Hello Everyone!
I hope you’re doing well as we wrap up this year.
I’ve been reflecting on the incredible work nonprofits do, and I’m truly inspired by the resilience and dedication I see from leaders like you.
As we close out 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about how we make space to celebrate what went well while also learning from the things that didn’t go quite as planned. It’s something I’ve been working through myself. Let me tell you about where this idea comes from:
I spent a lot of time this year supporting nonprofits as they navigated big questions about their work—questions like:
- What’s actually working for us?
- What’s holding us back?
- What do we want to achieve in the next year, and why?
What I’ve learned is this: the most impactful organizations are the ones that take time to reflect deeply and act with intention.
Here’s a framework I’d love for you to try as you reflect on 2024. Take a few moments to consider these three simple questions:
1️⃣ What went well?
- What strategies or initiatives drove success this year?
- How did you measure progress or impact?
2️⃣ What didn’t go as planned?
- Where did you encounter challenges or gaps?
- What were the biggest barriers to success?
3️⃣ What lessons did we learn?
- What would you do differently next time?
- How can these insights inform your plans for 2025?
Pro Tip: Use metrics and feedback to guide your reflection. 📊
Ask yourself:
- What data points or outcomes show us where we thrived?
- What feedback—whether from staff, partners, or the communities we serve—can help us improve?
This framework is simple but powerful. It creates a space to pause, reflect, and connect with what’s really driving your mission.
In the Loom video below, I’ll walk you through this process in more detail and share examples of how you can put these insights into action for 2025.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s one thing that you’re celebrating from this year? Drop a comment below—I’m here to cheer you on.
In Partnership,
Dr. Cassandra
P.S. Remember, reflection isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward with clarity and purpose. Let’s make 2025 your organization’s most impactful year yet. 💡✨