A Self-Reflection Exercise
A Year-End Self-Reflection Exercise You’ll Actually Want to Do
A gentle tool to help you realign your energy, your choices, and your career direction in 2026.
December brings a unique kind of pause that tiny pocket of space between who we were this year and who we’re becoming next year. And while the world often tells us to do a dramatic reinvention, the truth is: clarity comes from reflection, not reinvention.
This month, I want to offer you something simple an exercise that feels good to do, helps you understand yourself better, and gives you a clear foundation for 2026.
Grab a notebook, your favourite drink, and carve out 15–20 minutes. Think of this as a conversation with yourself.
The Alignment Check-In . A Self-Reflection Exercise
This framework uses three simple pillars:
✨ What Worked
✨ What Didn’t
✨ What Sparked Energy
But we’re going to explore them in a way that feels refreshing, honest, and even a little fun.
1. What Worked — The Wins You Might’ve Missed
Reflect on the moments where things felt easy, aligned, or supported you.
Ask yourself:
What projects, habits, or choices made me feel proud?
Where did I surprise myself?
What made my days feel smoother or more meaningful?
What conversations or relationships strengthened me?
Write down at least 3 things.
Big or small, they all count.
Bonus prompt: What do these things reveal about what you value?
2. What Didn’t Work — With Compassion, Not Criticism
This isn’t about listing failures.
It’s about noticing what drained you so you don’t carry it into 2026.
Consider:
What constantly felt heavy or out of alignment?
What habits or commitments created friction or stress?
What did I keep doing out of obligation, not intention?
Where did I overextend myself?
Circle one thing you’re ready to release next year.
Bonus prompt: If letting it go feels hard, why? What story are you telling yourself about it?
3. What Gave You Energy ? Your 2025 Bright Spots
This part is my favourite because your energy never lies.
Reflect on:
When did I feel happiest this year?
What moments made me feel purposeful or alive?
What environment, people, or activities boosted me?
When did I feel most like myself?
Highlight the top 3 energy-givers.
Those are the things your future self wants more of.
Bonus prompt: How can I intentionally protect or create more of these moments in 2026?
The Thrive Alignment Framework: Your 2026 Check-In Tool
To help you carry this practice forward, here’s a simple framework you can reuse throughout the year. Think of it as a monthly (or quarterly) reset.
The 3×3 Alignment Tool
Each month, jot down:
3 Things That Helped Me Thrive
What supported your growth, peace, confidence, or clarity?
3 Things That Drained Me
What pulled your energy, attention, or joy?
3 Things I Want to Intentionally Prioritize Next Month
These can be habits, boundaries, goals, or even emotions.
This quick check-in helps you stay aligned, aware, and connected to what matters most without overhauling your life.
Why This Exercise Works
✔ It’s simple
✔ It’s honest
✔ It reconnects you to who you are, not who you think you should be
✔ It prevents misalignment before it builds
✔ It helps you shape your year with intention, not pressure
And most importantly: it turns reflection into a tool, not a chore.
A Gentle Closing Note
As you reflect on your year, remember this:
You grew in ways you didn’t even notice. You adapted. You learned. You tried. You cared.
And sometimes, that’s the kind of success we forget to celebrate.
2026 doesn’t need a reinvention just more of what brings you back to yourself.
