The 10 question annual review is a end-of-year ALearningaDay tradition. Here’s how it works in 3 steps –
1. We carve an hour out over the next few days to “look back and look forward.” If we have past versions of the annual review, a recommended approach is to start the hour with a quick skim of past versions.
2. We work with 10 questions – with a suggested split of 4-6 between looking back and looking forward. 10 questions helps ensure we get to the depth required for insight while ensuring it doesn’t feel daunting. In case it helps, I have shared the 10 questions I use below and have a Google doc version if you’d like to download, edit, or print.
3. We archive our notes for next year – if we write out answers to the 10 questions, then we keep the sheets in a place we will be able to access next year. If we type it, we just need to make sure it is stored on Dropbox/G Drive or some place it will never get lost.
This annual review hour is one of my favorite parts of the year. I have annual reviews with responses to a version of these 10 questions from 2010 and looking back is an exercise that inspires humility, gratitude, and many a broad grin.
And, of course, doing this can be even more fun if you decide to share some of your notes with folks you care about/those who featured in your review.
I hope you’re able to try it this year and I look forward to hearing how it goes.
Part I – Look back
1. The Theme or peak moment – One word/line descriptions:
a) 2018 was the year of
b) 2019 will be the year of
Runners Up Theme or peak moment
a) 2018 was also the year of
b) 2019 will also be the year of
2. What were my 3 greatest successes/memories from 2018?
3. What were my 3 biggest lessons learnt from 2018?
4. How did 2018 fit in to the big picture/contribute to the big dreams in my life? (i.e. did any dots connect?)
Part II – Look forward
5. What are 3 themes I am thinking about for 2019? Are there any “process goals” I want to commit to?
6. What skills do I want to develop in 2019 (personal and professional)? What actions am I going to take to develop them?
7. Who/what were my biggest sources of inspiration/learning/energy this year? Are they high on my priority list to engage with (if they are people) or to do (if they were actions) for 2019?
8. Who were my personal/professional board of directors/advisors/sponsors this year? How do I plan to engage with them in 2019?
9. What have I got planned in 2019 to prioritize rest and renewal (e.g. holiday plans, weekend activities, hobbies)?
10. What are my 3 most important core beliefs or principles? And, are my goals for 2019 aligned with these core beliefs?
