7 Questions to Ask Yourself at the End of the Year
(To Be Happier Next Year)
Here is your end of the year exercise. I never miss doing it myself and it works every time!
Answer the following, in writing!
1) What were your successes from this year (make this as long as possible)?
It’s so important to own, celebrate and author everything you were, did and experienced this year!
2) What are you grateful for from this past year?
Yes, I am asking you to tap into that high frequency zone of celebration and gratitude, it’s the perfect place from which to design next year!
3) List anywhere you fell short. Any regrets or failures? What do you need to say about those in order to leave them in the past?
It’s important to take ownership of what did not go as planned in the past year. Own what didn’t work or was insufficient with NO DRAMA. It’s just learning you can use for next year!
4) What did you learn from this past year that you want to use for next year?
Here is where we turn seemingly negative experiences and results into gold-by soberly taking the lessons and using them! Once the powers that be can confirm we’ve learned our lessons we usually stop getting bonked with the same ones!
5) On which areas do you want to focus for the coming year and what are your objectives?
A thorough recap of the last year and celebration of wins and losses usually leaves you very ripe to determine your focus for the upcoming year. Where do you want to focus and SPECIFICALLY, what do you want!?
6) What are some specific measurable results that will signify success?
Yummy ideas are great but we have to put some clarity in by saying how we will know we succeeded. So for ex if my objective is to have awesome family time a specific result would be the kids wanting to come home 4/year for ex.
7) What are the promises you will need to keep to get there?
In order to help insure the result you need to learn to make and keep specific promises. If I want the kids home 4x I probably need to invite them 6 times. That’s a promise I can control and makes it more likely to go my way!
There are some rules about how to do this assignment for best results:
WRITE IT ALL DOWN!
Please find someone who will do it too, then share back and forth, out loud. You won’t want to, it’s a little awkward and vulnerable but I make my clients do it, and they LOVE IT! It’s so worth it.
I want this potent season of transformation to be great for you, so please do the work!
I’ve laid it out...now it’s your chance to act. Please let me know how it goes.
Want a Happier Love Life Next Year?
Doing your year-end review is a powerful first step—but don’t stop there. If better love, stronger communication, or even finding “your person” is on your wishlist, join me for my free webinar: “3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love.” You’ll learn the mindset tools and practical actions that actually move the needle in your romantic life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Designing Your Best Year Yet
What if I feel uncomfortable sharing my answers out loud with someone?
That’s totally normal! Vulnerability can feel awkward at first, but it’s also where connection and transformation happen. Choose someone safe and supportive, and remind yourself the discomfort means you’re growing.
How long should I spend on this exercise?
You can do a powerful version in under an hour, but many people take a few sittings to reflect deeply. What matters most is that you write it all down and give each question real thought—don’t rush it.
What if my year felt like a failure overall?
Even rough years come with wins, lessons, and growth. The goal isn’t to sugarcoat—it’s to honestly assess, take ownership, and use every part of your experience to make next year better.
Can I do this exercise with my partner?
Absolutely! It can be an amazing way to grow closer. Each of you can do it individually, then share your answers and goals. You’ll learn a lot about each other and build alignment for the year ahead.
What if I’m not good at keeping promises to myself?
Start small and specific. Choose promises you can actually control—like reaching out, blocking time on your calendar, or asking for help. Then track them weekly and get an accountability buddy. Promise-keeping is a muscle you can build.