Tempting though it is to jump right into your work search and career planning with a host of New Year’s resolutions and lengthy to-do lists, do your personal “Year in Review” first. Not so much a recap, but a thoughtful reflection on your accomplishments and discoveries—and disappointments. It will help you capitalize on your successes and avoid some of the pitfalls next time.

Whether you’re managing a job search, re-entering the workplace or working as an entrepreneur, take some time now to invest now in a bit of a retrospective while memories are fresh. Your year has been rich in experiences and challenges. What were the top highlights of your year? Here are some questions to get you started.

Achievements

• What were the key achievements of which you are most proud?
• What did you most enjoy about attaining them?
• Did you remember to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments—large and small?

What worked?

• What strategies and tactics worked best for you?
• What were the results that caused you to believe them effective?
• Were your actions and efforts always consistent with your goals?

What didn’t work?

• What activities produced few results—the efforts you regarded as a waste of time?
• What disappointed you?
• Did you make missteps? What did you learn?
• Can you use your new insights to correct your course for this year?

Initiative and prudent risk-taking

• Were you consistently proactive in your work search and business development?
• Did you take unusual initiative that was out of your comfort zone?
• Did the results surprise you?
• Did you explore new options and directions?
• Did you meet new people and make valuable connections?
• Was there a pivotal event or conversation that caused you to rethink your methods or direction?

Working wisely

• What could you improve on with more planning and preparation?
• How could you work better, faster, smarter?
• How could you work more effectively—regarding managing your time and resources, organization, research, communication and follow up?

Most important—did you have a working plan for last year? Do you intend to plan for this year?

Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used. -Richard Byrd

Next time we’ll embark on goal setting and the kind of planning that will lead to achievement.

Today’s question

Of all the experiences you had last year, what stands out as the top highlight for you? Why?