Year End Review

We are only a few days into 2026, and many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. (In fact, studies show that only 9–12% of people actually keep them.) But whether you’re still going strong, have already let them go, or never made resolutions at all, pausing to reflect at the turn of the year can be one of the most powerful ways to grow as a leader.

Self-reflection is essential to great leadership. Without it, we’re likely to repeat the same patterns and mistakes. Intentionally using these early months to reflect and recalibrate allows us to better understand who we are as leaders—and to apply the lessons of the past year to how we want to lead in 2026.

Of course, self-reflection runs counter to our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture. It requires setting aside intentional time to be quiet, still, and alone. It takes courage. It is not a surface-level exercise, but a deep and honest process—one that intentionally mines our recent experiences for insight and reveals where growth and transformation are needed.

Here are some reflection questions to consider:

  • What positives do I want to celebrate?

  • What am I grateful for?

  • To whom and how do I want to show my gratitude?

  • What lessons did I learn? 

  • What changes do I want to make, or what positives do I want to repeat?

  • Am I bringing the right amount of support and challenge to those around me?

  • What has it been like to be on the other side of me?

  • In what areas do I need to improve? 

  • What changes do I need to make for a more peaceful 2026?

  • Am I a Liberating Leader? What things do I still need to master?

If you want to go deeper, download the free Year End Review Exercise below.

Taking some time to reflect on the past to recalibrate might not come naturally to most of us. Still, it is a powerful practice to grow our leadership and become liberating leaders that truly fight for the highest possible good in the lives of those they lead.

Download The Year End Review Exercise