68: Annual Review 2021

Hello there, friends!

It's been a while since my last newsletter, and I've missed the practice of writing, sharing, and connecting with y'all.

Lots is going on over here as we prepare to move in less than three weeks. Packing up, saying goodbye to friends, and getting back into the swing of things with my company—it's a lot!

Luckily, we spent a week in Lisbon over NYE and it was the perfect time to review last year, reflect on learnings, and start envisioning what this year could look like.

We call this practice the Annual Review (a.k.a. the Year in Review).

I wrote about it last year, and many of you have probably come across something similar. I've included my own review below for those curious to see what I've been up to.

Additionally, I've included a template from my friend Tyler if you want to do your own!

As always, feel free to reply and let me know what you think, what you've been up to, or just to say hello!

Annual Review

For the past three years, I've spent time in December and January reflecting on the past year and envisioning what I want the upcoming year to look like. I've found this to be not only an enriching activity, but also a fun one.

Read my 2021 Annual Review here.

Whereas setting goals and resolutions for the new year keeps me thinking about what I don't have yet, this Annual Review provides a chance to be grateful for all the things that have already happened.

Annual Review Template

This is the template I shared with you last year, and I'm sharing it again here as I love the simplicity. You could spend 30 minutes, or 3 full days and either will bring you value.

There are the main three sections from the template Tyler uses.

What Went Well. Write down a few big things that were positive highlights from the year.

What Didn’t Go Well. It’s equally important to note a few challenges and what, if anything, you learned from the process.

What I Want to Focus More On. After reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year, ask yourself where you want to devote more time and energy in the coming year.

Other Highlights. This is a section I added, and it’s a place to note down some favorite memories or experiences of the year.

Words of Wisdom

"We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience." — John Dewey