The Personal Annual Review

December 22, 2024 | #19 | read on The Happier Studio | Free Version

Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.

What’s On Today

• The Personal Annual Review: 6 questions to ask yourself
• 3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week

The Personal Annual Review

This year, I’m writing my first Annual Review. I think this is a great way to allow myself the opportunity to take stock of what went well and what didn’t go so well, while pausing to appreciate the progress I’ve made over the past 12 months.

But this isn’t just about looking back. A good Annual Review is also a way to recalibrate—to reflect on whether the life I’m living today is aligned with my bigger vision and long-term goals. It forces me to ask, “Are my daily choices contributing to the life I truly want, or am I being swept along by habits, routines, or external expectations that don’t serve me?”

As you read through this, I encourage you to answer the same six questions for yourself. Below, I’ll explain how you can reflect on your year meaningfully, with a couple of examples from my personal review to get you started.

1. What Went Well This Year?

This question is all about celebrating your wins—big and small. Reflect on what worked well for you in the past year. Did you achieve any goals you set? Were there moments of personal growth, meaningful relationships, or habits you stuck to?

Consider asking yourself:

• What milestones or achievements am I most proud of?
• What new skills or habits did I build?
• Where did I feel the most joy, growth, or fulfillment?

For me, becoming a mother was the most beautiful and transformative moment of the year. It shifted my entire perspective on life and priorities, reminding me of what truly matters. I also achieved personal goals like running my first half marathon and launching The Happier Newsletter.

2. What Didn’t Go So Well This Year?

Not everything goes according to plan—and that’s okay. This question helps you identify areas where you struggled or fell short, not to criticise yourself but to learn and improve.

Ask yourself:

• What challenges did I face?
• What goals or habits did I neglect, and why?
• Were there any disappointments or setbacks that I can learn from?

One challenge for me was staying consistent with my Do What Matters podcast. I launched it with excitement but quickly realised I couldn’t dedicate the energy it needed. Another tough moment was deferring Paramedicine for the second time, a decision I made to prioritise stability and my growing passion project.

3. What Created Energy This Year?

Think about the things, people, or activities that filled you with energy and joy. These are often clues about what aligns with your values and brings meaning to your life.

Reflect on:

• What projects or activities made me feel excited and alive?
• Who or what inspired me?
• When did I feel most fulfilled and energised?

For me, working on The Happier Studio and sharing ideas about happiness, meaning, and productivity brought me immense joy this year. It’s not just a creative outlet—it’s work that feels deeply meaningful, and I feel like it’s my purpose in life.

4. What Drained Energy This Year?

This question helps you identify what left you feeling drained, uninspired, or overwhelmed. Understanding these energy drains can help you make better choices moving forward.

Ask yourself:

• What tasks, people, or habits drained my energy?
• Did I spend time on things that don’t align with my goals or values?
• Were there environments or situations that felt exhausting?

For me my research job was definitely the biggest drainer this year. While meaningful, it often felt isolating and uninspiring. Working in a quiet office without much interaction made me question whether this role aligns with the work environment I want.

5. What Did I Learn This Year?

This is where you reflect on the lessons and insights you gained over the past year. These can come from both your successes and your challenges.

Consider:

• What did I learn about myself, my values, or my priorities?
• What habits or beliefs helped me grow? Which ones held me back?
• What unexpected lessons came from difficult experiences?

This year taught me that progress matters more than perfection. Whether it was running a half marathon or publishing 52 articles, I realised the importance of showing up consistently—even when things aren’t perfect.

6. What Am I Working Toward?

Finally, look ahead to the coming year. What goals, dreams, or changes do you want to work toward? Think about the life you want to build and the steps you can take to get there.

Ask yourself:

• What are my priorities for next year?
• What goals excite and challenge me?
• How can I create a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and meaningful?

For example, in 2025, I want to run a sub-4 marathon, grow The Happier Newsletter to 1,000 subscribers, relaunch my podcast, and write half of my book. These goals align with my passions and bring me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Ready to Reflect?

Here are the six questions to guide your annual review:

1. What went well this year?
2. What didn’t go so well?
3. What created energy?
4. What drained energy?
5. What did I learn?
6. What am I working toward?

Take time to write your answers thoughtfully. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and these questions can help you learn from your experiences, celebrate your progress, and design a life you truly love.

Here’s to a meaningful and intentional 2025!

3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week

• My son was admitted to hospital at the beginning of the week. He tested positive for the enterovirus, which is one of a large family of viruses. In severe cases, this can cause meningitis and even death. I’m so so grateful that his is mild and he seems to be getting better every day. But damn, I would lie if I say I wasn’t terrified.
• I’m grateful to be able to have family responsibility leave to be with my son.
• I’m grateful for all the people in my life who supported me and my family through this really tough and exhausting week.

What are you grateful for this week?