It is such a busy time of the year; We run from office deadlines to nativity plays followed by Christmas parties. There are gifts and meals still to be organised. Who dares to carve out a minutes from this hectic time to reflect on the past year and set some intentions for the year ahead?
I do ✋
And why? Because work takes up a significant chunk of our lives. It shapes our sense of identity, our confidence, and daily routine. Yet it’s surprisingly easy to slip into the new year without pausing a moment to appreciate what we have and what needs adjusting.
Before rushing into goals, plans or resolutions for 2026, I’d like to invite you to spend some time looking back at 2025 — with honesty and compassion.
Looking back at 2025
Here are some prompters you could ask yourself. Alternatively, the good old notepad and pen with a cup of coffee for simple journalling is equally powerful.
- What gave you the biggest joy at work this year?
Think about specific moments rather than general roles or titles. Was it a conversation, a project, a sense of progress, a feeling of contribution, or perhaps the people you worked with?
For me, it has always been the people I was surrounded by. Having changed into coaching (a rather isolated career) this really meant consciously finding a new community again.
- What are you proud of from this year?
Think of difficult situations you may have had or boundaries you set for yourself. Perhaps you applied for a new role that you thought would not be within reach.
I’m proud that I gave myself the permission to focus on one project at a time, rather than juggling everything at once. It gave my brain a much clearer focus than it is used to. But it also meant letting go of things.
- Which moments gave you flow?
When were you unable to stop working at a task? Reflecting on this questions gives valuable insights about your strengths and enjoyable skills.
I experienced a new sense of flow in design and creation. I’m aware they are part of my personality and yet I often neglect them.
- What drained your energy the most?
Notice what consistently felt heavy, frustrating or misaligned with your values. Where did you spend more than you had in your tank?
I got held up in research and couldn’t let go until I had all the information collated. This often meant late evenings still in front of the laptop, which then caused me to not be able to sleep.
Allow your answers to be as thorough or simple as they come to you. This exercise is just about taking a few minutes to put your mind to rest and gain valuable insights for the new year.
Noticing what needs to change and setting intentions for 2026
Once you’ve reflected on what was, your attention may naturally turn to what you’d like to be different.
A useful question here is: What is one thing you would love to change going forward?
Keep it simple. Naming one meaningful shift is more powerful and a lot easier to action than creating an overwhelming list.
That change might relate to how you spend your time, the boundaries you hold, the type of work you say yes to, or the environment you are in.
If you want to dig a bit deeper, you could also ask yourself:
- What am I tolerating at work that doesn’t feels right?
- What do I want more of in my professional life?
- What feels non-negotiable for me right now?
These reflective questions can easily be translated into intentions, which are different from goals. Goals focus on outcomes; intentions focus on how you want to show up and what you want to honour.
An intention could be as subtle as creating more space, trusting yourself more, or choosing environments that support rather than drain you. It might also be about giving yourself permission for something or honouring certain values more.
A closing thought
Career happiness evolves. What felt right a few years ago may no longer fit.
Taking time to reflect signals that your time, energy and wellbeing matter — and that how you spend your working life deserves conscious attention.
If this reflection brings up questions, uncertainty or a sense that something needs to shift, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sometimes, creating space to think things through with support is the most valuable step forward.
If this content resonates and you would like support with reflecting on your career or shaping what comes next, you’re very welcome to connect with me.
Career change coaching 