The end of the year always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re cranking through projects, and the next, you’re staring down January 1st. This is when it’s tempting to scribble out some vague resolutions—“Get in shape,” “Work harder,” “Be better”—and call it a day.

But if you want real change, you have to go deeper. For me, this process starts with three simple steps: celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and setting intentional goals.

Celebrate Successes:

Before you rush into what’s next, pause and look back. What went well this year? What wins—big or small—are you proud of? Maybe you tackled a tough project, learned a new skill, or simply showed up when it was hardest to do so. Don’t brush those moments aside. Recognizing your progress builds momentum. It reminds you that you can do hard things, and you’ve got proof.

Learn from Challenges:

Now, let’s talk about the hard stuff. What didn’t go as planned? What knocked you off course? It’s not about dwelling on the negative—it’s about finding the lesson in it. Every challenge you faced this year has something to teach you, whether it’s about your limits, your habits, or what you care about most. If you ignore it, you miss the chance to grow.

Set Intentional Goals:

With those reflections in hand, think about the future. What do you want next year to look like? Be specific—what do you want to learn, build, or change? And more importantly, what daily habits will get you there? Big dreams start with small steps. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress.