Annual Review: 5 Steps to Transform Your 2025

Aviation entrepreneurs and high achievers are naturally talented at setting and achieving goals. But we also tend to neglect our self-care. We push forward. And as Aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal put it, “Sacrifices must be made.” 

But what if you could prioritize both performance and our well-being?

This five-step annual review, inspired by Tiago Forte, helps you reflect on 2024 and charge into 2025 with purpose and energy. Following the article is a checklist to use to really get your juices flowing.

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1. Start with Gratitude

It all starts with gratitude. Want less stress and anxiety in your life? How about better sleep and heart health? Research shows practicing gratitude could be the way. 

By actively practicing the art of gratitude, you can transform your outlook and improve your well-being. It also reduces stress, enhances sleep and supports heart health.

Reflect on 2024 by listing everything you're grateful for—people, achievements, and experiences. Use your phone’s calendar and photos to jog your memory.

Aim for at least 100 items. High achievers often focus on shortcomings, overlooking accomplishments. This practice helps you see the true fullness of your year and fosters a sense of appreciation.

2. Conduct a “Hotwash” on 2024

Borrowing the concept from the Air Force, a “hotwash” is the immediate "after-action" discussion following an exercise, training session or major event. 

In the case of an annual review, this is your chance to review your wins, challenges and lessons while they’re fresh. A personal “hotwash” isn’t intense, but it’s impactful.

Identify three wins and the biggest lessons learned. Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve? Then use these insights to sharpen your focus.

3. Visualize 2025

Dream big. Picture the year ahead like planning a dream vacation. Don’t get bogged down in details; focus on the experience.

What will make 2025 extraordinary? Imagine the sights, feelings and energy of your ideal year. Let curiosity guide your vision.

4. Set Your Intention

Henry Ford said it best: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Set specific, actionable goals for next year.

Less is more. Narrow your focus to three priorities. When everything feels important, nothing gets done.

5. Take Action

Feeling inspired? Don’t stop now. Plans often fail when action isn’t taken. Overcome procrastination by scheduling the smallest next step.

Block time on your calendar. Progress happens one small, deliberate action at a time.

Bonus: Make It a Family Affair

Include your family in this process. My family and I have completed an annual review for nearly a decade. We gather, share our insights and have fun with music, snacks and laughter.

Last year, my kids even invited their friends! The shared experience fosters connection and sets a positive tone for the new year.

As you wrap up 2024, reflect with gratitude, set intentions and act boldly. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2025.

Annual Review

1. Gratitude List:

• What are the people, places, things and successes you’re grateful for in your life this year?

2. Hotwash 2024: 

• List your three top wins for the year.
• What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned this year?
• What risks did you take?
• What was your most loving act of service?
• What unfinished business do you have from this year?
• What are you most happy about completing?
• Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life this year?
• What was your biggest surprise?
• What compliment would you have liked to receive?
• What else do you need to do or say to feel complete with this year?
• What one word or phrase best sums up and describes your experience this year?
• What stories from last year are you letting go of?

3. Visualize 2025:

• What would make 2025 your best year ever?
• What new habits can you cultivate to achieve your goals?
• What bad habits can you remove to help you reach your goals?
• What are your immediate next steps to achieve these goals?
• What would you like to be your biggest win?
• What advice would you give yourself?
• What are you planning to do to improve your financial results?
• What are you most excited to learn?
• What do you think will be your biggest risk?
• Who or what, besides yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving?
• What about your work are you most committed to changing and improving?
• What undeveloped talent are you willing to explore?
• What brings you the most joy, and how will you do or have more of that?
• What one word or phrase would you like to have as your theme?

4. Set Your Intention:

• Add new goals and projects
  
  

5. Get Started: 

• Use a task tracker and your calendar to carve out the time for the next steps.

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