5 Reflection Questions to Shape Your 2025 Goals
Reflection can be confronting, can’t it? Especially when we ask ourselves the hard questions—the ones without neat, tidy answers. But these moments of honesty are where the real insights live. They ground us, guide us, and get us genuinely excited for what’s next.
As we approach 2025, I want to invite you to join me in taking stock—not the highlight reel of achievements, but the deeper lessons. Let’s dig into the moments that surprised you, stretched you, or even knocked the wind out of you. Together, we can uncover powerful insights to carry forward into the new year.
Below are five reflection questions designed to help you pause, reset, and lead with clarity in 2025.
1. What’s the one promise you made to yourself this year but didn’t keep?
We’ve all been there—a bold goal or commitment that didn’t make it across the finish line. Sometimes, these promises fall victim to busyness. Other times, we intentionally walk away when our priorities shift.
Ask yourself:
- What held me back from keeping this promise?
- If I abandoned it intentionally, what new priorities emerged, and do they still hold true for 2025?
Understanding these answers can help you identify what truly matters as you step into the new year.
2. When was the last time you did something for the first time?
When did you allow yourself to be a beginner this year? As leaders, we’re often expected to have all the answers, but growth comes from asking better questions and embracing “not knowing.”
For me, this year’s awkward learning curve was AI. I’ve committed to exploring new tools weekly and integrating small applications into my work. What I’ve learned is simple: the best teacher is doing.
Now, reflect:
- When did I try something entirely new?
- What did it teach me about myself?
Growth happens when we challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones.
3. What feedback changed you for the better?
Feedback is a gift. In high-care, high-performance cultures, feedback signals investment in someone’s growth, not just their comfort.
Think about the feedback you received this year:
- What was the most impactful piece of feedback?
- How did it change the way you approached a challenge or improved a skill?
If you’re unsure, consider creating opportunities for feedback in 2025—it’s one of the fastest ways to grow.
4. What genuinely surprised you this year?
Surprises often mark turning points. Whether it’s a personal breakthrough, a professional pivot, or a new perspective, surprises can reveal where our expectations need recalibration.
Ask yourself:
- What surprised me most in 2024?
- How did it challenge my assumptions or expand my thinking?
Follow these breadcrumbs—they might lead you to unexpected opportunities in 2025.
5. What are you leaving behind as you step into 2025?
What’s no longer serving you? Whether it’s a habit, a fear, or even a belief, letting go can be a powerful way to start fresh.
Try this exercise:
- Write down the baggage you’re ready to release.
- Create a small ritual—tear up the paper, burn it, or shred it as a symbol of moving on.
Letting go with intention clears space for what truly matters in the year ahead.
Why Reflection Matters
The lessons of 2024 are your foundation for 2025. By taking the time to reflect, you’ll step into the new year with clarity, purpose, and momentum.
What will you carry forward? What will you leave behind? And what bold steps will you take into 2025?
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