# How Successful People Review Their Year (Simple 4-Step Method) ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t03IRt1KtCE/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Introduction - An annual review is helpful in previewing and preparing for the upcoming year by reflecting on the past year's events, allowing for better planning and accomplishment of goals [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=7s). - The annual review framework is a simple, four-step process that can be done with just a pen and paper, and it acts as a series of prompts for self-reflection [(00:01:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=71s). - The four steps in the review process are wins, results, alignment, and pivot, which help in evaluating the past year and making intentional plans for the next year [(00:02:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=142s). - It's essential to approach the review as a reporter, not a judge, to avoid feelings of shame or fear and instead focus on making clear and intentional plans for the next year [(00:01:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=98s). ## Wins - The first step, "wins," involves celebrating personal and professional achievements, including health, family, relationships, and financial successes, to appreciate the things done well [(00:03:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=189s). - The review process is designed to help individuals make progress on their goals and be brave enough to make a pivot, even a small one, if needed, to align with their desired life and goals [(00:02:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=175s). - The review framework is available as a [[PDF]] printout, which can be obtained by entering an email address in the provided link [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=60s). - The review process is led by Matt Raglin, who has helped thousands of people think and perform better using analog systems like pen and paper, bullet journals, note cards, and timers [(00:00:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=19s). - Reviewing the past year involves celebrating wins, such as achieving 100,000 subscribers on [[YouTube]], launching the hay Creator community, and getting a purple belt in [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu | Jiu-Jitsu]], to appreciate accomplishments and reflect on the year [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=223s). ## Results - Analyzing results involves looking at goals and intentions set for the year and comparing them to actual outcomes, using a reporter mindset to assess what worked and what didn't, such as the hay Creator Community's launch being a win but not growing as expected [(00:03:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=238s). ## Alignment - Evaluating alignment requires honesty about whether current work, life, health, finances, and relationships align with the type of person one wants to be and the life they want to live, and considering simple changes to achieve better alignment [(00:05:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=311s). ## Pivot - Making a pivot involves taking action based on the previous steps, making changes to achieve better alignment, and considering small pivots if major changes are not possible, such as dedicating 30 minutes a day to something that brings happiness and fulfillment [(00:06:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=378s). - To review the year, it's essential to challenge oneself to be the type of person they want to be, have the kind of business they want, and do the type of work they want, multiple times a week, not just every day [(00:07:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=435s). - Building on momentum and making progress towards achieving goals can be done by focusing on something new, now that other things are running smoothly, and finding ways to improve [(00:07:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=460s). ## Review Process and Tools - Writing out an entire year review can be helpful, and having a template or prompts can make the process easier, such as the ones provided in the link in the description below [(00:07:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=474s). - Using voice memos or speaking directly into a note-taking app can be an effective way to respond to prompts and generate ideas, as it's rare to get "talker's block" [(00:08:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=498s). - Utilizing AI tools, such as a custom [[Generative pre-trained transformer | GPT]], can also help with the review process, making it faster and more efficient, taking only an hour or two to complete [(00:08:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=529s). - A free worksheet is available for download, which includes a written template, printable [[PDF]], and short videos explaining the process in more detail [(00:09:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=557s). ## Journaling for Annual Review - Building a journaling habit can make the annual review process easier and provide more material to pull from, and there are various journaling methods that can be used to achieve this [(00:09:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=596s). - Five journaling methods are discussed in a separate video, which can help with consistency, clear thinking, mental health, and idea generation [(00:10:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03IRt1KtCE&t=601s).