The One Thing You Need to Do Before 2024 Ends

About Brilliance Brief

Hi friends! If you’re new here, this is your go-to source for practical, no-nonsense advice. Each week, I share real-world tips from my years in the C-Suite and now as an entrepreneur—helping you lead with confidence, grow your career, and live with purpose.

Today at a Glance

• 3 questions to uncover the lessons 2024 taught you.

• How to turn failures into mini-masterclasses in growth.

• Looking for my library of 70+ cheat sheets? It’s here. Enjoy!

[4-min read]

The Art of Reflection: Lessons From the Year You’ll Want to Remember

The end of the year is the perfect time to pause.

Not just to celebrate your wins (though you absolutely should!).

But to reflect, learn, and prepare for what’s next.

Most people either skip this step or keep it vague: “It was fine” or “Could’ve been better.”

But reflection can be so much more.

Done right, it helps you uncover what truly mattered, identify what worked (and what didn’t), and reset for a stronger 2024.

Here’s how to make it simple—and meaningful.

1️⃣ Start With 3 Simple Questions

Forget lengthy questionnaires. Instead, ask yourself:

• What energized me this year?
  Think about what made you feel alive, curious, or deeply satisfied. These are clues to what you should prioritize more.

• What drained me?
  Reflect on situations or habits that sapped your energy. Can you minimize or eliminate these?

• What surprised me?
  Surprises often reveal what you’ve outgrown—or what you’re ready to embrace.

2️⃣ Look for Patterns, Not Just Moments

Your year’s true story isn’t in isolated events. It’s in the themes.

• Did procrastination show up whenever a particular task loomed?

• Was there a pattern of joy tied to specific people or activities?

💡 Pro tip: Check your calendar, photos, or journal entries (if you keep one). Sometimes, your habits reveal more than your memory.

3️⃣ Celebrate Progress Where It Counts

Not all wins are external. Promotions and milestones are great, but what about the quieter victories?

• Did you handle a tough conversation better than last year?

• Show resilience when it mattered most?

• Learn a new skill that makes you better equipped for the future?

These wins reflect growth—the kind that’s transferable to every part of your life.

4️⃣ Redefine "Failures"

If there’s one thing we avoid revisiting, it’s failure. But failure is just feedback wrapped in a tougher package.

Reframe it:

• What didn’t go as planned? Why?

• What did I learn from it?

• What would I do differently next time?

Treat every “failure” like a mini-masterclass in resilience and self-awareness.

5️⃣ Use Lessons to Set Better Goals

Reflection isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward.

• Double down on what worked.
  If morning workouts gave you energy, how can you make them a daily ritual?

• Address what didn’t.
  If late nights left you drained, how can you improve your boundaries or routines?

• Set intentions, not rigid resolutions.
  Guiding principles like “Prioritize my health” or “Say yes to opportunities that scare me” can be more powerful than a checklist.

6️⃣ Make Reflection a Habit

Don’t save reflection for year-end. Build it into your routine:

• Weekly: A quick journal entry or mental check-in.

• Monthly: A short review of your wins and challenges.

• Annually: A deep dive like this one.

✨ Bonus Insight: Don’t Reflect Alone

Some of the best insights come from others. Ask someone you trust:

• “What do you think I did well this year?”

• “What’s one thing you think I could improve on?”

Their perspective might surprise you—and help you grow in ways you hadn’t considered.

A Final Thought

Reflection isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning, growing, and adjusting.

Your year wasn’t flawless, and that’s okay. What matters is what you take away from it.

So, grab a coffee (or hot chocolate), a notebook, and an hour for yourself. You’ve earned it.

Here’s to learning from yesterday, living fully today, and building a tomorrow you’ll love.

Until next week, lead with heart,

Justin