As we step into the final days of the year, the best growth isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing a little better each day. In a world that pushes us to do and be more, the richness of life comes from going deeper in what really matters, not spreading yourself thin. It’s where the name of this blog, Depth Not Width, came from – the need to create focus in my own life. 

With that in mind, this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and harvest lessons… and then, to reset with intention for the year ahead. Today, I want to share with you a powerful reflection tool: a 10-question guide that I reflect with personally each year. It helps me look back on the year that was, make peace with what might be unfinished, and step into next year with clarity, purpose, and momentum. I am excited to share this tool with you here. 

Why Reflection On The Past Year Matters

In the rush of daily life and the rapid pace of work, we often skip the pause that allows us to learn. Frankly, it feels like we don’t have time, and if we slow down, we might miss something. We hustle through tasks, projects, goals… and then wonder why any feeling of momentum falters or meaning fades. I get it, because I’ve been there. 

Reflection allows us to flip that script. It gives us:

• awareness of where we’re been
• clarity of where we want to go
• a bridge between the two
  

Deep reflection helps you discern what still matters and which distractions you’re ready to leave behind. It takes intention to slow down and reflect, but when we do, the insights we gain can be powerful.

How to Use This Simple 10-Question Tool

1. Schedule uninterrupted time. Block 60-90 minutes with no phone, no calendar alerts, no deadline pressure.
2. Print out this tool. Grab a pen or pencil, and write out your responses by hand. The act of writing deepens the insight.
3. Answer honestly. Don’t gloss over wins, but don’t hide from limits either. Growth lives in both.
4. Look ahead while you reflect forward. The purpose isn’t just to look back… It’s to step forward with intention.
5. Save and revisit your responses. Re-visit quarterly to check progress and recalibrate.
   

What Comes From Reflection?

When you take time to set goals that truly align with who you are, you start living on purpose rather than on autopilot. This isn’t about achieving more… it’s about becoming more. Reflection and goal setting create clarity. They help you see what’s really important, what’s been distracting you, and what’s worth your energy in the year ahead.

You can use this process to:

• Reconnect with your values and priorities.
• Focus on what fills you up, not what drains you.
• Create more peace and purpose in your everyday life.
• Build a rhythm of progress that feels grounded, not frantic.
  

This is your chance to design a life that feels intentional, one that’s measured not just by what you achieve, but by who you become along the way.

Next Step: Reset into 2026

Once you complete the reflection, the next step is a reset, creating a plan for how you’ll show up in 2026. Here you’ll define 3-5 focus areas, name your boundaries, choose key metrics (not just business metrics… life metrics too), and commit to an accountability rhythm.

You might use your responses to craft:

• a word of the year or theme
• your goals for the coming year
• an accountability partner or system (weeks, months, check-in)
• a celebration or milestone at year-end to honor your growth
  

Final Thoughts

Reflection isn’t passive – it’s an act of courage. It’s giving yourself permission to stop, breathe, recognize both victory and blind spot, and then re-launch into next year with depth. Remember: the goal isn’t to do all the things, as tempting as that sounds in the new-year surge. It’s to do the right things, the things that align with your purpose, values and identity. As you answer these questions, don’t judge yourself. Be curious, honest, and open.

Here’s to a meaningful close to 2025, and a bold, focused start to 2026.

…

Ready for more?

If you liked this, then you might be interested in my new book, Living Life Daily. Designed to motivate and challenge you every day, this book offers 365 thought-provoking prompts that will push you to reflect, take action, and embrace meaningful change. Whether you’re striving to set clearer goals, build resilient habits, or cultivate a winning mindset, each daily entry is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you take small steps toward big results. Find it here!

You’ll also get massive value out of the Grit Meets Growth podcast that I share with Chris Cathers. It’s for people who want more out of life… at work, at home, in their relationships, and in their health and wellness. Find it here or on your favorite podcast platform!