#21 - Another Year in the Books

Welcome to the 21st edition of The MAD Performance Newsletter, in which I'll share thoughts and resources that can help you towards a more Mindful and Deliberate way of approaching life, leadership, learning and high performance.

As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024, taking a moment to reflect on the past year can be a powerful exercise. By pausing to assess what’s been, we can better shape what’s ahead. Below are some of my 'go-to' questions to help guide your reflection. You might choose to answer just one, or dive into all of them. Either way, this is your opportunity to pause, learn, and plan for a purposeful 2025.

1. What were my most meaningful experiences this year, and how have they shaped my perspective? Consider the moments that mattered most—events that reshaped your beliefs, reaffirmed your values, or altered your outlook on life.

2. How have my relationships evolved, and what have I learned about myself through them? Reflect on personal and professional relationships. How have your connections with those you live with, love, or work alongside grown or changed? What has this revealed about you?

3. What habits or routines did I develop this year, and how did they affect my well-being? Think about the habits you’ve formed, good or bad. How have they impacted your health, happiness, and performance? Which habits will you carry forward, and which might you leave behind?

4. When did I step outside my comfort zone, and what did I learn? Growth often happens at the edges of familiarity. Recall moments when you faced a challenge or fear. What did these experiences teach you about your resilience or potential?

5. If I had my time again, what would I do differently? Reflect on decisions or moments you’d handle differently. Most challenges reappear in some form—how will you use this year’s lessons to approach them differently next time?

6. How would I sum up 2024 in a word, theme, or lesson? Distilling the year into a single concept can bring clarity. What will this theme teach you as you set your goals and intentions for 2025?

This year-end review isn’t just about looking back—it’s about using the past to inform and inspire your future. Here’s to a reflective close to 2024 and a purposeful start to 2025.