The year that was: a different way to reflect on your business
As the year winds down, there’s no shortage of posts telling you to review your goals, celebrate your wins, and set new intentions. But let’s be honest—most small business owners are already knee-deep in to-do lists, exhausted from the year’s challenges, or just trying to tie everything up neatly before a much-needed break.
This isn’t one of those posts.
Instead, let’s take a different approach to reflecting on your year. One that’s practical, to the point, and actually helps you move forward.
1. What didn’t work, and why
It’s tempting to gloss over the tough bits when reflecting on the year. But this is where the real lessons are hiding. Ask yourself:
What drained your time, energy, or resources without giving much back?
Where did you say yes when you should have said no?
Which investments—whether time, money, or energy—didn’t give the returns you hoped for?
Action: Pick one thing to do differently next year. Don’t try to fix everything, just one.
2. What are you still doing that you don’t need to?
We all have things we keep doing because we think we should. But maybe you don’t need to.
Which services, products, or clients no longer fit with where your business is going?
Are there tasks you could automate, outsource, or just stop doing?
Action: Let go of something that isn’t serving your business.
3. Where is your real profit?
Forget about revenue targets for a moment. Focus instead on what’s truly profitable. Ask yourself:
Which clients, services, or activities brought in the most profit with the least hassle?
What were the quick wins this year?
Action: Double down on the most profitable areas next year, and think about cutting back on the ones that take up too much time and energy for little return.
4. Did your business give you what you needed?
Your business is part of your life—not your whole life. Take a moment to reflect:
Did your business give you the freedom you wanted this year?
What’s one thing you loved about running your business this year?
What’s one thing you hated and want to change?
Action: Decide on one personal goal your business needs to support next year—whether that’s taking Fridays off, spending more time with family, or working fewer evenings.
5. Clear the decks before the new year
Don’t wait until January to get organised. A quick business clean-up now will make a huge difference:
Archive the emails, files, or data cluttering up your systems.
Send any overdue invoices or reminders.
Write a “stop doing” list for next year.
Action: Start the new year with fewer distractions and a clear head.
The big picture
End-of-year reviews don’t have to feel overwhelming or full of fluff. By focusing on what really matters—what worked, what didn’t, and what you want moving forward—you can step into the new year feeling clearer and more intentional.
Next year doesn’t have to be about doing more; it can be about doing better.
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