Ask Yourself: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">What worked well, and why?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What didn’t work, and what can I do differently?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What habits, routines, or mindsets help or hinder me?</li></ul>Last year, I realized that my most productive months were when I stuck to a morning routine.It wasn’t anything elaborate — 30 minutes of writing followed by a quick run — but it set the tone for my day. And that insight became the foundation for a habit I still rely on today.

4 — Identify Lessons and Patterns (2)

Why hadn’t I finished the book? What got in the way of going to the gym? That evening marked the beginning the End-of-Year Review tradition (here’s an <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/how-to-rate-your-goals-at-the-end">early version of the idea</a>) . It’s a list of wins and losses and a deep dive into the past year’s patterns, habits, and lessons. The insights I gained were the key to finally breaking the cycle of unmet resolutions. Today, I want to walk through the same process. It won't matter whether your 2024 was a year full of triumph, struggle, or anything else. The review will help you understand it and lay the foundation for an extraordinary 2025.

The End-of-Year Review

Once you finish celebrating your wins, it’s time to think about learning. This is where you turn to the areas where you struggled — not to criticize yourself, but to uncover what they can teach you.This part of the process is always humbling for me. Two years ago, I set a goal to launch a side project by summer but never got past the brainstorming phase. At first, I blamed a lack of time. But when I dug deeper, I realized the problem — I’d been afraid to put my ideas into the world.Last year, this project became The Challenge.

3 — Acknowledge the Challenges (1)

An End-Of-Year Review helps you prepare for the future. The clarity you gain through this process will serve as the foundation for everything you do in 2025.So, as you wrap your review, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Every win, challenge, and lesson has shaped you into who you are today. So, acknowledge every step. And use them to prepare for the next year.Next week, we’ll take the insights from this review to craft a bold and inspiring vision for the year ahead. Until then, give yourself the gift of reflection.[<a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/the-year-that-was-a-reflective-guide">DOWNLOAD</a> THE FREE INFOGRAPHIC]

Now, let’s make some magic happen.You have listed your wins and challenges. But you haven’t understood the reason behind your failures yet. So, step back and look for patterns.For example, did you notice that you tend to procrastinate on a specific task? Or did you notice that your best achievements came when you worked with a partner or mentor?

4 — Identify Lessons and Patterns (1)

🎯 This is Part 1/9 of the Series Your Best Year Yet You’re reading part one of Your Best Year Yet: A Step-by-Step Guide — a special year-end series designed to help you reflect on the past year, set transformative goals, and create a plan to thrive in the year ahead.In the upcoming issue, we’ll dive into closing loose ends to avoid setbacks caused by your past goals. <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe</a><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/publish/post/https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe?"> </a>not to miss it!

[The Challenge] - Your Best Year Yet

An End of Year Review allows you to:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Celebrate your achievements and build confidence. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Identify and address patterns that hold you back. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Gain clarity on what truly matters to you. </li></ul>The process is not complicated. However, it requires honesty, curiosity, and a little time. So grab a notebook, find a quiet spot, and get started!

Why Do an End-of-Year Review? (2)

When I started my first End-of-Year Review, I was so focused on what I hadn’t done that I almost missed what I had accomplished. It wasn’t until I sat down and wrote a list of wins — no matter how small — that I realized how much I’d grown.Ask Yourself: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">What am I proud of accomplishing this year?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Which moments brought me the most joy or fulfillment?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Who or what made those successes possible?</li></ul>I know these sessions could be intimidating. Most people don’t trust their achievements enough and sometimes don’t even consider them as wins. But you have to focus and be specific.

2 — Celebrate Your Wins (1)

Ask Yourself: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Which goals did I struggle to achieve, and why?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What habits or patterns held me back?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Were there external factors that impacted my plans?</li></ul>Be honest but gentle with yourself as you reflect. The goal isn’t to dwell on failure but to identify patterns and roadblocks so you can address them moving forward.

3 — Acknowledge the Challenges (2)

Would you rush into a big project without preparation? Well, this review is no different. Start by creating an environment where you can focus and think clearly.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Find Your Space. Pick a place that feels comfortable and free of distractions. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Gather Your Tools . Bring a notebook or journal and any notes, calendars, or goal trackers from the past year if you’ve kept them.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Adopt the Right Mindset . You won’t use this session to judge yourself. You will use it to understand what you did and why. </li></ul>Are you ready? Let’s start with the first part of the review: celebrating wins.

1 — Set the Stage for Reflection

It was a cold December evening two years ago. I was sitting in my favorite corner of the living room, staring at the blank page of my daily journal. The year was coming to a close, and I had that sinking feeling I’d been carrying for a week — the gnawing sense that I’d missed the mark yet again.I hadn’t finished the book I planned to write. I hadn’t started going to the gym as I promised since spring. And worst of all, I couldn’t even remember half the goals I’d set for myself at the start of the year. I took a deep breath. I stopped blaming myself. And I began asking questions instead.

The End-of-Year Shame

Don’t write generic sentences like I got healthier . Note the actions behind it: I started walking 20 minutes every morning and felt more energized.As you write, take time to savor each memory. These wins are proof that you’re capable of growth. It doesn’t matter how small they seem. They are a reminder that progress isn’t always loud or flashy. On the contrary, it can happen quietly, one small step at a time.

2 — Celebrate Your Wins (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Spread the word! Share <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> with friends and family.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe</a> today to support the ongoing creation of this content.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Want more? Explore my other work at <a href="https://www.cosmopolitanmindset.com/">Cosmopolitan Mindset</a>.</li></ul>

Next Steps

The final step of your review is the most liberating: deciding what to let go. Think of it like cleaning out your closet. You are not only making space for the new. You are freeing yourself from the weight of things that no longer serve you.

5 — Decide What to Leave Behind (1)

Reflection isn’t only about looking back — it’s about learning. And you can make better decisions for the future when you understand what worked, what didn’t, and why.Think about it. How often did you rush into the new year with fresh goals, only to abandon them by February?It’s not because you lack motivation. It’s because you skip the most important step: learning from the year you’ve just lived.

Why Do an End-of-Year Review? (1)

Ask Yourself: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Which habits, beliefs, or commitments am I ready to release?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What doesn’t align with my values or goals anymore?</li></ul>Last year, I had to let go of my perfectionism. I used to believe I had to achieve every goal flawlessly, but that mindset paralyzed me. So, letting go of it didn’t only feel freeing — it made me more effective.

5 — Decide What to Leave Behind (2)

You're reading an excerpt from <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge </a>— a weekly newsletter dedicated to self-improvement, goal-setting, habits, time management, and health tips.Every week, you'll receive:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A life-enhancing challenge</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A custom infographic to track your progress</li></ul><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe now</a> and start your first challenge.

The Challenge

Learn how to turn wins and losses into a blueprint for an extraordinary new year.

Next Steps

Similar ideas to Next Steps

Next Steps

Before you Go

#2. The Neurology of Ownership