“The only questions that really matter are the ones you ask yourself.”
Ursula K. Le Guin
Firstly, I can’t be the only one gobsmacked at how fast this year flew. I still remember how I spent most of my days in January.
As the new year approaches, it’s normal to feel equal parts overwhelmed and excited. Most of the time, we jump straight into the new year with a list of resolutions or goals we’d like to achieve.
However, while I believe in setting milestones, we would be more self-aware and focused if we reflected on the past year. You can only rightfully move forward if you have learned the lessons the past has taught you.
If you blindly step into the new year, you don’t have a foundation to build on. This is why people follow a resolution for two weeks and then give up. They spiral into old, unhealthy habits after a few moments of pretending they’re a different person (the “new year, new me” movement.)
This cycle repeats itself every new year.
However, doing a new year reflection by asking yourself a few questions helps you improve your life (where it matters) every year.
This post will highlight 75 questions to ask yourself every year, so you can say a proper goodbye to what has gone and step into what is coming with more self-knowledge, healing, and growth.
Grab a journal, and let’s get started.
Table of Contents
75 Questions to Ask Yourself Every Year
1. What were my top 3 highlights for the year?
2. What was my biggest regret?
3. What was my proudest moment?
4. What do I wish to continue next year?
5. What were my struggles, and what did they teach me?
6. What are the habits I wish I had formed this year?
7. What are the 5 things I’m most grateful for?
8. What do I wish I could’ve done earlier?
9. What are my fears going into the new year?
10. What did I let go of that made me a better person?
11. What childhood traumas did I make peace with this year?
12. What positive changes will I bring into my life next year?
13. What are the 3 biggest lessons I learned this year?
14. What brought me the most joy?
15. Who let me down the most?
16. Who stood by me when I desperately needed it?
17. When did I feel “most alive” or “present”?
18. How am I going to take care of my physical health?
19. How will I prioritize my mental health in the new year?
20. How did I deal with my anxiety, and how can I change that?
21. What do I hope to achieve next year?
22. How do I plan to nurture my mindset next year?
23. Who are the people I’m going to stay in touch with?
24. Who are the people I’m going to let go of?
25. What bad habits do I still need to break?
26. What did I unnecessarily spend money on?
27. How did I spend my birthday this year, and what do I want to do differently next year?
28. What date(s) will I remember from this year?
29. Which song did I listen to the most?
30. What was the best book I read?
31. What did I learn about life/philosophy/human nature that I’ll never forget?
32. Did I do everything I planned to do this year?
33. What kept me going on the bad days?
34. What valuable advice did I receive, and from whom?
35. What valuable advice did I give?
36. What movie/show did I watch that impacted me the most?
37. How have I changed since the beginning of the year?
38. Which new personalities did I start following?
39. What happened this year that I never expected?
40. How did I feel about my life last year this time, and how has that changed?
41. What would I like to achieve next year that I couldn’t do this year?
42. Did I stick to the goals I set at the beginning of the year?
43. What was the kindest thing someone did for me?
44. What did I spend most of my time on?
45. Did I get enough sleep?
46. Did I love myself?
47. What were the moments I hated myself?
48. Did I put any parts of my life on hold, and why?
49. Did I love my work?
50. Was there anything that I was scared to confront?
51. What was my lowest point?
52. When was I most inspired or motivated?
53. What was the wisest decision I made?
54. What was the dumbest decision I made?
55. What is my biggest fear for next year?
56. What am I looking forward to the most for next year?
57. What is the bravest thing I have done this year?
58. How was my relationship with myself?
59. If I could describe this past year as a color, what would it be and why?
60. What advice would I give to my “one year ago” self?
61. What was my morning routine this year, and how will I change it?
62. What makes me the most excited for the new year?
63. What professional skills would I like to develop in the new year?
64. How can I improve my financial life in the new year?
65. What was my quote of the year that sums up everything I’ve learned?
66. What is my quote for next year?
67. What would I do if I only had next year to live?
New Year Reflection Questions for Students
68. Did I genuinely enjoy my field of study? If not, why?
69. What changes can I make to my study routine for next year?
70. Did I also prioritize my mental and physical health along with my studies?
71. Did I burn out?
72. What did I enjoy studying the most and why?
73. Did I achieve my academic goals?
74. Was I unrealistic when setting academic goals this year?
75. Where do I see myself academically by the end of next year?
Final Thoughts
Did this list of 75 questions to ask yourself every year scare you a little too?
It’s uncomfortable looking back at the past, just as it is to step forward into the unknown.
We have to face old feelings, mistakes, poor decisions made, and heartbreak all over again. And that’s not for the faint-hearted.
If you’ve honestly answered at least 50% of the questions on this list, you’re good to go.
May the new year bring you joy, love, light, and calm.
Also read:
- 101 End of Year Quotes to Finish 2022 Strong
- 22 Effortless Sunday Habits for a Less Overwhelming Week
- 5 Steps to Make Peace with Your Anti-Hero