Look Back To Go Forward

2026

For the past several years, a coach friend and I have gotten together in mid-December for what we call our Year-End Retreat. We block out the distractions and allocate a full day to focus on our businesses.

And every year, as my retreat day nears, I think, “Why did I agree to this? I’m way too busy to spend a full day doing vision work and planning for my business. I know what to do! I just need the time to do it.”

Every. Single. Time. 

But I show up anyway. 

Because I know my friend will be there waiting for me. I’ve made a commitment to her, and I’m not willing to let her down. 

And every single time, I’m glad I did.

I come up with new ideas that make my business and my life better. 

This month I want to share our process with you, because it is extremely helpful for anyone in a leadership role. It’s a way to create fast-moving energy for the year ahead and begin 2026 with laser focus on the things that are truly important to you.

But First Thing First: Getting Over the Resistance

If you’re skimming right now, I challenge you to slow down and read this carefully.

Just as I have resistance to the Year-End Retreat, many of us feel resistance towards pausing and reflecting.

Why?

Well, like many high-performers, we’re wired for productivity. 

To spend a WHOLE DAY on reflection honestly feels like a waste of time.

Don’t believe me?

If I asked you all to spend an entire day on your own Year-End Retreat, I’m guessing very few of you would actually take that advice.

Like me, you’re most likely intrigued by the idea of doing this work. You probably think you should do it. 

But if you’re like most humans, you are busy, and you won’t actually do it. Or you’ll plan to do it later…and it will never happen.

So, here’s what I want us to do instead:

Through the end of the year, I’ll be sharing a condensed version of our year-end retreat process in weekly installments. You can follow along and do a little bit at a time, so there’s no need to dedicate a full day like we do. 

That’s right, you have no excuse now! 

Grab a notebook or open a document, quiet your mind with a few intentional breaths, and let’s dive in.

Part 1: Looking Back on 2025

Start by writing down the big categories that are most important to you, both in work life and personal life. 

Only you know what categories make sense for you. Don’t include a category simply because you think it should be important (fitness is a common example here). Focus on the four to six categories that are truly important to you. You know the difference. 

Some examples to consider include:

  • Health and Fitness
  • Family
  • Friendships
  • Community Service
  • Faith and Spirituality
  • Personal Growth
  • Home
  • Financial Security
  • Leadership Impact
  • Professional Development
  • Career progress

Then, with this list in mind, you’ll go through a series of 2025 review questions.

Are you ready?

Putting It Into Practice

Once you’ve outlined what’s most important to you, keep those categories in mind as you ask yourself these questions:

  1. What worked well in 2025?
    1. Write down as many good things as you can think of. More is better. There is wisdom in celebration. 
  2. What didn’t work so well in 2025?
    1. Try to be objective and state the facts without triggering a shame spiral.
  3. What default stories, habits, and behaviors tend to derail you or make you shrink into old patterns?
    1. Again, stick to the facts.
  4. What support systems might help you get back on track when you catch yourself in an old, unhelpful pattern?
    1. You’re not committing to anything yet. Just capture some possibilities. 
  5. What are your three biggest lessons of 2025?
    1. Capture three, four or five, but stay focused on the big lessons that could have lasting impact.
    2. Often the biggest lessons cross over different categories of one’s life.
  6. Based on this initial review of 2025, what adjustments do you want to make for 2026? What do you want to:
    1. Start doing (or do more of)
    2. Stop doing (or do less of)
    3. Change (or do differently)

I can already hear you thinking, “This is going to take a while.”

Yes, it is.

But reading about exercising doesn’t build muscles. 

Reading about creating a vision doesn’t create a vision. 

And just reading about this process won’t change your life.

If it helps, send me a note and let me know you are committing to follow along and do this work over the next few weeks. 

Or follow my lead and find a buddy who also wants to take this journey. 

Make the commitment to another human. 

Then follow through so you don’t let them (or yourself) down. 

Do the work. You won’t regret it.

P.S. The next cohort of Thriving Leaders Circle starts in early 2026. If you are a newer manager questioning if you’re cut out for leadership, come join us and build the confidence and skillset you need to lead with intention and impact. Click here to learn more!