A Year-End Career Stock-Take (Review or No Review)

Whether you're having a performance review or not, the end of the year is a good time to take stock - a simple reset before you head into the new year.

If you're not sure where to start, here's a structure that actually works:

1. Start with your achievements

• Pick your top three wins.

• Link them to something measurable or meaningful.

• Ask yourself: what changed because of your work?

2. Call out your strengths

• Where did you show up well?

• What feedback stood out?

• What skills got sharper?

3. Be honest about the tough parts

• What challenged you?

• Where did you feel stretched or stuck?

• What support or training would make next year easier?

4. Set three goals for the new year

• Nothing vague - choose goals you can track and maintain.

• One career goal, one skill goal, one working-style goal is a good start.

5. Gather the evidence

• Your calendar, emails, CRM notes, project wins, feedback from clients or colleagues - it's all useful.

• This is where you'll find the real story of your year.

This works whether you're walking into a formal review or just want a clearer sense of where you stand and what you want from the next 12 months.