Mastering 2024 with a Personal Annual Review

Review and reflection are an important part of the creative process, but one that is often underestimated or completely undervalued. Having those moments where we look at the work we’ve completed and realise how we’ve changed and grown as a result, and what new opportunities or challenges present themselves to us in the future, is part of the process of constant iteration and growth.

An annual reflection is an opportunity to reconnect with our purpose and find a greater sense of clarity, recognise growth, and ensure we’re aligned with our long-term goals. It’s also about being more accepting of change, recognising how we have grown over the year, but also that we want to continue to grow in the year ahead. 

Reflection encourages creative innovation, and it’s something I’ve been doing regularly in the last few weeks of December over the last few years. The tool I use to structure the questions of my annual review is what is called the PERMA Model, developed by positive psychologist Martin Seligman. This model provides a holistic framework for understanding and improving our wellbeing and focuses on five essential elements that contribute to a flourishing and truly fulfilling life. 

• P stands for ‘Positive Emotion’ and emphasises the importance of feeling joy, gratitude and contentment. 
• E is for ‘Engagement’ and encourages us to seek out activities that put us in a state of flow and immerse us deeply in the world around us. 
• R stands for ‘Relationships’, recognising the important role of positive social relationships and communities in our overall wellbeing.
• M refers to ‘Meaning’, encouraging us to find purpose and significance in our actions and behaviours. 
• Finally, A represents ‘Achievement’ or ‘Accomplishment’, recognising the importance of engaging in and pursuing meaningful challenges to foster a sense of competence and growth within us. 

This model emphasises the interconnectedness of all these elements, asserting that a balance between positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement leads to a more robust and inclusive sense of wellbeing. 

The PERMA model is a practical guide to improving our overall life satisfaction and a tool to help us reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead. It can serve as a framework for our personal annual review and provides a nuanced lens through which we can evaluate the different facets of our lives. 

The strength of the model is that it allows us to holistically assess our situation and our progress this year, so that the annual review goes beyond simply setting goals. Instead, this approach encourages us to explore our emotional wellbeing as part of our creative process. It encourages quality social relationships and the pursuit of activities that contribute to a greater sense of purpose as you move towards your personal goal. 

PERMA ensures that every element of a balanced life is brought into focus. Like any other annual review it incorporates a focus on achievements, but it doesn’t stop there, as it emphasises the importance of living in a way that aligns with with our personal values and which fosters a deep sense of purpose. Elements of personal growth such as engagement and purpose are placed centre stage and we’re asked to reflect on how we have developed and what we have learned. 

PERMA can transform our personal review from a mere checklist of achievements into a powerful journey of reflection. It invites us to explore emotions, evaluate commitment, cultivate meaningful relationships, find goals and celebrate successes, encouraging a continuous and adaptive approach to our self-improvement. 

To do your personal review, start by finding a comfortable, private space and take some time to make it really cosy and inviting for you. This could mean lighting a candle or pouring yourself a cup of tea or coffee, perhaps with some music playing in the background. And then sit down with a notebook and write down your answers to these PERMA questions. Trust your instincts and don’t overthink your response. 

Positive Emotions (P):

• What were the most joyful moments you experienced throughout the past year?
• Reflecting on challenging times, how did you cultivate positive emotions to navigate difficulties?
• Did you engage in activities that brought you a sense of contentment and fulfilment?
• How can you incorporate more activities that elicit positive emotions into the upcoming year?

Engagement (E):

• Identify the activities or projects that made you feel completely absorbed and engaged.
• Were there times when you experienced a state of flow, losing track of time while working on something meaningful?
• Did you pursue hobbies or interests that brought a deep sense of satisfaction and engagement?
• How can you structure your daily or weekly routine to include more activities that bring a sense of engagement?

Relationships (R):

• Reflect on the quality of your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
• Were there any conflicts or challenges in your relationships that need resolution or improvement?
• What actions did you take to strengthen existing relationships or cultivate new meaningful connections?
• How can you prioritise and nurture your relationships in the upcoming year?

Meaning (M):

• Consider the goals and values that provided a sense of purpose in the past year.
• Were there moments when you questioned or reaffirmed your sense of meaning and purpose?
• Reflect on activities that aligned with your personal values and contributed to a greater sense of meaning.
• What new goals or areas of focus can you explore to enhance the overall meaning in your life?

Accomplishment/Achievement (A):

• List your significant achievements and accomplishments over the past year.
• Reflect on goals you set for yourself and assess the progress you made toward achieving them.
• Were there any setbacks or obstacles that impacted your sense of achievement, and how did you overcome them?
• What new goals or challenges do you want to set for yourself in the coming year?

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In The Path of Mindful Living: A 21-Day Mindfulness Companion, I lead you through a series of self-guided mindfulness exercises and show you how to bring mindfulness into your daily life. Readers of my blog can download the workbook and pullout charts for only £6.