK Budget – all of which have had an impact on us professionally and personally.

Personal reflection is an essential part of growth – and the festive break is the one time of the year when much of the business world stops so it is an ideal time to find a few moments to reflect. It is a time to think about what you have achieved over the last twelve months and the lessons learned…AND what you want to happen in the coming year, so you can start 2025 with renewed energy.

Here are 5 tips to aid you:

 

1. Reflect with questions to support you

It’s easier to reflect when you have some useful questions to guide you – I have provided these as a download for you.

Dedicate time for you and find yourself a quiet place in the house, park or café to explore these. Be mindful not to focus only on your career – personal goals, ambitions and challenges are usually entwined with professional ones.

As well as going through this exercise yourself, it can be beneficial to do it with your team also.

Feel free to save these questions and find time to work through them at your own pace.

 

Download my ‘End of Year Reflection Questions’

at the end of this article.

 

2. Think of ONE new habit that you want to build

I am a believer in the power of ‘one’. Yes, there are many New Year resolutions you want to achieve, but if there was one new habit that you know would serve you the most, what would that be?

A client acknowledged that he had neglected his health and fitness this year, so he is working from home from mid-December to give him three weeks to practice his new fitness regime daily, so it goes into his muscle memory and becomes a habit. He is committed to this and blocking this time is already his first step to making this happen.

 

3. Diarise your holidays for the year

Even if you don’t know where you are going yet, there is a power in having things to look forward to. Before we know it, our diary gets full of meetings – prioritise time for you and your family and block off time now so these dates are in the diary first.

I have already blocked some in June and August and this motivates me for the year ahead.

 

4. Reconnect with those who are important to you

In our busy worlds we often recognise we have not spent enough time with people who are important to us.  Reach out to friends, no matter how long it has been – start with one!

We all need strong support networks around us to thrive.  I guarantee it will make you and them feel good!

 

5. Find clarity on your ideal future

After reflection you can often start to think longer term and ask bigger questions as to what your ideal future looks like.

For those seeking a deeper, more creative approach, my Vision Intensive programme includes a one-to-one retreat day that delves into your motivations, values and purpose. The result is a clear, compelling action plan that aligns with your ideal future.

Two clients who undertook a Vision Intensive programme recently have already decided to make changes for 2025 and are looking forward to starting new roles in January. One who wants to grow as she enters a new chapter in her life. Another, a successful executive who feels he is in the wrong culture that does not align with his values and knows he can make a greater contribution and have a greater impact elsewhere.

If you would like to explore the questions and your answers further, then a Vision Intensive programme in the New Year may be something worth you exploring – I’d be happy to talk you through how it works to see if it is right for you. Contact me on team@potentialplus-int.com

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR

‘END OF YEAR  REFLECTION QUESTIONS’

 

Have a wonderful Christmas, Happy New Year and enjoy this reflective time!

Oona