25 questions to ask yourself every year
At the end of every year (ideally on December 31st), I sit down and answer these questions. I’ve been doing this since 2022, and it’s been satisfying both to reflect on the year and to see how much I’ve changed over time. I hope you find it helpful as well.
Part 1: Celebration
- What did I do this year that I had never done before?
- When did I feel the most "alive"?
- What are the things I am most proud of this year?
- What was the best decision I made?
- What new skill, habit, or knowledge did I acquire?
Part 2: Challenges and Learnings
- What was the hardest challenge I faced?
- What is the biggest mistake I made?
- What valuable life lessons did I learn this year?
- Who or what drained me this year?
- What kept me sane?
Part 3: Connections
- Who was the best new person I met?
- Who did I miss?
- Who do I wish I had spent more time with?
- Who were the three most influential people in my life this year?
- Who was my "friend of the year"?
Part 4: Reflection
- Compared to this time last year, am I: happier or sadder? Richer or poorer? Healthier or unhealthier?
- What one thing would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying?
- What song will always remind me of this year?
- What is a quote that sums up this year?
- If I had to describe the "theme" of this past year, what would it be?
Part 5: Intention
- What am I willing to struggle for next year?
- What is one thing I am scared to do, but know I must do?
- What do I want to have less of in my life next year?
- What do I want to carry forward into next year?
- What is the theme I want to define for the upcoming year?
That's all, folks!