What is one word to describe your year?

This is an exercise in perspective. Ask yourself: Did the year have a narrative? What is the word for how it was to live it?

Then try this:
What word embodies your hopes/aspirations for 2026?

Who or what took up too much of your time this year?

Your answer shouldn't make you feel guilty. This question is about awareness— and helping you focus on what you value.

What do you want to release in the coming year?

For each thing that comes to mind, ask yourself: Would I have anything to gain by holding onto this? Unless you can see its value, then it might be time to release it.

What is your favorite memory from last year?

What does the memory have to do with your personal values? Often, our happiest moments can be a quiet indication of what really matters in our lives rather than our personal expectations.

What is one thing you wished you’d said but didn’t?

This could inspire a simple New Year’s resolution. Start by making a list of 12 conversations you’ve been putting off. Do one each month in the next year. Courage builds on itself, so think about how much relief you’ll feel at the end of the year.

What do you think you are most ashamed of in a given year?

Traditionally, shame is considered a feeling that needs to be shed. However, shame can be a really good indicator of what matters to us. We all do things we regret. We all avoid things that could have made us feel proud.

What are you most proud of this year?

If you’re a problem solver, you may have fixed a lot of things then quickly moved on after each one. But when you skip the step of reflection, you also skip the step of taking pride in your work—and miss out on the confidence boost and future motivation that comes with it. Allow yourself to notice what you did right.

Who helped you most this year?

Also, who did you help most? Who did you need to help most? If there’s an imbalance in your answers here, does something need to change?

What is one thing you’ve changed your mind about this year?

If nothing pops into your head, that is also something to think about. What would have to be different next year in order for you to have three to five actual answers to this question?

What might happen in your life to make next year your best year?

Bad answer: Something amazing happens to you.

Good answer: You do something incredible.