My Top 10 Accomplishments of 2023
(and prompts to help you write and celebrate your own list!)
The Personal Annual Review
Reflecting on the past year, especially after a period of hard work and significant achievements, is an important and beneficial exercise. An annual review will help you gain self-awareness, enhance your goal-setting skills and promote self-regulation.
Today I’m sharing the structured approach I used to write my list of accomplishments for the year, which will then help you to conduct an in-depth reflection on your own 2023.
My Top 10 Accomplishments of 2024 (and why I’m proud of them)
At the start of 2024, I never imagined I could achieve so much, making these ten accomplishments a source of immense personal pride.
Achieving Sobriety: This took a ton of discipline and commitment since I stopped drinking alcohol in Nov 2022. It has led to better health and mental clarity, and I wish I’d done it long ago. More to come on the Jan 1st special edition!
Improving Physical Health and Fitness Levels: This has always been a struggle for me - I wish I loved working out like some people do. Nevertheless, hard work in exercise and diet changes has lead to tangible health benefits this year. I’ve also embraced the power of health diagnostics as markers of progress.
Starting a Newsletter and Developing Digital Writing Skills: From a 30-day intensive course on digital writing in January through the creation of this newsletter in December, digital writing and content creation has been a great source of creative and intellectual growth this year.
Becoming a Better Partner, Parent, and Friend: I’ve really tried to focus on valuing and deepening connections and have improved relationships in my personal life. I’ve made the most progress within my own 4 walls with this one, which is the most rewarding. Those kids are growing up fast.
Enhancing Leadership Skills in a Challenging Work Environment: I have had to show a good deal professional growth and adaptability to add value as a leader amidst an environment that has been difficult in most industries. Leadership is a journey never completed but I continue to do my best to walk it.
Advocacy in Immigration Reform: I have channeled efforts into trying to make a difference in this significant societal issue by investing in deep learning on immigration. This is a nuanced and complex topic. Being afforded the brief opportunity to engage with members of Congress on it was an unexpected but wonderful bonus.
Achieving a Single-Digit Golf Handicap: A personal triumph in a life-long hobby. This required a total reset of my golf swing - which entailed dedication to practice and willingness to deal with the frustrating parts of the rebuild. I’ve since let it slide back to 11 - so now I can enjoy this goal all over again next year!
Learning AI Art Creation: I was excited to embrace a new, innovative skill that enhances both personal and professional projects. AI image generation is easy to grasp but difficult to master. Installing local environments and learning how to craft prompts was a deep rabbit hole. Now I have a cartoon animal for all occasions!
Deepening Self-Awareness and Mental Health: The journey towards understanding oneself better and improving mental wellness is a hard but difficult path. Continued reflection throughout the year and commitment to learning through self-improvement podcasts have been key for me.
Successfully Navigating Changing Personal Identity: The sum total of the above accomplishments has left me a very different person compared with the start of the year. Making those changes stick required a willingness to recognize, internalize and accept the new version of myself.
Now It’s Your Turn!
I created my accomplishments list using the prompts I’m about to share. Are you ready to dive into your personal annual review with six prompts that could change your perspective on the past year?
Block off some time, find a quiet space then grab a notepad and pen. Let’s go.
How have my health habits affected my overall well-being?
What changes have you made in diet, exercise, mental health practices, and how these have impacted daily life?
What personal or professional goals did I set and achieve?
Think about the goals set at the year's start, successes. How have these achievements felt?
In what ways have my relationships evolved this year?
What changes have you experienced in familial, romantic, and friendly relationships, and what were the factors contributing to these changes?
What new skills or hobbies did I develop?
What new skills did you learn? What hobbies did you pick up? How have they added value to your life?
How did I handle the challenges I faced?
What strategies did you use to overcome obstacles you encountered and what was learned from these experiences?
What lessons have I learned about myself?
What personal strengths and weaknesses have shone through and impacted your year? Did you have any areas of unexpected growth?
What themes pop out for you across these questions? What are you most proud of? What do you want to go after again or anew in 2024?
Curate this into a list of your top accomplishments for the year and celebrate yourself!