How to Do Your Annual Self-Review
An annual self-review is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.
Throughout life, we encounter many forms of evaluation—from report cards in school to performance reviews at work. A self-review, however, is different. It’s a chance to reflect inwardly, free from external expectations or judgments. For me, a thoughtful self-review feels like a form of therapy. It helps me practice gratitude for the past year, evaluate my growth, and set a clear direction for the year ahead.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different tools and processes for self-reviews. Here are some of my favorite resources to guide your journey:
1. The Year Compass
This is my current favorite template for self-reviews. The Year Compass strikes a balance between reflecting on the past year and planning for the next. Its workbook format encourages thoughtful, detailed responses, and I prefer to either print it out or use my reMarkable tablet for writing.
One exercise I love is reviewing my calendar from the past year. It’s like taking a guided tour through the last year, revisiting moments I might have forgotten. While this can be time-consuming, I find it immensely rewarding. I recommend spreading The Year Compass process over several sessions in the final weeks of the year. Taking breaks—especially when transitioning from reflection to planning—is helpful to keep a clear head and not feel rushed.
2. The Personal Annual Review – Sahil Bloom
This is a simple, streamlined approach featuring just seven questions, all focused on the past year. While it doesn’t help with planning for the future, it excels in deep reflection. One question that stood out to me was: “What did I not do this year because of fear?” It challenged me to confront areas where I held myself back and think about how I can overcome those barriers moving forward.
3. Downshift’s Annual Review – Steven Schlafman
New for 2024, this template takes a different approach. Unlike other reviews that emphasize goal-setting and optimization, Downshift focuses on reconnecting with yourself. Its description says it best:
"It’s not about adding more to your plate or finding new ways to optimize yourself. Instead, it’s an invitation to pause, reconnect with who you are beneath the achievements, and discover what emerges when you lead from a place of wholeness rather than constant striving."
While I haven’t tried this format yet, I’m excited to give it a shot this year.
Final Thoughts
The specific format you choose for your annual self-review isn’t as important as committing to the process itself. Reflecting on your journey takes time and effort—especially during the busy end-of-year period—but it’s an investment in yourself that is well worth it.
Here’s to a year of growth and gratitude.