You’ve heard of new years’ resolutions, but have you heard of an Annual Personal Review? This is the first year I have it so “structured” (I usually just take a pack of post-its and stick them on a wall; I highly recommend it if you want a no-fuss option!)
If you want to go a little ‘extra’, you’re in the right place. I break it down in this blog post + a free downloadable PDF template for you to use at the bottom of this page.
Today’s Agenda
- What Is an Annual Personal Review?
- Benefits of an Annual Personal Review
- Questions to Ask Yourself During Your Annual Review
- Free downloadable template
What Is an Annual Personal Review?
An annual personal review is an intentional reflection you do towards the end of the year to pause and review where you are in life. You can create personal, professional, financial, and emotional goals… like a yearly check-in with yourself. It’s not about a “new you” but gaining clarity and direction on the next chapter of your life.
Benefits of an Annual Personal Review
- Clarity on growth and direction
Creates a snapshot of your life progress (personal, professional, financial, emotional) and helps you identify patterns. - Course Correction
Keeps you accountable by comparing your plans vs. what you actually did, what worked vs. what didn’t and ultimately allows you to re-prioritize and re-align before another year passes. - Mental Reset
Clears out mental clutter by closing one chapter before starting the next. It’s giving yourself permission to let go of things or relationships that no longer serve you. - Celebration + Self-Compassion
An intentional pause like this allows you to slow down and celebrate your growth, helping you see how far you’ve come. It’s a good reminder that you live your life in your own time.
Questions to Ask Yourself During Your Annual Review
You don’t need a fancy setup, just a quiet space, access to your calendar OR camera roll, whichever will help remind you of the past year…. and your favourite drink.
Reflection on the Past Year
- Snapshot of the Year
- Word of the Year (last year)
- 3 Highlights / Wins
- 3 Challenges / Lows
- What did I change my mind on this year?
- What did I not do because of fear?
- Life Audit (Wheel of Life Style)
- Categories: Personal Growth, Relationship, Finances, Career, Mental Health, Physical Well-Being, Spirituality, Family Life, Self-Love
- Gratitude & Celebration
- People I’m grateful for
- Achievements I’m proud of
- Moments of joy worth remembering
- Letting Go
- Things I want to let go of (habits, relationships, fears)
- What I forgive myself for this year
Vision for the Year Ahead
- Intention Setting
- Word of the Year
- Core Values I want to embody
- One-Word Goal Mapping (Wheel of Life Style)
- Categories: Personal Growth, Relationship, Finances, Career, Mental Health, Physical Well-Being, Spirituality, Family Life, Self-Love
- Keystone Habits – Morning Routine
- Now imagine the version of you in the future, who’s already achieved these goals. What does her morning routine look like?
- Keystone Habits – Bedtime Routine
- Similarly, how does the future version of you wind down to mentally and physically recover?
I created a free Annual Personal Review workbook — the same one I use for my own goal-setting and reflection to help you close the year with clarity and start the next with intention. Please tag me on social media if you use it!!!!
Annual Personal Review – Free Template to Download
