#216 | End Of Year Review 2025

The end of the year always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? One minute you’re feeling on top of things, the next you’re scrambling for last-minute holiday cards. This week’s chat was all about looking back, taking a beat, and getting ready for another whirlwind 12 months. Some of us pin up vision boards, others just hope for less inbox overflow in January. Different approaches, same hope: that next year feels a little more intentional, a little less frantic, and a lot more doable.

Goals versus resolutions. Yup, there’s a difference. Resolutions feel like strict yes/no rules (“I will not eat sugar!”), which can leave you beating yourself up when life inevitably does its thing. I’m a big fan of goals instead, which let you build momentum, slip up, and keep going. Progress over perfection, every time.

Write goals that are specific and measurable. Vague statements make it easy to fudge your progress; “read more books” is a start, but “read one book a month” gives you a way to check your progress and celebrate along the way. And don’t overlook the goldmine of accountability. Whether it’s texting a friend or setting reminders for regular check-ins, having someone else in your corner makes all the difference.

Celebrate wins and mute the noise. Take time to appreciate your success without jumping immediately to the next big thing. Hit 5 pushups? Toast with your favorite tea! Read your first book? Share it with your group. And remember: comparison is the thief of joy! Muting friends who spark more jealousy than joy on social media is absolutely allowed.

Pencil in a couple of hours just for you before December 31 to think through what you want out of next year. Choose one or two “big, hairy, audacious goals” (BHAGs) and keep the rest accessible, you don’t need ten massive challenges on your plate. Be gentle with yourself, avoid negative self-talk (if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself!), and find people who cheer you on. Let’s make the new year amazing together!

Timestamps:

8:46 goals or resolutions? Are they the same or different

16:04 What Type of Person are You?

19:39 Goal Structure Choice: SMART (the remix)

30:55 Is this a BEHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal) or Accessible?

35:35 Must do by the End of the Year

44:45 Cut out Negativity to Achieve Goals

Links:

Books:

Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (big fan of the audio version)

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley

The Tell by Amy Griffin

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Resolution tracking app: STREAKS

If You Enjoyed Today’s Episode:

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