As we approach the end of the year, it can be tempting to rush ahead and start planning what you want to achieve in 2026. But before you jump into goal-setting mode, it’s important to pause and reflect on the past 12 months. Taking stock of the highs and lows, what worked well and what you would do differently creates the foundation to set meaningful goals. A powerful way to do this is to ask yourself these 5 coaching questions based on your experiences of 2025.
1. What are you proud of achieving this year?
Think back over the past twelve months and identify the moments when you were at your best. Pride is useful data. Focus on big successes and remember to celebrate the small wins as well. It could be mentoring a colleague, managing a difficult conversation with a customer or negotiating a pay rise. Write these achievements down, reflecting on why they made you feel proud. Then give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. We are often our own harshest critic, so taking the time to celebrate your successes is a powerful way to boost your confidence.
2. What strengths or hidden talents did you discover about yourself?
We often underestimate the skills that come naturally to us. When something feels effortless, we mistakenly assume others find it easy too, leading us to undervalue it. These could be your differentiators. A common example of this is having strong relationship building skills. Failing to see your true worth is surprisingly common, so think about how colleagues and customers would describe you. This could be a safe pair of hands, collaborative, a strong communicator or a great listener. If you’re unsure, be brave and ask a trusted friend, mentor or manager for feedback to give you a clearer appreciation of your strengths and skills.
3. What challenges have you faced and what did you learn from them?
Given the uncertainty of the last year, many of us have faced situations that have tested us. These could be in your personal or professional life. Perhaps you’ve learnt that you were calm in a crisis and could draw on your self-reliance to manage stressful situations. Or maybe you’ve discovered the importance of asking for support when times are tough. Whatever the scenario, when things don’t work out as planned, take the opportunity to review the situation and ask yourself what you would do differently next time.
4. Can you think of any barriers that have stopped you from moving forward?
Take a moment to identify the main obstacles or challenges that are holding you back this year. These may be practical barriers such as childcare responsibilities or emotional ones such as fears or self-limiting beliefs. The assumptions you make about yourself or the world that stop you from moving forward. Naming these barriers will be the first step towards addressing them by taking action, getting support or shifting your mindset.
5. What will your start, stop and continue to do next year?
Reflect on your current habits, behaviours and mindset to help you identify what action you need to take next year.
Start: What new habit or behaviour will you embrace in the new year?
Stop: What behaviour no longer serves you?
Continue: What’s already working well?
By answering these 5 coaching questions and reflecting on your performance in 2025, you will be in an even stronger position to set more meaningful goals and achieve even greater things in 2026.
Afterall resolutions ask for willpower, but reflection gives insight, choice and momentum—and that’s where real, lasting change begins.
