Do you ever feel like you’re starting from scratch year after year? In the past, I focused entirely on future ambitions, neglecting the valuable lessons waiting in the rearview mirror. No wonder I often felt like I was chasing the same goals without making real progress.
Does this resonate with you?
While setting new goals is important, I’ve learned that reflecting on past performance is just as critical. Assessing what worked well and what didn’t can set the stage for more achievable goals in the year ahead.
This year, I embraced a ritual of reflection. These are the questions I asked myself to step into 2024 with clarity and purpose, ensuring my yearly and quarterly goals are grounded in meaningful insights.
1. What did I learn about myself?
In previous years, my self-reflection relied on structured analyses like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). While helpful, I’ve realised that reflection shouldn’t be confined to rigid frameworks. Growth is a lifelong journey, and asking, “What did I learn?” unlocks deeper insights.
For instance, I discovered that ego-driven decisions often lead to short-term wins but are misaligned with broader priorities. During my marathon training, I initially aimed for an unrealistic time goal, which led to frustration.
Shifting my focus to “running like no one is watching” transformed the experience. I finished the marathon with a smile, proving that aligning goals with reality—not ego—is key to success.
As I approach 2024, I’ll continue to question whether my decisions serve my overall well-being and align with achievable goals.
2. What did I learn about others?
Success is deeply tied to relationships. Collaboration and support are essential, no matter how organised or focused you are. Reflecting on 2023, I noticed how our busy lives often lead to superficial interactions.
One standout example was a recurring meeting with a peer. Initially, our weekly check-ins felt rushed and unproductive. We switched to a monthly cadence but left the weekly slot open for spontaneous needs. Not only did this improve the quality of our conversations, but it also allowed us to provide better support to each other throughout the month.
This change reinforced an important lesson: building space into your calendar can lead to more meaningful connections and better teamwork.
3. What did I learn about the world of work?
From both working towards my goals and running team workshops, I observed that multiple goals can lead to being overwhelmed. This year, simplicity became a recurring theme in my work with clients. Amid new technologies and tools, many sought ways to streamline processes and focus on what matters.
One client faced confusion over responsibilities during a scaling initiative. I introduced them to a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) map, which clarified roles and simplified communication.
This experience reminded me of the power of keeping work structures simple, especially when juggling quarterly goals or complex projects.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As the New Year approaches, consider how your reflections can shape your goals.
By integrating lessons from the past into your New Year resolutions, you can create a foundation for meaningful progress. Whether you’re setting SMART goals for personal growth or focusing on addressing why goals aren’t being met, take the time to align your aspirations with your reality.
What questions will guide your reflection as we toast to 2024? Use these moments to step into the New Year with clarity, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose.
