The end of the year is always a great time to pause and reflect — and when it comes to your career, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment to look back at what you’ve accomplished, how far you’ve come, and where you want to go next. Whether you’re fresh out of college, just starting your first job, or somewhere in between, reflecting on your career journey so far can help you celebrate your wins, understand your challenges, and set powerful goals for the year ahead.
Ready to dive in? Here’s your self-assessment guide to help you reflect on your career progress, set exciting new goals, and make the most of your career journey!
1. Celebrate Your Wins!
First things first, let’s take a moment to celebrate all that you’ve achieved this year — no matter how big or small. Think back to your first day at your job or internship. Did you conquer something new, like leading a project or mastering a new skill? Did you receive positive feedback from a colleague or manager? Or maybe you just survived the first few months of adjusting to a new work environment!
Tip: Write down three things you’re most proud of this year. These could be accomplishments at work, skills you’ve developed, or even how you’ve handled challenging situations. Take pride in these moments — they show how much you’ve grown and what you’re capable of!
2. Reflect on the Challenges
As much as we love celebrating our wins, it’s also important to acknowledge and learn from our challenges. After all, some of the most valuable lessons come from the obstacles we face. Maybe you struggled with time management, navigating office politics, or balancing work and personal life. Whatever the challenge, don’t shy away from it. It’s all part of the process.
Tip: Think about one challenge you faced this year and how you overcame (or are still working through) it. What did you learn from the experience? What could you do differently next time? These insights are key to growing in your career.
3. What Skills Did You Gain?
One of the best ways to track your growth is by looking at the new skills you’ve picked up along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new software, improving your communication skills, or learning how to navigate difficult conversations, skill-building is essential as you progress in your career.
Tip: Make a list of the new skills you’ve learned this year. These could be technical skills (like Excel or coding) or soft skills (like networking or time management). Once you’ve identified them, think about how you can continue to build on them next year.
4. Where Did You Struggle?
While it’s tempting to focus only on what went well, identifying areas where you struggled can be just as important. Maybe you found it hard to prioritize tasks or struggled with imposter syndrome. The good news? Recognizing these challenges is the first step in tackling them head-on in the future.
Tip: Pick one area where you struggled and make a plan for how you can improve next year. Whether it’s asking for more feedback from your manager, setting clearer boundaries, or seeking out mentorship, having a strategy will help you overcome this challenge next time.
5. How Are You Feeling About Your Career?
Take a moment to think about how you’re really feeling about your career right now. Are you excited about your path and the opportunities ahead? Or do you feel uncertain about where you’re headed? Reflecting on your emotional connection to your career can help you assess whether you’re on the right path or if it’s time to make a change.
Tip: If you feel great about your career, that’s awesome! Keep doing what you’re doing and think about how you can keep the momentum going. If you feel unsure or unhappy, it might be time to re-evaluate your goals, explore other opportunities, or talk to someone who can offer advice (like a mentor or career coach).
6. Set Your Goals for the New Year
Now that you’ve reflected on this past year, it’s time to look ahead and set some career goals for the new year. These goals should be specific, achievable, and exciting. Whether it’s landing your next promotion, networking more, or gaining a new certification, setting clear goals will give you a roadmap for the year ahead.
Tip: Use the SMART goal method to set clear goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get better at networking,” set a goal like, “I will attend at least one professional networking event per month and connect with three people at each event.”
7. Make a Plan to Keep Growing
Your career is a journey — and just like any other journey, it requires ongoing growth and development. Identify areas you want to continue improving, whether it’s your technical skills, leadership abilities, or work-life balance. Building a growth mindset will help you stay motivated and focused on continuous improvement.
Tip: Create an action plan for your goals. What steps do you need to take to achieve them? Do you need to take a class, ask for a new project at work, or find a mentor? Breaking down big goals into smaller, actionable steps will keep you on track.
8. Reflect on Your Work-Life Balance
Finally, as you reflect on your career, remember that work-life balance is key. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and making time for self-care, friends, family, and hobbies is just as important as excelling at work. Take a moment to assess whether your work-life balance is where you want it to be and make adjustments if needed.
Tip: If you feel like work has been taking over your life, think about small ways to improve your balance. Maybe it’s scheduling “me time” every week, or setting clearer boundaries between work and personal time. The goal is to feel energized and fulfilled both at work and in your personal life.
Cheers to You!
As you look back on the year, take a moment to celebrate everything you’ve learned, achieved, and experienced. Whether you’ve had major career milestones or simply gained a deeper understanding of what you want from your career, it’s all part of your personal growth.
No matter where you are in your career, remember: You’re building the foundation for your future success. So, reflect, plan, and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished. The next year is another opportunity to grow, succeed, and create even more career wins!
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and crushing your goals!