4 Reflective Prompts
To Close Out this Year & Step Confidently into Next Year
As we inch toward the start of a new year, many of us naturally look back and review what we’ve done, what worked, and what definitely didn’t. But here’s the thing: when we reflect, we often default to replaying the missteps. It’s human nature - we try to learn by avoiding past mistakes. While that has its place, focusing only on the negative gives us an incomplete story of the year we just lived.
2025 was full of experiences, lessons, and moments - both big and small - that deserve to be acknowledged. Celebrating what went well, even tiny wins, reinforces that our efforts matter. When we only dwell on what didn’t happen or what went wrong, it’s easy to slip into the mindset that progress isn’t worth pursuing. But recognizing our wins, however modest, tells a different story: effort fuels growth, and growth is always worth the investment.
Interestingly, for every one success we allow ourselves to see, we’ve usually had three to six thoughts about what we didn’t do well. That’s why intentional reflection matters.
Below are four prompts to help you reflect on 2025 with a more balanced lens—and step into 2026 with clarity, appreciation, and momentum.
1. What were the highlights of your year - and what went well?
Write down everything that comes to mind. Then pause, and ask yourself, “What else?” Give yourself permission to acknowledge the wins, even the small ones. Often those are the ones that matter most.
2. What did you find challenging in 2025?
List the tough moments but set a timer for five minutes before you begin. When the alarm goes off, stop. Humans are experts at dwelling on the negative far longer than necessary. The practice of setting a timer helps you keep the reflection productive, not draining.
3. What did you learn about yourself this year?
Looking at both your wins and your challenges, what insights emerged? What did these moments reveal about how you show up, how you work, and what you need? Reflection becomes powerful when it helps you understand your patterns.
4. What habit - no matter how small - did you begin that you want to carry into 2026?
Growth often shows up in tiny, consistent steps. Identify one habit you started this year that supports the person you want to be going forward.
Use these prompts to give yourself a fuller, kinder view of your year. Reflection isn’t about judging - it’s about understanding. And with understanding comes a stronger, more intentional start to 2026.
