And that was 2024... So how was your career this year?
Time to reflect, rest and reset ahead of 2025
This is a free Lead with Intention post for all subscribers.
Thursday’s paid post will arrive as usual this week (I’ve got a great topic to get you thinking over the holidays), and then we’ll be taking a short break, so I can do exactly what I want you to do over this period - reflect, rest and reset!
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for subscribing this year - it means such a lot to me personally AND professionally, and I’ve got some really juicy leadership topics lined up for 2025! So I can’t wait to share more about what we’ll be covering and how this newsletter can support you in your career.
And so to today’s post… As the year comes to a close, it’s a natural time to pause, take stock, and look ahead. For many of us, the pace of work can often mean rushing straight into the next year without reflecting on the one that’s just passed. And we’ve all had that experience of our appraisal being delayed, and delayed and delayed…
BUT meaningful progress - whether’s it at work or in your personal life - starts with intention.
So let’s make space to reflect. Grab a cuppa, or a Prosecco, settle down in a comfy armchair and let’s go…You may want to journal during this process (I produce The Confident Leader journal for participants in my group coaching programme of the same name, and it’s available here if you want it!), but a blank sheet of paper works just as well - or a voice note.
Your Professional Year in Review
Start with these reflective prompts to look back on 2024:
What were your proudest professional moments this year? Take time to celebrate these wins. What actions, decisions, or mindset shifts made them possible? How can you build on these successes?
Where did you feel stretched or challenged? Consider moments when you were pushed out of your comfort zone. What did those experiences reveal about your resilience, adaptability, and areas for growth?
What skills or strengths did you develop this year? Whether technical, strategic, or interpersonal, which new tools are now part of your leadership toolkit?
Who or what supported you the most in 2024? Reflect on the colleagues, mentors, or personal habits that helped you thrive. How can you show gratitude or deepen these connections?
What patterns held you back this year? Did you notice recurring obstacles like overworking, perfectionism, or underestimating your impact? What could shift if you addressed these patterns?
What did you learn about yourself as a leader or professional? Think about both successes and stumbles. What values, priorities, or insights became clearer this year?
What do you want to leave behind in 2024? Perhaps certain habits, thought patterns, or roles no longer serve you. What will you consciously release to create space for something better?
Take a moment to jot down your thoughts without judgement. Reflecting with honesty and curiosity sets the stage for meaningful progress.
Setting Your Intention for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, let’s think about the kind of professional year you want to create. I’ll talk more about this in January, but here are some coaching prompts to help you get started.
Who do you want to be as a leader in 2025? Imagine your best, most impactful leadership self. What qualities will define you? Consider words like ‘confident’, ‘strategic’, ‘empathetic’, or ‘decisive’ - what resonates with you?
Where do you want to be professionally by this time next year? Visualise yourself at the end of 2025. What role are you in? What successes have you achieved? Who’s recognising your work? Be specific about the outcomes you desire. If you know me, you’ll know I’m obsessed with outcomes!!
What challenges or gaps do you want to address? Are there skills, habits, or confidence gaps holding you back? What resources or support will you need to overcome them?
What do you want to do more (or less) of next year? Think about what energises you and what drains you. Which tasks, habits, or activities will you prioritise? What boundaries will you set?
What kind of relationships do you want to cultivate? Who do you want to learn from, collaborate with, or influence? How will you invest in building these connections?
How do you want to feel in your career? Fulfilled, confident, purposeful, recognised, or at ease? What would need to happen to create those feelings consistently?
What is one big goal or intention that excites you for 2025? Don’t be afraid to aim high. What could achieving this goal make possible for you and your career?
Take the time to write your answers down, and allow yourself to dream without limits. This process isn’t about getting it all figured out, but setting intentions that reflect your values and aspirations for your career.
Take the First Step
If you want to head into the new year with greater clarity, confidence, and momentum, start with one small step today. Choose just one reflection or intention from above and identify a single action you can take this week to move towards it. I’m a huge fan of this approach, as it stops us feeling like we have to “eat the elephant” in one bite. And if you followed along in the summer on our Atomic Habits book club, you’ll know this is core to that approach. Start small and build, consistently.
Here’s to a year of intention, growth, and leadership. I can’t wait to see what it holds for you!
Louise