5 Questions to Guarantee Your Best Year Yet

What if I told you that this coming year could be your best year yet? Imagine a year of high impact, immense growth, and deep satisfaction—for both you and those around you. Sounds exciting, right? It’s entirely possible, and today, I’m going to share five powerful questions to help you set the stage for your most rewarding year yet.

I believe this next year can be your year.

Now, you might be thinking, “Kara, you don’t know the challenges I’m facing—personal struggles, financial difficulties, or that tough situation at work.” You’re right; I don’t know your specific circumstances. But here’s what I do know: those challenges are external variables. While you can’t control everything happening around you, you can control one critical factor—you.

You can control the steps you take each day to:

• Manage external challenges.
• Grow personally and professionally.
• Develop your leadership skills.

The truth is, comfort is the enemy of progress. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. Whether it’s pushing your body in a workout, navigating new leadership challenges, or stepping outside your familiar routines, growth costs something. It costs time, energy, and effort—but the results are always worth it.

So how do we ensure the year ahead is different? How do we guarantee it’s a year of growth and impact? Start by asking yourself these five questions.

1. What Were My Highlights?

Take a moment to reflect on the meaningful moments of the past year. What stood out to you? These highlights might include personal milestones, professional achievements, or even challenges that taught you something valuable.

An easy way to jog your memory is to scroll through your camera roll from January onward. It’s amazing what you’ll rediscover—things you accomplished, experiences you cherished, or moments that slipped your mind.

Last year, I started a new tradition: creating a yearly family story. I went through my photos, noted the highlights, and compiled them into a journal entry. Seeing the entire year at a glance gave me new insights, filled me with gratitude, and helped me appreciate the growth and progress we’d made.

As a team exercise, you could do the same—review each month together and identify the meaningful moments that shaped your year.

2. What Were My Wins?

Beyond the highlights, think about the specific accomplishments you’re proud of. What went really well?

As we approach a new year, it’s easy to focus on what we lack or want to change, starting from a mindset of deficiency. Instead, reflect on the habits you’ve built and the goals you’ve achieved. Celebrate those wins—they’re the foundation you’ll build upon. If we can determine what went well we can replicate it and start the year with success. 

3. What was missing?

If we look at our highlight reel we might notice that we did things that weren't in alignment with our priorities and values.  Maybe we did great things, but were they the most important to us? So as you reflect, think about what you need to do more of, or less of, to make sue you are focusing on the right things. Diluted focus leads to diluted results. 

4. What are your goals?

Once you know where you are, it’s time to define where you want to go. What goals will you set for the year ahead?

There’s often debate about whether goals or habits are more important. I believe in both. Goals give you direction, while habits provide the structure to get there. Without a clear destination, it’s hard to measure growth.

5. What Habits Will Get Me There?

Finally, think about the daily habits that will move you toward your goals. Even if you don’t achieve everything you set out to do, consistent habits ensure measurable progress.

For example, I’m coaching a highly successful leader who’s making an intentional investment in her growth. She’s working on her brand as a leader, addressing interpersonal challenges, and stepping out of her comfort zone. Why? Because she knows success isn’t about staying comfortable—it’s about continually leveling up.

Your Best Year Awaits

This past year might have been a survival year for you, or maybe it felt like you were just cruising. But this next year can be different. By reflecting on your highlights and wins, assessing your current state, setting clear goals, and building intentional habits, you can create a year that’s both impactful and rewarding.

Growth isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Let’s make this your best year yet.

Take these five questions, carve out some reflection time, and let’s make the next 12 months extraordinary. Ready to get started? Let me know your highlights and goals in the comments below!