End-of-Year Reflection: Creating Space to Start Fresh
- Sarah Bodo
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The end of the year is approaching, and most people will take time off over the holidays. What I find essential for starting fresh in the new year is reflecting on what's working and what isn't. This means looking at your environment and honestly assessing how to approach making an impact and driving innovation where you are.
Reflection as a Leadership Practice
Each year, I reflect on what worked for my team, what we should keep, and what we need to improve to make an impact next year. But I also make sure I get the team's input. Most of the time, we finish the year with an end-year deep dive that includes reflection on the full year.
I also believe it's important for each individual to reflect on how the year went and write an end-year summary. In the first years of my career, I found these activities a waste of time. It felt like I was doing it just for the system. But over time (and with the gentle force of my leaders), I found it refreshing and clarifying. It creates such a better focus for the next year.
The Becoming Board
Each year, I create a vision board to reflect what I would like the next year to look like. This year, I changed it into a "becoming" board. I collect photos that inspire me, and I'll exchange them through the year with real photos as I actually do those things.
If you would like a template, just ping me and I'll send it over.
Otherwise, go to Google or Pinterest or another search engine and look for photos that inspire you and that feel realistic. Find images where you can imagine creating a similar photo with the same intention. I'm a visual person, so this really works for me.
I also love creating an "end-year book" with the team. It captures memories because with so much going on, you miss the little moments. The becoming board sets an intention for the next year and gives you something nice to look at throughout.
In my case, I want next year to go all-in and stop doubting myself. Try things out. Define what my career looks like. I know creating spaces for people to grow is my mission, and it will be around that.
Your End-Year Summary
Here's how I structure my end-year reflection:
What worked really well? Celebrate your wins, even small ones.
What surprised you? The unexpected moments often teach us the most.
What enabled you in your environment? This one is critical. Think about the people, structures, or conditions that helped you thrive.
What held you back? Be honest about the barriers. This awareness creates space for change.
What do you want to work on or learn next year? Name it clearly.
I used to worry that sharing what I struggle with would make me look weak. But it actually helped me have better discussions with my leaders and get the support I needed to overcome obstacles.
A Personal Example
Last year, I wrote that I struggle with talking openly about conflicts because I like harmony. I shared an example of how avoiding conflict makes me feel.
Early in the year, I talked with my leader about a specific situation where someone was making me feel small. We worked on how to bring it to the table and discuss it openly. So I tried. Multiple times.
The first time, my voice was high and breaking.
The second time, I sent my points ahead of time.
The third time, I got clearer about what wasn't working.
For me, that process helped me overcome an obstacle I'd always had.
Interestingly, I had no problem advocating for others, just not for myself. Naming it and practicing it changed that.
Starting Fresh
End-of-year reflection isn't about perfection. It's about clarity. It's about creating space to see what worked, what didn't, and what you want to carry forward.
Whether you do this alone, with your team, or with a trusted leader, the act of reflecting and naming your intentions matters. It turns experience into learning. It turns learning into growth.
If you'd like to talk through your end-of-year reflection or want that becoming board template, reach out. I'd love to hear what you're taking into the new year.
Find Your Wave,
Sarah 🌊
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