Before you rush into 2026 — read this.
The year’s not over — but your brain’s already sprinting ahead, isn’t it?
Lists. Goals. Plans. The next big thing.
Before you move forward, pause.
Reflection turns experience into wisdom, and wisdom into growth.
This month, take a breath before you build the next chapter.
Here’s a three-step process to close the year intentionally and start 2026 grounded, focused, and ready.
Step 1: Look Back with Honesty
What worked? What didn’t?
What strengthened you — and what drained you?
Write it down: the wins, the lessons, the messy middle.
Ask yourself:
What am I most proud of this year?
What challenged me in ways I didn’t expect?
What have I cared too much/little about?
Don’t hurry this stage — it’s an iterative process, not a sprint.
If you're short on time, start with three 15-minute reflection sessions to build momentum.
Create space to recognize what this year has brought to light.
Step 2: Turn Insight into Action
Reflection only matters if it moves you forward.
Growth happens when you do something with what you’ve learned.
Ask yourself:
What habits will I stop, start, or continue?
What would make next year lighter or more effective?
Where do I need to say no, delegate, or set boundaries?
Keep what works.
Let go of what doesn’t.
Step 3: Turn Vision into Structure
Dreams become real when you anchor them to systems.
You don’t need more goals — you need better rhythms.
Ask yourself:
What do I really want for myself?
What’s one small step I can take this week toward my bigger vision?
How will I track progress and stay accountable?
“You do not rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems.” —James Clear
As you wrap up 2025, give yourself the gift of reflection.
You don’t need to start fast — you need to start right.
Before 2026 begins, take a few quiet moments to reflect, act, and build from purpose.
Together we unleash forward,
Salima Valji
👉 Take 10 minutes today to write your three biggest lessons from 2025 — then shoot me an email and share one.
