#005: Pause, Reflect, ReAmbition: Close the Year with Purpose

As the year winds down, I’ve been helping clients shape their goals, refine KPIs, and plan their next big moves for 2025. It’s that time of year when everyone seems focused on the future. But before diving into what’s next, I make time for something else—a reflection process that’s become a bit of a personal tradition.

I’ve been doing some version of this since my mid-20s, but for the past five years, it’s taken on a more structured form. Each December, I revisit a PowerPoint file I’ve been using, organized around five columns:

• Family & Home

• Community & Friends

• Work & Achievements

• Rituals & Habits

• Money & Wealth

On the first page, I go back to the goals I set for each category this time last year and write comments. I reflect on what I achieved, what shifted, and what didn’t happen—and why. For example, under Community & Friends, one of my 2024 goals was to spend more time with friends around the world. Looking back, I realize I did reconnect with some but missed other important moments. This step isn’t about judging myself; it’s about noticing where my energy went and how I feel about it.

What always surprises me is how much I accomplished, even in a year that felt busy or chaotic. Whether it’s small wins, strengthened relationships, or professional progress, this reflection shines a light on things I might have otherwise overlooked. It reminds me to celebrate the journey and recalibrate for the year ahead.

Planning the Year Ahead
After reflecting on the past year, I start a new page in my PowerPoint file. First, I pick a theme for the upcoming year—a word or phrase that captures the energy or mindset I want to bring into it. For 2024, my theme was “Get Focused.” For 2025, it’s “Me.” It’s not about being self-centered; it’s about prioritizing personal well-being and authenticity while making intentional decisions about how I spend my time.

Once I’ve chosen my theme, I return to the same five columns and draft new goals for each category. These goals are specific but flexible—things like “spend more quality time with my brother” under Family & Home or “grow ReAmbitioning into a larger platform” under Work & Achievements. By the end of the exercise, I have a clear, personalized plan for the year ahead.

Why This Matters
This isn’t about writing resolutions for the sake of it. It’s about creating a moment of clarity. Reflection helps me reconnect with what matters, recalibrate my priorities, and ensure that my goals for the new year align with who I am now—not who I was a year ago or what I think I should be doing.

It also helps me see and appreciate my progress, even in the small things. So often, we’re too busy to notice how far we’ve come. Taking time to reflect keeps me grounded and motivated for what’s next.

Want to Try It?
If this resonates with you, here’s a simple roadmap to get started:

1. Find a Quiet Moment: Set aside at least 30 minutes. Grab a coffee (or something stronger) and focus.

2. Pick Your Categories: Use mine or create your own. Think Health, Creativity, Learning—whatever feels meaningful.

3. Look Back: Review your goals from last year (if you have them). Write notes on what you achieved, what changed, and what no longer resonates.

4. Choose a Theme for Next Year: A word or phrase that reflects the mindset or focus you want to bring into the new year.

5. Draft Goals for the Year Ahead: Under each category, write a few specific goals that feel right for you.

6. Stay Flexible: Life happens. Adjust as needed—it’s not about perfection.

What About You?
How do you reflect at the end of the year? Do you stick to resolutions, prefer a freeform check-in, or do something completely different? Hit “reply” and share your approach—I’d love to hear about it, and your insights might inspire others in our community.

Looking Ahead
As we wrap up the year, I want to say thank you. Launching this newsletter has been a highlight of my 2024, and I’m so grateful for the conversations, ideas, and energy you’ve brought to it.

For 2025, I’m excited to continue exploring success, leadership, and purpose together—sharing new tools, fresh perspectives, and maybe even some interactive ways for us to connect.

Until then, I hope you find time to pause, reflect, and step into the new year with clarity and intention. Here’s to a year of thoughtful growth, purpose, and the kind of ambition that feels right for you.

Nick

About the Author

Nick works with ambitious leaders navigating growth, change, and leadership challenges. To learn more about my journey or explore how I can help, visit my site.