5 Questions Every Professional Should Ask Before the New Year

The end of the year always seems to sneak up on us. One moment, we’re basking in the summer sun, and the next, we’re tangled in fairy lights, wondering where the last 12 months went. In the rush of festivities and deadlines, it’s easy to let the year slip by without pausing to take stock. But before you dive headfirst into January, it’s worth asking yourself some important questions.

Think of these questions as a personal audit, a chance to reflect, refocus, and reset. Because let’s face it, the New Year isn’t just about resolutions (which, let’s be honest, we often abandon by February); it’s about entering the next chapter of your life with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or figuring out your next move, asking the right questions can make all the difference. So, grab a cup of tea, find a quiet corner and let’s explore the five questions every professional should ask before the New Year.

1. What Did I Achieve This Year?

Before you start planning for the future, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Yes, even if it doesn’t feel like you’ve done much. Achievements don’t always have to be monumental they can be as simple as learning a new skill, surviving a tough project, or maintaining your sanity in a high-pressure environment.

Reflect on the wins, both big and small. Did you lead a successful project? Strengthen relationships with colleagues? Finally figure out how to unmute yourself on Zoom without panicking? Write them down. Acknowledging your achievements not only boosts your confidence but also reminds you of your progress even if the year didn’t go as planned.

Take inspiration from Emma Raducanu, who went from being a relatively unknown tennis player to winning the US Open in 2021. Her rise wasn’t part of a carefully scripted plan, it was the result of hard work, resilience, and being prepared to seize the moment when it came. Your year might not include a Grand Slam, but chances are, you’ve had your own victories worth celebrating.

2. What Did I Learn This Year?

Every year brings lessons, whether we’re ready for them or not. Some are uplifting, like discovering a strength you didn’t know you had. Others are painful, like realising a strategy didn’t work or a goal wasn’t realistic. But here’s the thing: growth often comes from the lessons we least expect.

Think about the challenges you faced this year. What did they teach you? Perhaps you learned better ways to manage your time or discovered the importance of setting boundaries. Maybe you realised the power of saying no,or the courage it takes to say yes.

Even when things don’t go to plan, there’s value in the experience. Take Steve Jobs, for example. When he was fired from Apple in 1985, it could have been the end of his career. Instead, he used that detour to found new companies, hone his skills, and eventually return to Apple stronger than ever.

So, ask yourself: what did this year teach you about your career, your goals and yourself? Write it down it’s likely to shape how you approach the year ahead.

3. Am I Still Aligned With My Goals?

Life has a funny way of changing our priorities. What felt important at the start of the year might not resonate with you anymore and that’s okay. The end of the year is the perfect time to check in with yourself and ask: Am I still on the right path?

Consider where you are in your career. Are your current goals still aligned with your values and aspirations? Or have you outgrown them? Maybe you’ve realised you want more flexibility in your work-life balance, or perhaps you’re itching to take on a new challenge.

Michelle Obama once said, “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.” Your goals should evolve with you. If they no longer fit, don’t be afraid to adjust them.

4. What Held Me Back?

This question requires a bit of honesty and maybe a pinch of humility. Looking back on the year, what stopped you from achieving everything you set out to do? Was it a lack of time, resources, or confidence? Or was it something more internal, like fear of failure or procrastination?

Identifying the obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them. If time management was an issue, consider strategies to organise your workload better. If self-doubt crept in, think about ways to build your confidence whether it’s through mentorship, training, or simply reminding yourself of what you’ve already achieved.

And don’t forget to look at external factors too. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control  like a global pandemic or industry shifts can derail our plans. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you had to adapt.

5. What Do I Want From the Year Ahead?

This is the big one. Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to look forward. What do you want to achieve in the coming year? And more importantly, why do you want it?

Setting meaningful goals is about more than ticking boxes,it’s about aligning your actions with your values. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, starting a side hustle, or simply taking better care of yourself, make sure your goals are rooted in what truly matters to you.

And remember, progress doesn’t have to be dramatic. As author James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Focus on building habits and systems that support your long-term vision, rather than chasing quick wins.

The end of the year isn’t just a time for resolutions and parties, it’s a chance to reflect, recalibrate and refocus. By asking yourself these five questions, you can enter the New Year with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of direction.

So, as you sip that glass of mulled wine or write your next to-do list, take a moment to pause. Celebrate your progress, learn from your challenges and set yourself up for a year that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Because at the end of the day, your career isn’t just where you’re going it’s how you grow along the way. And that’s something worth celebrating. 😊