5 Powerful Questions to Answer Before The New Year
The end of the year is the perfect time to slow down, check in with yourself, and reflect on how far you’ve come. Too often, we’re so busy rushing through life that we don’t stop to celebrate our wins, acknowledge our struggles, or think intentionally about the year ahead. Reflection isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness and growth.
To help you take a pause, I’ve created 5 simple but powerful questions you can ask yourself to reflect on this past year. Whether you journal these out or just think them through quietly with a cup of tea, these questions will help you gain clarity, celebrate progress, and step into the new year with intention.
What are the moments you’re most proud of this year?
This isn’t just about “big wins.” It could be a moment where you showed up for yourself, took a risk, or made a decision that felt good in your soul. Maybe you started a new habit, walked away from something that no longer served you, or made time for joy. We get so caught up in what we didn’t do that we forget to honor what we did.
Reflect on the moments where you felt proud of yourself this year. What made you feel that way? Celebrate those moments—you earned them.
What challenges did you face, and what did they teach you?
We all face challenges, but those challenges often hold valuable lessons. Maybe this year tested your patience, your strength, or your resilience. Think about the difficult moments and ask yourself: What did I learn? How did I grow from this?
Even if it was hard (and maybe because it was hard), you are stronger for getting through it. Don’t dismiss the growth that comes from challenges—it’s part of your story, and it’s shaping the person you’re becoming.
Who or what brought you the most joy this year?
Take a moment to think about the people, experiences, or activities that filled your cup and made you smile. Who showed up for you? What moments made you feel alive, seen, or loved? When we reflect on joy, we start to notice patterns: What brings you happiness? What gives you energy?
This is a chance to give gratitude for the good things in your life and intentionally make more space for them moving forward.
What habits or routines helped you, and which ones held you back?
Our habits play a huge role in our daily peace and productivity. What routines supported you this year? Maybe it was a consistent morning walk, weekly meal prepping, or carving out time for self-care. On the other hand, what habits might be holding you back?
This question isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Once you know what’s working and what’s not, you can start building routines that truly support the life you want to create.
What’s one thing you want to carry into the new year, and one thing you want to leave behind?
As you wrap up your reflection, think about what you want to bring with you into the new year. Maybe it’s a mindset shift, a new practice, or simply more confidence in yourself. Now, let go of the things that no longer serve you—whether that’s doubt, comparison, or unhealthy habits.
You get to decide what you take into the next chapter. Make that decision with intention.
Reflection is powerful because it gives you clarity. As you think through these questions, allow yourself to feel proud, grateful, and hopeful. You’ve come so far this year—even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Here’s to carrying your lessons, your growth, and your joy into the new year ahead.
You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
