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Closing the year with purpose

Writer's picture: Debbie BradenDebbie Braden












As the year ends, how often do you pause and reflect? Not just on what you’ve achieved, but on who you are and where you want to go. True growth starts with self-awareness.


In my own development journey, I've learned that it isn't just about achieving goals. It’s about being better today than you were yesterday and better tomorrow than you were today.


Like many, I take time at the end of the year to reflect on the past year and prepare for the year ahead. I ask myself a series of questions that help me uncover themes and connect dots I may have missed in the moment.


Last year, going through this exercise was transformational. It wasn’t a sudden epiphany but a gradual understanding that became my north star. My reflections helped me to surface that I wanted to use my unique gifts and talents to bring joy and help others discover new perspectives about themselves and their organizations. Ultimately, that led me to launch Star Thrower Communication - a business built on the fundamental belief that when people are truly seen and understood, they can unlock extraordinary potential.


This process, which I call a reflection roadmap, can help you reconnect with your values, learn from the past, and align with your purpose for the year ahead. My hope is that it will lead to self-discovery and help you be better tomorrow than you are today.


Reflection Roadmap:


Preparation:

  1. Set aside uninterrupted time.

  2. Grab a journal or a notebook and a pen.

  3. As a person of faith, I start with a prayer. Others might choose a moment of mindfulness or quiet reflection.

  4. Write the question and then underneath, create two columns: Personal and Professional

  5. Be honest and compassionate with yourself. It’s okay if you feel uncomfortable. No one else will read this, so write down the hard stuff, too.

  6. After you finish all the questions, walk away. Give the work you just finished space. This will allow your mind to have an open perspective when you go back to it.

  7. Celebrate the process, not just the outcomes. Not every year will have big ah-ha moments, but there will be clarity about how to change moving forward.


Questions:

  1. What went well this year?

    Take a moment to honor your successes, big and small. Success isn't just about grand achievements—it's about progress, learning, and personal growth. Include personal triumphs, moments of courage, and personal breakthroughs.


  2. Who played a pivotal role in your journey?

    Recognize the people who supported, challenged, and inspired you. Relationships are the true wealth of our lives.


  3. What did this year teach you?

    Every challenge carries a lesson. What wisdom have you gained? How have you evolved?


  4. What needs to be released?

    Identify the habits, beliefs, or commitments that no longer serve your growth. Liberation comes from conscious choice.


  5. What surprised you this year?

    Capture the unexpected learnings or moments. These might be things that happened to you that were out of your control, but you can still learn from them. Or there may be moments that you created that weren't part of your original plan


  6. Where did you feel most alive or most energized?

    Identify what truly motivates and inspires you, which can guide future decisions.


  7. What boundaries did you establish (or need to establish) that serve your well-being?

    Reflect on self-care and personal growth.


  8. How will you invest in yourself in the coming year?

    Growth is intentional. What practices, skills, or experiences will you prioritize?


  9. What do you need to learn to become a better version of yourself?

    Identify the skills, perspectives, or capabilities that will propel you forward.


  10. What support systems do you need to succeed?

    Recognize that success is rarely a solo journey. What resources, relationships, or structures will support your goals?


  11. If you could muster absolute courage, what would you do?

    This question bypasses fear and connects you with your deepest aspirations. What dream have you been hesitating to pursue?


  12. What's the kindest action you can take for yourself and others?

    Kindness begins with self-compassion and extends outward. How can you be gentler and more supportive?


  13. Give the year ahead a theme.

    A theme is more than a resolution—it's a guiding star. Choose a word or phrase that will inspire and align your actions.


Remember, reflection is not about perfection, it's about progress. These questions are a mirror, not a judgment. They invite you to see yourself with clarity, compassion, and curiosity.


I invite you to take a moment for yourself before the year ends. Use these questions as a guide and let them inspire your next steps.


Here's to a year of intentional growth, meaningful connections, and becoming more authentically you.

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