One of my favorite things to do is look at the “Memories” category on my Facebook account. I’ve had this account for over 17 years, and they make me smile and sometimes cringe, but most importantly, they remind me of all the memories I’ve created and a few lessons I’ve learned.
As I open my 2025 calendar, fresh with anticipation and optimism, I realize it is the perfect time for reflection so I can create new great memories and avoid a few of the mistakes I repeatedly make.
Planning 2025 reminds me that our roles and lives are more demanding than ever. If we don’t reflect, we may miss our lessons learned (and I hate having to relearn lessons!).
Before the end of the year, our weekly articles focused on ways to get the office organized and ready for the new year, as well as the importance of self-care and making ourselves a priority for 2025.
This week, we are focusing on learning what 2024 taught us. We can ask ourselves questions to help us leverage those lessons into 2025. The goal is to ensure that when we look back at 2025, we look back with pride and great memories.
Although I’m using work-based examples, you can also think about your personal life as you answer these questions.
- What were your biggest achievements in 2024?
Start by listing your successes. Did you get a certification you are proud of, make suggestions for improvements at work that were implemented, or ask some great questions in a meeting? Did you develop a new skill, stretch your comfort zone, or even build stronger relationships with your team?
Looking back on what I did in 2024, it boosts my confidence when I clarify what contributed to those successes. Ask yourself:
- What steps did I take to achieve this success?
- What challenges did I overcome, and how?
- How can I replicate this success in 2025?
Application for 2025: While this activity is a fun one for your personal life (Warren and I will be doing a personal list together over the weekend), for your 2025 work achievements, keep a folder to document your accomplishments and the strategies that led to them, so you don’t forget. Like the Memories option on Facebook, this makes setting goals for 2026 much easier!
- What were your greatest challenges?
It doesn’t matter how much we prepare; something will happen to derail the best of plans. It’s guaranteed that every year presents obstacles. These might include managing staffing changes, navigating team dynamics, or balancing competing priorities. Think critically:
- What made these challenges difficult?
- How did I handle them, and what would I do differently?
- Did I seek support or resources, and were they effective?
Application for 2025: Identify recurring challenges and develop a proactive plan to address them. For example, if time management was a struggle, look for tools or techniques to improve efficiency.
- How did you grow professionally?
Growth isn’t always tied to formal accomplishments. It doesn’t have to mean that you got a promotion, graduated college, or even earned more money. Did you enhance your communication skills, learn new software, or adapt to changing workplace culture? Reflect on:
- What professional development opportunities did I pursue?
- How did my skills or mindset improve?
- What feedback did I receive, and how did I act?
Those of you who know me well know that all the articles I write are about what I was experiencing in life at that time. And, if you’ve been reading them, you know I had a bit of a burnout this Fall. Like you, I’m human and make mistakes.
One of my learning points (and, oh yes, I learned it the hard way – again) was the importance of taking care of myself so I can grow professionally. For me, growing professionally no longer means doing more, earning more, or being at every conference available. Growing professionally to me in 2024 meant I learned to say no, go to bed earlier, and read more so that when I did show up to work, I was 100 percent there and giving my very best!
Application for 2025: What do you want to grow in 2025? You may want to give back and be a mentor. It could mean learning new skills or creating a reasonable and achievable professional development plan. Maybe for you, it means taking a bit of time to learn about AI, managing your time better, or even moving to a different role altogether.
- How effective were your relationships at work?
Do you feel like you act as the glue that holds teams together? Strong relationships are key to success, but they require effort and strategy. Ask yourself:
- Did I foster collaboration and trust with my colleagues?
- Were there any relationships that needed improvement?
- How well did I advocate for myself and my role?
Application for 2025: Strengthen workplace relationships by practicing active listening, offering constructive feedback, and setting boundaries where needed. If there are strained relationships, consider steps to repair them, such as initiating open conversations or seeking common ground.
- What changes in the workplace impacted you most?
We can count on the fact that the workplace will continue to evolve. How have these changes affected your role:
- What adjustments did I make to stay effective?
- What tools or strategies helped me adapt?
- How can I prepare for further changes?
Application for 2025: Stay ahead of trends by staying informed about industry developments. Proactively seek training or resources to master emerging tools or practices. Make a point to read one professionally based newsletter per week so you know what is coming or what is current in your profession.
- Did you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I had an epic failure on this in 2024 (which is why it is on my list of questions). But I’m not the only one who tries to do too much (both personally and professionally). Burnout is a genuine concern. Reflect on your well-being:
- Did I prioritize self-care and set boundaries?
- How often did I feel overwhelmed, and why?
- What changes can I make to better balance work and personal life?
Application for 2025: Commit to maintaining your health and well-being. Schedule regular breaks, set realistic expectations, and learn to say “no” when necessary. Check out my article about the importance of self-care: https://on-the-right-track.com/the-importance-of-self-care-for-a-productive-2025/
- What lessons will you carry forward?
Ultimately, the goal of this reflection is to uncover actionable insights. Ask yourself:
- What did 2024 teach me about my role, goals, and myself?
- How can I use these lessons to improve my performance and satisfaction in 2025?
- What new opportunities can I pursue based on what I’ve learned?
Application for 2025: I know many people create a phrase or word of the year to focus on. You could write a personal mission statement or mantra for the year. This can guide your decisions and keep you focused on what matters most.
FYI – my word of the year is “Intentional.” I plan to learn the lesson 2024 taught me and be very intentional in 2025 to prioritize what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t.
As you reflect on 2024, remember that growth is a continuous journey. Celebrate your achievements, learn from your challenges, and embrace 2025 clearly and intentionally.
This article was written by Rhonda Scharf not by AI.
