The most important thing I do each year...

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Philosopher John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”

Every year feels like a blur. Deadlines, to-do lists, and random fires to put out. By December, I sometimes can’t even remember what I did in March.

No one sets out to steer off course. But life has a way of making us drift away from our original intentions.

That’s why it’s important to stop, take a breath, and reflect. At the end of each year, I make an effort to review on how the year went—the good, the bad, and everything else in between.

Reflection doesn’t have to take long. You don’t need a fancy process. Just a few minutes to sit down and think about what worked, what didn’t, and what comes next. It’s how you course-correct.

Here are 7 questions I ask myself every year. Maybe they’ll be helpful for you too.

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1/ What are your biggest wins? What are your biggest learnings?

Start with the highlights. What went well this year? What made you proud? It doesn’t have to be massive—sometimes a win is as simple as sticking to a habit or showing up consistently.

Then flip it: What did you learn? Wins are great, but the lessons are where the growth happens. Think about what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll take into next year.

2/ What did you change your mind on?

Charlie Munger says, “A year in which you don’t change your mind on some big idea is a wasted year.”

What’s something you used to believe but don’t anymore? Maybe you changed how you approach work, relationships, or health. Changing your mind doesn’t mean you were wrong—it means you’re growing.

3/ Are there goals you had that you didn’t achieve? Why not?

Not every goal gets checked off. That’s okay. But instead of ignoring it, ask yourself: Why didn’t it happen?

Was it outside your control? Did you lose interest? Or maybe the goal wasn’t that important after all. Whatever the reason, there’s a lesson in it.

4/ What took you by surprise this year, good or bad?

Life throws surprises your way. Some are incredible, some knock you flat. What caught you off guard this year? And how did you handle it?

The unexpected is where growth happens. Reflecting on these moments can help you handle the next curveball with a little more grace.

5/ What are you grateful for?

Gratitude can feel like a cliche, but it works. This year, I’m grateful for friends who make me feel comfortable being me, my amazing clients, and, of course, tacos.

Seriously—try it. Write down a few things you’re grateful for, and notice how it shifts your mindset.

6/ How have your relationships evolved?

Who had the biggest impact on your life this year? Did you meet someone new who changed how you think? Are there people you’ve drifted from who you miss?

Relationships are like plants—they need water. Think about where you want to invest your time and energy next year.

7/ What gave you the most energy? What drained you?

This is my favorite question. It’s simple but so important. Think about what lit you up this year. What made you excited to get out of bed? How can you do more of that?

Then, think about the opposite: What drained your energy? What felt like a waste of time? Be honest with yourself and figure out how to cut those things down next year.

Reflection doesn’t have to take hours. It’s not about perfection; it’s about staying on track.

Grab a notebook, write for 10 minutes, and see where it takes you. You might uncover something that changes your course.

Rooting for you,
Jay “What a year!” Yang

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