Your Best Year Yet

How to Have Your Best Year Yet: A Reflective Approach to Personal and Professional Growth

In this blog, we’re diving into the transformative concept of creating your Best Year Yet, inspired by the book Your Best Year Yet by Jenny Ditzler. This powerful approach to reflection and planning has become a cornerstone of our personal and professional journey, and we’re excited to share how you can use it to elevate your life.

Why Reflect and Plan for Your Best Year Yet?

We first came across this concept five years ago during a particularly challenging time. Stumbling upon this book was a game-changer, giving us a framework to assess the past year and make intentional plans for the next. The process is more than just setting resolutions; it’s about taking a deep dive into what worked, what didn’t, and how to create meaningful change.

The Core Questions for Reflection

The foundation of this method lies in ten core questions. By answering these honestly and thoughtfully, you gain clarity on where you stand and how to move forward. Here are a few key questions to get you started:

1. What did you accomplish this year?
   Take time to celebrate your wins. Reflect on both personal and professional milestones, even the small ones. If you’ve been tracking your achievements throughout the year—whether in a diary, planner, or app—you’ll find this step more rewarding and less daunting.

2. What were your biggest disappointments?
   Identifying your disappointments isn’t about dwelling on the negative. Instead, it’s an opportunity to uncover patterns and learn from them. Reflect on why these were disappointments and what you can do differently in the future.

3. What did you learn this year?
   Growth comes from learning. Take note of lessons you’ve gained from experiences, books, conversations, and even failures. Write these down and revisit them regularly to stay grounded in your progress.

4. How do I limit myself, and what areas of my life need improvement?
   Self-limiting beliefs often hold us back. Reflect on how you might be sabotaging your success. Break down your life into areas such as relationships, health, career, and personal development, and assess where you’re not achieving what you want.

The Power of Collaboration

This process is even more impactful when done with others. Whether it’s a business partner, spouse, or family members, sharing your reflections after completing them independently can lead to powerful conversations and fresh perspectives.

For families, this can also be a meaningful exercise to involve children. Encouraging them to reflect on their accomplishments and set goals can instill a mindset of growth and positivity early on.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Resolution

Unlike traditional New Year’s resolutions, this method starts with a review of the past year before planning the next. It’s not about setting vague goals like “get fit” or “be happier.” Instead, it’s about intentional, actionable planning that stems from reflection.

For us, the process has become a tradition. While some do this on New Year’s Eve, the timing isn’t as important as the commitment to doing it. We’ve also integrated monthly evaluations to ensure we stay on track and adjust plans as needed.

Reflecting on Personal Values

• Purpose: Understand what drives you and what you stand for. Misalignment with personal values often leads to disappointment or friction in decisions.

• Application:

  • Identify your core personal values.

  • Recognize when past disappointments stemmed from compromising these values.

  • Discuss and align values with partners (business or personal) for clarity and unity.

Defining Life Roles

• Examples of Roles:

  • Father/Mother

  • Husband/Wife

  • Friend

  • Director/Leader

  • Coach/Mentor

• Task: List up to eight significant roles you play in your life. It’s okay to have fewer than eight.

Scoring Your Roles

• The Wheel of Life:

  • Each role is placed on a circular diagram (the "Wheel of Life").

  • Score yourself on a scale of 1 (inner circle) to 10 (outer circle) for each role.

  • Reflect carefully and avoid impulsive scoring.

• Partner Feedback:

  • Invite feedback from relevant individuals for each role (e.g., family, team members).

  • Be prepared for discrepancies between your self-assessment and external evaluations.

• Example:

  • A husband scores himself 8/10 but receives feedback of 3/10 from his spouse. This indicates a need for alignment and improvement.

Identifying Focus Areas

• Main Focus: Choose 1-2 roles to prioritize in the coming year. It's unrealistic to excel in all roles simultaneously.

• Planning for Balance:

  • Communicate your focus with those affected by your decisions (e.g., family, team).

  • Accept that some areas may receive less attention temporarily.

Setting Goals for Each Role

• Primary Focus: Define comprehensive goals for your priority role(s).

• Secondary Roles: Create smaller, achievable goals for the other roles.

• Examples:

  • Family Role: Commit to monthly family gatherings.

  • Personal Health: Ensure consistent sleep patterns or schedule annual health checkups.

Reflection and Iteration

• Review Regularly: Reflect on your scores and progress periodically.

• Adapt Goals: Adjust based on feedback, new circumstances, or shifts in prioritie

Summary:

1. Reflection on Achievements and Disappointments:

   • Take time to evaluate personal and business accomplishments.

   • Identify disappointments and the reasons behind them.

2. Learning from Experiences:

   • Reflect on lessons learned.

   • Understand self-imposed limitations and areas that fell short.

3. Staying Focused on Goals:

   • Avoid distractions from "bright, shiny objects."

   • Make decisions aligned with core values and long-term objectives.

4. Setting the Stage for Next Year:

   • Define personal values and major roles (up to eight).

   • Identify a single major focus and goals for each role.

   • Create a list of top ten goals for the coming year.

5. Evaluating Goal Achievement:

   • Understand why goals from the previous year were or were not achieved.

   • Use this evaluation to set benchmarks and plan effectively.

6. Creative Goal-Tracking Idea:

   • Keep a "goal jar" where you save pictures or mementos of achieved goals.

   • Reflect on these at the end of the year for a positive review.

7. Practical Advice for Execution:

   • Consider doing the exercise before New Year's Eve.

   • Break the process into manageable sessions as it can be time-intensive.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflecting on the past year is not about criticism but learning and growing.

• Align decisions and goals with personal values and long-term plans.

• Plan with clarity to ensure success and avoid distractions.

• Celebrate small wins and accomplishments creatively, like using a goal jar.

• The structured process is inspired by the book The Best Year Yet by Jenny.

Start Your Best Year Yet Today

If you’re ready to transform your year, grab a copy of Your Best Year Yet and dive into the process. Whether you’re facing challenges or simply want to build on your successes, this reflective approach will give you clarity and direction.

Remember, the best time to start planning your best year is now. Take that first step, reflect, and set your sights on a year of growth, achievement, and joy.

Let’s make this your Best Year Yet!