As the year draws to a close, many of us instinctively reach for a notepad to draft ambitious resolutions and daunting to-do lists for the months ahead. But what if the key to a more fulfilling new year lies not in looking forward, but in looking back? A growing movement, championed by experts and individuals alike, suggests swapping the traditional to-do list for a celebratory 'ta-da' list.
The Power of the Pause: From Survival to Thriving
For author Jon Rosemberg, this practice is a cornerstone of moving from mere survival to authentic thriving. His newly released book, A Guide to Thriving, advocates for this shift. "That moment of taking stock can be really powerful," Rosemberg affirms. "It's something that we often don't do because we're rushing to the next thing. But when we do this self-examination, when we question our beliefs and challenge ourselves, we get to thrive more."
Rosemberg argues that society often mistakenly equates thriving with external success—more money, status, or power. He describes these as "extrinsically motivated drivers of behaviour that's like a bottomless pit." True thriving, as outlined in his book, is built on agency, which is developed through his AIR method: Awareness, Inquiry, and Reframing.
How to Conduct Your Personal Year-End Review
The process is intentionally simple and personal. Career coach Michael Melcher recommends starting by jotting down the significant events, achievements, and even challenges of the past year. This requires looking through calendars, journals, or photos to jog your memory. The goal isn't to create a perfect ledger, but to observe what surfaces.
Shelley McArthur, a Vancouver resident who practices this annual review, emphasizes creating a judgment-free space. "Allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest with yourself. You don't need a perfect system or a complicated process. This is just for you," she advises. For McArthur, this reflection includes revisiting her core values and her chosen "word of the year" to ensure her actions remain aligned with her intentions.
"It's very easy to stay busy without being intentional," McArthur shares. "This process helps me pause before I plan. Reviewing my values helps me make decisions from a place of clarity, not pressure. It creates space to reset instead of just rolling into the new year on autopilot."
Finding Patterns and Insights
Once your list is complete, the next step is to look for patterns. Noticeable gaps—like an intention to exercise more that fell short—can reveal areas you wish to develop. Conversely, new achievements and risks taken clearly signal where personal growth has already occurred. This analysis isn't about self-critique; it's about compassionate awareness that informs future choices.
The end result is more than just a feel-good exercise. This type of internal review, as Rosemberg notes, allows us to navigate the world differently. By consciously acknowledging our 'ta-da' moments—the big wins, the lessons learned, the quiet joys—we build a foundation of self-knowledge that makes the relentless chase of the next to-do item feel less urgent and more purposeful.
