What’s Your 2024 Story?
7 Reflective Questions to Close the Year with Purpose and Begin 2025 with Clarity
Take a moment to be with yourself. Reflection is a vital tool for growth and personal development.
“Resolutions come and go, but growth? That’s forever."
Stories Matter..
It’s the end of the year, which, for me, means it’s time to reflect. Taking a moment to sit and ask yourself questions can be so important because it can show you how you feel about your position. So as 2024 comes to a close, I’m giving you seven questions to ask yourself while you begin to reflect on what 2025 could look like for you.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-red-typewriter-1995842/
1. What is a challenge you overcame this year?
It could be big. It could be small. Perhaps it’s professional, or something personal.
Maybe you mastered a new skill that’s going to make you more effective in your job. Maybe you finally had a difficult conversation with a family member. Or maybe you got your living room to feel just the right amount of cozy.
I overcame the fear of expressing myself. While I’m not fully there yet, I’ve started to open up more, trying to share my thoughts and feelings more freely with my loved ones—a challenge I don’t often take on.
I know you’ve done hard things this year.
Now that you’ve thought of them, I have a follow-up question for you:
What did that challenge teach you?
Look at what you learned from it, and how that can inform what you want to achieve in 2025.
2. What is a surprise you dealt with?
Think about how you handled the unexpected this year. Allow that to embolden you for what’s to come.
For me, it was starting to share my writing publicly. Writing itself wasn’t new to me, but putting it out there for others to see was a big and unexpected step. I surprised myself with the courage I found to take that leap this year.
When you reflect on how you overcame hard things in your past, you’re better equipped to face tough times going forward.
3. What’s something you bought in 2024 that you love?
Think about this: much of what you own or have experienced was once money in your pocket which was likely earned by time spent working. So take a moment and think about something you’re grateful that you invested your time and work into.
Was it a nice coat? A therapy session? A trip? Celebrate it! So often, we beat ourselves up for spending money. I’m asking for the opposite.
When you focus on the things you’re happy you invested in, that will help you prioritize your spending in the new year.
"Reflection bridges where you’ve been and where you’re going."
4. What’s the best book you read or podcast you listened to this year?
I didn’t read many books this year, but I’m setting the intention to read more in 2025. However, there are two books I returned to repeatedly for their timeless lessons and inspiration.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This book captivated me with its simplicity and profound power. Its inspiring message continues to resonate deeply with me.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: I started this book at the end of 2023 and finished it in early January. It felt as though this book chose me, offering profound spiritual depth and a connection to the deeper aspects of life through Yogananda’s experiences and teachings.
5. What are your blind spots for next year?
What’s something you’re unaware of? What are the unknown unknowns?
For me, it’s about learning to trust more and giving myself (and others) more chances. Trusting the process and opening up to new possibilities can feel daunting, but I know it’s an area where growth is waiting for me—and I’m standing at the door, just beginning to open it.
Maybe you’ve just entered a new relationship, or you’re facing challenges at work. Acknowledge the things you don’t yet know. Instead of letting them intimidate you, see them as opportunities for learning and growth.
6. What made you the happiest in 2024?
Sometimes it can seem like the year has been a real slog. But I know you have had beautiful moments this year.
For me, it was being present in the moment—something I hadn’t felt fully in years. This year, I found myself truly there in some moments, enjoying and embracing them. It felt like time wasn’t just passing by in a blur of work, but instead, it held meaning and joy.
I’m also deeply grateful for what I have. Gratitude has a way of grounding you, making you humble and happy as you realize just how much you already have—if only you take the time to notice.
Our minds can sometimes forget the joy. But when we actively revisit those moments, they grow stronger, becoming powerful sources of inspiration for the days ahead.
7. Who’s the person you couldn’t have gotten through this year without?
For me, it’s my family and my friends—the ones who’ve been with me for so many years, through all the ups and downs. I’m deeply grateful for them and for this beautiful life we share. It’s so important to appreciate what we have, and I try to remind myself of that often.
This year, I make sure to express my gratitude. On my closest friend’s birthday, I sent them a message letting them know just how special they are to me. I’m grateful for how far we’ve come together, and I cherish the bond we share.
If you haven’t shared your gratitude with someone important in your life yet, could you go ahead and tell them right now?
Photo by NEOSiAM 2024+: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-plumeria-flower-on-water-580871/
I hope these questions help you as you reflect on where you are in your journey.
Have a warm and happy end of the year, and I’ll talk to you in 2025.
"When you revisit moments of joy, they become powerful points of inspiration."
Challenge for the Week
My challenge is to truly take the time to reflect on these seven questions. When you’re ready, let me know what your biggest takeaway is.
"Every surprise you’ve faced this year has made you stronger for the next."
With Gratitude
🤍💛