Why Reflection Is the Secret Sauce to Goal Success
Dec 09, 2024
Have you ever felt like you set goals year after year, only to find that you’re in the same spot when the calendar turns? It’s a common challenge but I believe the answer is a simple, often overlooked solution and that’s reflection.
Reflection is not just about having a quick glance in the rearview mirror and thinking you’re done. Instead, it’s about taking a meaningful pause to celebrate wins, extract the lessons, and identify patterns that will guide you forward.
It’s a process, and it’s one that can transform goal-setting from a simple wish list into a thoughtful strategy with the benefit of experience and clarity.
Here are 4 ways that reflection can help you to achieve your goals in 2025 and beyond.
1. Celebrate Your Wins
First things first: give yourself credit where it’s due. All too often, we focus on what didn’t go to plan, but what about the things you did accomplish? Think back over the past year and ask yourself:
- What were my proudest achievements?
- What small (or big) milestones did I reach?
- When did I feel most fulfilled in my business or personal life?
Celebrating wins isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It builds confidence and creates a positive feedback loop that motivates you to keep going.
You might have landed a new client, mastered a new skill, or finally got that ol’ work-life balance thing sorted. Whatever your wins, these moments matter. Take a moment to savour them and write them down. Success, big or small, is always worth recognising.
2. Extract the Lessons
Reflection isn’t just about what went right; it’s also about understanding what didn’t. Challenges, failures, and missed opportunities almost always come with a side plate of lessons learnt. Some questions to ask yourself are:
- What challenges did I face, and how did I respond?
- Are there recurring patterns or obstacles that held me back?
- What habits or practices worked well, and which need rethinking?
For example, maybe you consistently underestimated how long certain tasks would take, leading to rushed deadlines (my own hand is up here). Or perhaps you put off delegating because it felt easier to do everything yourself, only to end up overwhelmed (been there!) These are the kinds of patterns that show us where there’s room to grow and where adjustments and tweaks can make a big difference.
3. Figure Out What Matters Most
Reflection can help you to reconnect with your values, your mission, and your priorities.
We all get caught up in the “busyness trap” especially at this time of year when we’re trying to complete everything before Xmas so we can take a break.
But being busy doesn’t always equate to success, and we can lose sight of what’s truly important to us. Taking time to reflect is an opportunity for realignment:
- What brought me the most joy and satisfaction this year?
- What felt like a drain on my time or energy?
- What do I want more (or less) of in my life and business?
This kind of clarity is essential for setting meaningful goals. For example, if you realise that working with a particular type of client consistently energised you, you might set a goal to attract more clients like them. On the other hand, if you notice that overcommitting left you feeling stretched thin, you can resolve to set firmer boundaries in 2025, or to expand your team so you can delegate more.
4. Do It More Than Once a Year
Reflection shouldn’t be just an end-of-year activity though. It’s a useful habit to instil throughout the year too. Here are some thoughts about making it a regular practice:
- Schedule Reflection Time: Block out a consistent time in your calendar each week or month to review what went well, what didn’t, and what you’ve learned. If it’s in the calendar, and you make it a non-negotiable appointment with yourself, you’re more likely to follow through and actually do it.
- Keep a Journal: Use a notebook or digital tool to write down your reflections. This can be a helpful way to spot patterns over time, and to track your growth.
- Ask for Feedback: Sometimes others can see things about our actions or habits that we’re too close to notice. Do you have a trusted mentor, colleague, or friend you can reach out to for their perspective?
- Use Reflection Prompts: If you’re not sure where to start, prompts like “What am I most proud of this week?” or “What’s one thing I could improve?” can be helpful. Michael Bungay Stanier has one that I like and that is “What am I noticing?”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Yes, it’s that time again when the year is about to end and for many of us that means setting goals for 2025. Prioritising time to reflect on what’s been ensures that you’re building goals on a strong foundation. By understanding what worked, what didn’t, and what truly matters to you, you can create goals that are aligned with your values and aspirations. It’s not just about aiming higher; it’s about aiming smarter.
So, take some time to reflect before you plan. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer and more intentional your goals become when they’re grounded in the wisdom of your own experience.