End of Year Reflection Questions: 40 Prompts to Look Back
The last weeks of the year are a good moment to stop and look back. Not to grade yourself, but to notice what happened, what you learned and what you want to carry forward. A few honest questions can do more than a long list of resolutions.
Below are 40 end of year reflection questions in five groups, a simple method for answering them in about an hour, and ideas for turning your answers into a few small intentions for next year.
How to use these questions
- Pick a quiet hour. A Sunday morning or a weekday evening works. Put your phone in another room.
- Bring something to write with. A notebook, a printed page or a journal. Writing slows you down in a useful way.
- Choose 8 to 10 questions. You do not need to answer all 40. Start with the ones that make you pause.
- Write short answers. One honest sentence is enough.
- Close with three intentions. Use the section at the end to turn answers into plans.
Prefer a visual? Our free Year in Review reflection wheel is a 12-month circle you color in, with a page of six questions. If you are new to writing, start with how to start a journal.
Looking back: the year as a whole
- What surprised me most this year?
- What am I proud of that nobody saw?
- What was the hardest moment, and what helped me through it?
- What was the best day of the year, and why?
- What did I learn that I did not expect to learn?
- What did I finish, and what did I let go of?
- Which month felt the most like me?
- If this year were a chapter title, what would it be?
Energy and habits: what fills me up and what drains me
- What gave me energy this year?
- What drained me, and could I say no to it next time?
- Which habit helped me the most?
- Which habit do I want to stop or change?
- How did I spend my mornings, and do I like it?
- When did I feel most rested?
- What small routine am I glad I kept?
- Where did my time actually go, compared with where I wanted it to go?
If your mornings need a reset, our slow morning routine ideas are a gentle place to begin.
People: who made the year better
- Who made the year better for me?
- Who did I want to see more of, and what stopped me?
- Who did I help, and how did it feel?
- Is there someone I need to thank?
- Is there a conversation I have been avoiding?
- Which relationships do I want to give more attention to?
- What did I learn about how I show up for others?
- What kind act do I still remember?
Work, learning and creativity
- What did I work on that I want to keep doing?
- What skill did I grow, even a little?
- What did I start and not finish, and do I still want to?
- What would I do more of if I had no fear of failing?
- What advice would I give to myself at the start of this year?
- What did I make or create this year?
- What am I curious about right now?
- What would make my workspace feel better? A few ideas are in our desk setup upgrades guide.
Looking ahead: next year
- What do I want more of next year?
- What do I want less of?
- What is one thing I will say yes to?
- What is one thing I will say no to?
- What would make next year feel good, not just productive?
- What is one small thing I can start this week?
- Who do I want to be around more?
- If I could change one thing about how I spend my time, what would it be?
Turn your answers into three intentions
Resolutions often fail because they are too big. Instead, read your answers once and underline the ideas that came up more than once. Then write three intentions:
- One to keep: something that worked this year.
- One to change: a habit or pattern you want to adjust.
- One to try: something new, as small as you like.
You can also choose one word for the year, such as slow, brave or steady, and place it somewhere you will see it every day.
Make it visible: a calendar for what comes next
Once you know what you want, put it on a calendar. A 2027 wall calendar like the Your Story Is Still Unfolding calendar or the Make Space for Good Things calendar keeps your plans in view. Not sure which size? See our wall calendar size guide. You can also print your own planner pages with our guide to printing a PDF planner at home.
A journal also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who likes to reflect. See gifts for journal lovers and planners for more ideas. Everything in our shop is made to order, with about 3 to 5 business days of production, plus about two extra business days for non-apparel items, before shipping.
Reflecting with a partner or family
- Pick one question each and answer them aloud over dinner.
- Write one thing you appreciated about each other this year.
- Have each person choose one word for next year and share it.
- Keep your answers in an envelope and read them next December.
End of year reflection FAQ
When is the best time to do a year-end reflection?
Anytime between mid-December and early January works. Many people choose the quiet days between Christmas and New Year.
How long does it take?
About an hour for 8 to 10 questions. You can also split it into short sessions over several days.
What if the year was hard?
Start with the questions about people and small wins. A hard year still holds things worth noticing, and it is fine to skip questions that feel too heavy. If you are struggling, consider talking with someone you trust or a professional.
Should I set goals or resolutions?
Three small intentions are easier to keep than a long list. Choose one to keep, one to change and one to try.