2020 has stretched all of us unlike any year in history
COVID-19
Social Distancing
Work From Home
The Election
Unemployment
Black Lives Matter
It's time to turn the page by reflecting on 2020 and setting intentions for 2021
The Ultimate Annual Review is an actionable blueprint to conduct your own self-paced annual life review. You'll explore the challenges you faced, what you learned, and what you desire in the new year.
A Five Step Journey 1. Moments & Milestones 2. Reflections & Learnings 3. Current Life Assessment 4. Intentions for 2021 5. Planning for 2021
Gain a holistic perspective of where you've been and where you want to go
Brought to you by @schlaf
The Ultimate Annual Review was created by Steve Schlafman. He's a Coach, Angel Investor, and Founder of High Output, a leadership development company based in New York. He lives for helping founders and creators bring their visions to life. You can learn more about Steve here.
⚠️ Before You Get Started
Download The Template
Join Our Workshop
**Sold Out** Join Schlaf and a small community of peers for an interactive two-session workshop on December 14th and January 4th. Click here for more details.
Tips & Tricks
Recruit a group of friends or family for accountability
Give yourself ~2 weeks to finish the process
Block out several 1-2 hour slots on your calendar
View this as an investment in yourself and your future
Find a quiet space and a comfortable chair
Turn off your mobile devices and wifi
Play music that energizes and/or inspires you ( 🌊)
Be bold, honest, and genuine (BE YOU)
Move through the exercises at your leisure
Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process
Feedback & Questions
At any point in the process, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or feedback. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Exercise 1: Moments & Milestones
Create a timeline that plots your major moments, milestones, and memories
Est Time: 30-60 Minutes
Plot monthly or quarterly
Data Sources
Calendar
Journal
Social Media
Photos
Health Apps
What were your major moments, milestones, and memories?
Volunteered
Took a risk
Started a habit
Got Married
Lost weight
Moved cities
Changed jobs
Protested racism
Took a course
Founded a startup
Welcomed a baby
Learned to cook
Complete Your Timeline
January - March
- Moment & Milestone 1
- Moment & Milestone 2
- Moment & Milestone 3
April - June
- Moment & Milestone 1
- Moment & Milestone 2
- Moment & Milestone 3
July - September
- Moment & Milestone 1
- Moment & Milestone 2
- Moment & Milestone 3
October - December
- Moment & Milestone 1
- Moment & Milestone 2
- Moment & Milestone 3
Exercise 2: Reflections & Learnings
Answer the questions to help you reflect on your experience and key learnings
Est Time: 60-75 Minutes
Go inward and be patient
Success & Growth
1️⃣ What am I most proud of personally and professionally?
2️⃣ What new skills and/or habits did I develop?
3️⃣ What were the biggest obstacles I overcame?
4️⃣ How am I different?
Falling Short
1️⃣ What goals didn't I accomplish? What got in the way?
2️⃣ What do I wish I accomplished?
3️⃣ What habits or interests held me back?
People & Relationships
1️⃣ Which relationships have been the most fulfilling?
2️⃣ Which relationships have been the most draining?
3️⃣ When did I feel most connected or most alone in relationships?
Health & Wellness
1️⃣ What activities supported or degraded my health?
2️⃣ When was I at peace, satisfied, or content?
3️⃣ When did I feel the most alert and energetic?
4️⃣ When did I feel the most tired, or in discomfort or pain?
Lessons & Themes
1️⃣ What were my top lessons learned?
2️⃣ How do you describe this year in 3-5 keywords?
3️⃣ What am I most thankful for?
Exercise 3: Current Life Assessment
Assess your life across 10 dimensions to gain perspective on your present situation
Est Time: 30-60 Minutes
Capture your level of satisfaction
Give each a value from 1-10
1 means “highly unsatisfied”
10 means “couldn't get any better"
Identify what you want to focus on
Life Assessment Board
| Category | Question | Value | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
Health | How does your body and mind feel? | ||
Family & Friends | How do you feel about the quality of relationships in your life? | ||
Love | How do you feel about romance in your life? | ||
Money | How do you feel about your financial situation? | ||
Career | How do you feel about work and your career trajectory? | ||
Spirituality | Are you connected to something bigger and greater than yourself? | ||
Personal Growth | How much time do you invest in self-improvement? | ||
Fun | How much time do you devote to recreation and fun? | ||
Technology | How does technology play a role in your life? | ||
Environment | How do you feel about your physical environment? |
Reflections
1️⃣ How do I feel about my life when I look at my board?
2️⃣ Which 2-3 dimensions do I want to focus on in 2021?
Exercise 4: Intentions For 2021
Define, visualize and plan what you want in 2021
Est Time: 60-90 Minutes
Be bold yet realistic
Intentions
1️⃣ What is my purpose for next year?
2️⃣ What 2-3 goals do I want accomplish? What's important about them?
3️⃣ Who do I want to become?
4️⃣ What personal qualities do I want to strengthen?
5️⃣ What do I want to learn?
Moving On
1️⃣ What do I want or need to shed?
2️⃣ What no longer serves me?
3️⃣ What do I need to walk away from?
4️⃣ What will I say no to?
Habits & Behaviors
1️⃣ What habits / behaviors do I want to start?
2️⃣ What habits / behaviors do I want to stop?
3️⃣ What habits / behaviors will I continue?
Fears & Obstacles
1️⃣ How will I step out of my comfort zone?
2️⃣ What permission do I need to give myself?
3️⃣ What obstacles will I face and how will I overcome them?
Relationships
1️⃣ Who in my life deserves more attention?
2️⃣ Which existing relationships do I want to focus on?
3️⃣ Who do I want to reconnect with?
Exercise 5: Planning For 2021
Determine your action plan to create momentum in early 2021
Est Time: 45-60 Minutes
This is the last step!