As the year is about to end, you might be thinking about whether you have achieved the goals you set for yourself. While constructive self-criticism can help you learn and improve, it’s important to be realistic and assertive about your goals for the following year. Whether you’re getting ready for your year-end performance review or doing your annual personal reflection, it’s crucial to celebrate your accomplishments, assess what didn’t work out, and set a positive tone for the upcoming year.
End-of-year planning is not just about making resolutions; it is a crucial phase for personal and career development. Realistically assessing how you wrapped up the year will set the foundation for a realistic start to your planning for the upcoming year. So, why not take some time to reflect and make it right? Create a personalized document to remind yourself what you have done, considering the following items:
1) Reflect on achievements and challenges
Begin your end-of-year career planning by reflecting on your achievements and challenges over the past months. What milestones have you reached? What projects stand out? Assessing your accomplishments provides a foundation for setting realistic and impactful goals for the upcoming year. Also, review the books you have read, the courses and webinars you have attended, and the coaching sessions you have had. All of them are signs of growth, effort and consistency.
2) Practice self-compassion
Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments again from a self-compassionate perspective. Recall other achievements that may not have been grandiose but were significant enough for you to remember. Consider how much you have grown after facing challenges and craft a narrative that includes all your beautiful experiences. If there are things you wish were different, focus on things that are within your control and identify what you can do better next year. Write them down. Remember, they don’t need to cloud your vision. You still have a lot to be thankful for. Hug yourself and tap on your self-confidence!
3) Prepare your performance review
If your organization conducts year-end performance reviews, prepare for them proactively. Take the time to document your achievements, contributions, and areas of improvement with confidence. This is not the time to be humble. Instead, it is the perfect opportunity to showcase with facts and metrics how much you contributed to the organization and its impact on other organizations.
4) Assess Your Work-Life Balance
Review your work-life balance and make necessary changes to align with your personal and professional priorities. This could involve setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks, or exploring flexible work arrangements. Evaluate incorporating timeboxing into your daily routine to be more intentional next year. Additionally, it’s worth evaluating your diet and exercise routines to determine if there are ways to take better care of yourself that you may have overlooked.
End-of-year planning is a crucial investment in your professional growth. Remember, It is not only about identifying what’s missing but also about celebrating what went well. Seek out mentorship or coaching opportunities to help evaluate your performance. Many people struggle to assess their own work, whether due to shyness or perfectionism. Professional guidance and support can provide a fresh perspective and help you end the year on a positive note. Celebrate where you are and get ready to start another wonderful year! Next, it is time to prepare for your new year planning.
