The Ultimate Year-End Reflection Journal Prompts

It’s hard to believe it, but the end of the year is almost here. This is the perfect time to do some year-end reflection; take a look back at all you accomplished this year, what you wished you had accomplished but didn’t, and set the foundation for next year. It helps you pause and grow with intention. It also helps give you closure, and say goodbye to this year.

This may seem daunting, we understand. But, that’s why we’re here to help. You don’t have to do this all in one night; you should start now and then take it day by day. Each day – whether it be in the morning, during lunch, or at night, answer a different year-end reflection question.

Really think about your answer and be true to yourself. That’ll help you really know what you like, what you didn’t like, and then what you want to do different next year.

17 Journal Prompts for Your Year-End Reflection

It’s important to ask yourself the right questions. So, to help you out, here’s the ultimate year-end reflection journal prompts. Answer these – really, truly, truthfully answer there – and you will be putting yourself on a great path for the year to come.

Looking Inward

1. What moments this year made me feel the most alive or fulfilled?
   Think about when you truly felt your best; the moments that made you the happiest. What were those, and how can you recreate them and/or expand on them next year?
2. What brought me peace this year? And, what disturbed my peace?
   Hold tighter the things that brought you peace, and then leave the things that disturbed your peace in this year (if you can!). If you can’t, figure out some ways you can distance yourself from the things that disturb your peace in the new year.
3. What goals did you not meet this year? What were the external and internal factors that prevented them from being met?
   Most people don’t hit all their goals in one year. But, you can take a step back and figure out why you didn’t meet them. Through this year-end reflection, if you have these goals again next year, you know what not to do.
4. What does “success” look and feel like for me in the year ahead?
   Your definition of success now may be different than what your definition of success was earlier this year. Figure out what your new definition of success is, and strive to achieve that in the new year.
5. How did I take care of my physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
   This question will also help you determine if you did actually take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being this year. If you didn’t this year, you know where to start improving on for next year!
6. When did I feel most like my authentic self?
   Think about that moment you felt the most like you – who were you with? What were you doing? How can you continue to replicate that feeling in the new year?
7. What drained my energy, and what fueled it?
   By knowing this, you know what you should be doing more of and what you should be doing less of next year.
8. What’s one thing you did that you were afraid to do before? How did you feel afterward and what’s the next fear you want to conquer?
   We’re not talking big fears like jumping out of an airplane (unless you did that this year, and if you did – congrats!). It could be little fears, too. Give yourself the kudos you deserve.
9. What limiting beliefs or habits did I begin to let go of?
   You grew this year, from the beginning of the year until now. With that growing, you probably let go of some things, or should we saw “grew out of.” Focus on this for a bit so you know just how much you’ve grown.

Year-End Reflection Looking Outward

1. What lessons do I want to carry with me into the new year?
   Instead of asking yourself what bad happened this year, think of it as a learning opportunity. You learned from all of the mistakes you made, so think about what you learned, and how you can remember that in the new year.
2. Who or what do I need to forgive (including myself)?
   Holding a grudge – whether for someone else or for yourself – weighs heavy on you. You don’t want to have to carry that weight with you into the new year if you don’t have to. It’s important to forgive yourself, too. Start the new year off with love for yourself!
3. If I could sum up this year in one word or phrase, what would it be – and why?
   This one may be harder than you think, but it can really help you put the year into perspective.
4. What challenges did I face this year, and what did they teach me about myself?
   Obstacles are part of life. You were bound to have some – whether major or minor – this past year. Reflect on them, but even more so reflect on what they taught you, especially about yourself.
5. Who showed up for me this year, and how can I show appreciation for them?
   It’s important to know who really is in your corner; not just the ones who show up during the fun times, but the ones who showed up during the not so great times, too.
6. What unexpected blessings or “happy accidents” shaped my year?
   We’re sure this year had moments that happened that you didn’t expect and you were happily surprised by then. Focus on that for a bit during your year-end reflection, and think about how they came about.
7. What am I most grateful for that happened in the past 12 months?
   It’s so important to be grateful; we’re sure there were many good things that happened this past year. You may not feel like there was, but asking yourself this will really help you put things into perspective.
8. What’s one quality you admire in a friend you made this year? What do you like about that quality and what does that say about you?
   You probably made at least one new friend this year. Think about them for a bit and how well they fit into where your life is right now.

Final Thoughts on a Year-End Reflection

With another year behind you, choose to do a year-end reflection to set you up for better success in the year ahead. We hope these simple prompts will help get you started.

Remember, you don’t have to use all of these prompts as they may not suit your situation. Decide which prompts will serve you best and let them enlighten your view on this past year.

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