Before You Plan Next Year, Look Back at This One.

The end of the year brings that familiar rush — new goals, new plans, new to-do lists. But before you race ahead, it’s worth hitting pause.

Because the smartest way to plan your future is to understand your past.

This week on The Better Business Podcast, I’m talking about strategic reflection — how to look back with clarity before you plan ahead with purpose.

1. Celebrate What Worked

Don’t skip over your wins.
Ask yourself — what went well this year, and why?

When you identify what made something successful — the process, the people, the consistency — you can build on it next year intentionally.

Encourage your team to share their proudest moments and call out both the results and the behaviors that made them happen. That’s how you reinforce what “good” looks like.

2. Learn From What Didn’t

Every business has its misses — and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t blame, it’s learning.

Ask yourself — where did we overcommit?
What kept us busy but not productive?
What are we pretending not to see?

Reflection without judgment is how we grow without burnout.

3. Invite Feedback

Your team sees things you don’t.
Ask them:

• What slowed you down this year?

• What should we stop, start, or continue?

• What’s one thing we should do differently next year?

When you listen without defensiveness, you’ll get insight that can completely shift your next year’s priorities.

4. Set the Stage for Smarter Planning

Once you’ve reflected, then start planning.
Focus on what’s still relevant, what’s realistic, and why it matters.
Because your “why” keeps your goals grounded when life gets busy.

Before you plan next year, take time to look back.
You’ll end the year with gratitude — and start the next one with clarity.

🎧 Listen to the full episode → HERE

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