There’s usually a time when we’re naturally drawn to review how things are going with our business or work and with our life generally.

I highly value the process of reflection, mainly because the benefit lies in the process itself rather than any plan we might end up with. At times, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves, to dwell on things avoided and not done. So much so that we can ignore the good things.

So, although it’s important to be honest with ourselves, reflection also allows us to be kind to ourselves, and indeed to others.

Whether you’re an ‘end of year’ or ‘end of term’ type of person, or like to work with the seasons, or like to reflect as and when the mood takes you, here are some business and work orientated questions that you might find helpful.

Clear some space and settle down in one of your favourite spots, indoors or outdoors.

Thinking about this year so far …

• When did you feel your most authentic?
• What project or piece of work gave you the greatest sense of fulfilment?
• During which project or piece of work do you think you delivered the most value?
• For which client do you think you delivered the greatest value overall?
• What do they have now that they lacked before working with you?
• Which client did you most enjoy working with?
• What was your most lucrative piece of work?
• What did you least enjoy about your year overall?

Your reflections around each question can include:

• What went especially well and why?
• What could have gone better and why?
• What does this mean for your work going forward?
• What changes could you make?

Thinking by definition happens in the mind. When asking yourself these questions, see if you can shift focus and tune into how you feel as you start to reflect. What do you sense? What is your intuition trying to tell you?

Some of these questions may resonate more than others. Go where you are drawn. Avoid over thinking. Be honest yet kind.