The gap between dreamers and builders isn't effort; it's reflection
Every December, I do this: I look back at the year that's ending and take inventory before I move forward. Not because I'm nostalgic, (although I am) but because data shows that people who reflect on their experiences are 25% more effective at solving future problems. Reflection isn't soft. It's strategic. It's how you extract lessons from chaos. It's how you strategize to do better in the future.
I came up with these five questions because they do what most reflection exercises don't: they make you confront what you've been avoiding. The pride we're sometimes hiding. The people who held you together. The baggage you may be dragging into next year. The wisdom you wish you had 12 months ago. These aren't comfortable questions, but comfort is the enemy of growth. Comfort kills, let's grow.
You can answer these questions privately if that feels right. Write them down for yourself, keep them close. But I'll tell you this: one of the most powerful things about this community is what happens when we're vulnerable with each other. When one person opens up, it gives everyone else permission to do the same. So if you're willing, share your answers. And if you're not ready for that, at least drop your answer to number six in the comments. Let's close this year by celebrating each other together.
- If you could summarize 2025 in one word. Which word would you use? And why?
- Who was somebody that showed up for you this year in a way that you didn't expect?
- What's something that you're really proud of from this year that nobody knows about?
- Something that you want to release in 2026 that you should have let go a long time ago?
- If you could go back to January 1st of 2025, what's something that you would tell yourself?
- Big or small, what's something you did this year that's worth celebrating? Small wins matter too.
2026 isn't going to be the same as 2025.
Not only because you'll work harder, but because you'll work smarter,
you'll know yourself better, and you'll have a community pushing you forward.
Let's finish this year strong and step into the next one like we mean it.
I can't thank you all enough for making this community what it's become, we're just getting started.
I'm wishing you all and your families a Happy New Years and a fruitful, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
See you all on the other side! 🥂🫶🏾