Year in Review: 8760 hours
“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” Robin Sharma
By the end of a whirlwind year, it’s easy to lose track of where the last 365 days went. Most of us are so busy running to the next meeting or dealing with the next crisis that we rarely stop to ask, Am I living a life I truly want? That’s why taking a minute to reflect is so important. Reflection creates clarity. "Life is like an empty field. With intention it becomes a garden, without it weeds and debris will take over. Something will grow either way, but it’s your choice what takes root." - John Steinbeck
For me, the annual review process is a 10-year-old ritual—it’s non-negotiable quiet time to examine how I spent my time, energy, and focus. Alongside my note taking habit, this practice has been the single most life-changing habit I have adopted. It’s more than a productivity exercise; it helps me connect the dots between seemingly unrelated parts of my life to help me grow forward.
The process often reveals hidden patterns—joys I didn’t realize brought me energy or habits that quietly drained me. It can really deepen your gratitude and remind you how far you’ve come from a challenge. But the real power of reflection lies in what it allows you to do next: make smarter decisions for the future.
Without this reflection time, we end up running on autopilot. And autopilot doesn’t lead to transformation—it leads to repetition. That’s how we wake up one day and realize we are living the same year 75 times. “We do not learn from experience...we learn from reflecting on experience.” ― John Dewey
The Annual Review
An annual review isn’t about dwelling on the past; it’s about using the past to build a better future. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but these questions can guide you:
Wins and losses: What were your top 10 highlights? What were your 5 biggest frustrations/disappointments?
Energy audit: What gave you energy? What drained it? What brought you the most joy?
Lessons learned: What did you learn about yourself, others, and life?
Courage check: What did fear hold you back from doing?
Time investments: What was your best use of time? What was your worst
Gratitude: What people, things and life experiences are you most grateful for?
Looking Ahead: Design the Year You Want
Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to look forward. Ask yourself:
What do you want more of next year?
What do you want less of?
Where do you want to grow? What skills or habits do you need to develop?
Who do you want to spend time with?
How do you want to be remembered?
Complete your annual review. Brew a cup of coffee, grab a notebook, and spend an hour with yourself. By the time you’re done, you’ll have more than insights—you’ll have a vision for where you want to go, who you want to spend time with and who you want to become.
Check out our annual review templates.
There are 8760 hours in a year. We each have the same amount to spend them how we choose. Each moment precious because it can’t be replaced. Although some are more memorable than others, all too many of them are wasted.
Don’t let another year slip away without intention. Finish the annual review, it will change your life.
Notes that Resonated
Stop trying to be spectacular. Start being consistent. FS brainfood
If you want new ideas, read old books (Ivan Pavlov)
You only improve what you measure
Proverbs 27:19… As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects their heart
Your income is directly correlated to how much value you create. (Dickie Bush)
"Let everything happen to you: Beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final." - Rainer Maria Rilke This too shall pass So, enjoy the ride, because it'll be over in a flash.
Leadership is the one critical ingredient that changes the world!
Goals always live on the other side of an obstacles or challenge; along the way, make no excuses and place no blame and you will get there
When it starts with God it ends in victory when it starts with me it ends in defeat
When you refocus on God, he refills you
Things to read
Lead Like it matters to God - Richard Stearns
Stearns, drawing from his extensive experience as a CEO in both corporate and non-profit sectors, identifies seventeen key values essential for effective leadership. Leadership is the one critical ingredient that changes the world… "Good leaders can change the world in remarkable ways” and God is calling us to join him to change the world.
Videos to watch
Key Takeaways:
Quarterly Quests: Top 3-5 goals for the quarter
Weekly reset: time to review the week and review priorities
Top 3 priorities for the week
Morning Manifesto: (2 min)
Top 3 priorities
What is the most important thing I need to do today (daily adventure)
Set the intention for the day)
Only 2 min invested
Focus log: Write down how many min. you spend doing the thing.
Standing Order Social events: Weekly standing event for group of people who ever shows up does
Market Update
Mortgage Rates Spike as Debt Costs Soar: Is the Fed Losing Control?
This is Fed week, and it comes with high stakes as inflation, labor market data, and soaring government debt costs dominate the headlines. Here's what you need to know about the shifting economic landscape and what it means for the Federal Reserve's next moves.
Inflation is on the rise
Employment numbers are continuing to soften
Us debt is at record levels
Bonds are driving Mortgage Rates Up
READ THE FULL MARKET UPDATE HERE
Top Quotes
“Your life is what your thoughts make it” - Marcus Aelius
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margret Mead
Things to Discover
Great for kids… Something fun to do during the Christmas break
Food & Drink
Cool Stuff
WOW robotics helping everyday people climb mountains easier. AI, Robotics and gear all working together to take you to new levels