The start of a new year is a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. As business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of day-to-day demands and forget to take stock of what’s working—and what isn’t. Reflection isn’t just about patting yourself on the back or dwelling on mistakes; it’s about learning, growing, and moving forward with intention.

One simple yet effective framework for reflection is to focus on three categories: what to stop, what to start, and what to keep. Let’s explore how to use this approach to set yourself up for success in the year ahead.

1. STOP: Identify What’s Draining Your Energy

As we step into a new year, it’s time to reflect on what’s truly serving us—and what isn’t. Often, we focus so much on what we need to add to our lives and businesses that we forget the importance of letting go. But the truth is, holding onto the wrong things can drain your energy, resources, and time, leaving you stuck in a cycle that prevents progress.

Letting go isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a strategic move. It’s about recognising what’s not working and having the courage to stop. This could mean anything from eliminating inefficient processes, saying no to clients who don’t align with your values, or quitting habits that create stress or distractions.

What Should You Stop Doing?

Take time to reflect on the past year. Ask yourself:

• Are there tasks or habits that consistently drain my energy without adding value?
• Are there clients, services, or products that no longer align with my business’s vision or mission?
• Are there team processes or workflows that cause frustration and inefficiency?

Stopping doesn’t mean failure—it means freeing up space for what truly matters. For example, this could mean streamlining inefficient processes, saying no to unaligned opportunities, or letting go of outdated strategies.

2. START: Embrace New Opportunities with Confidence

Reflection isn’t just about cutting back—it’s also about growing, a chance to start fresh, innovate, and embrace opportunities that can take your business or personal growth to the next level. But starting something new can be daunting. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and committing to change. Yet, it’s often in these moments of courage that we find the most significant growth.

Starting new initiatives, habits, or strategies isn’t just about adding more to your plate—it’s about identifying what will truly make a difference and diving in with purpose and clarity.

How to Identify Opportunities Worth Pursuing

Not every new idea or initiative is worth your time. To focus on the right ones, ask yourself:

• Does this align with my mission and long-term vision?
• Will this help solve a problem or fill a gap in my business or life?
• Do I have the resources, or can I acquire them, to make this opportunity successful?
• What’s the potential return on investment—whether that’s financial, personal, or strategic?

By assessing opportunities through this lens, you can prioritise those that have the most potential impact.

Every new opportunity brings the chance to learn, grow, and create something better. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Instead, approach each opportunity with curiosity, purpose, and a willingness to adapt. The choices you make to start something new today could define the trajectory of your year—and beyond.

3. KEEP: Recognise What’s Working

While it’s important to improve and innovate, don’t overlook the power of consistency. Acknowledging what’s already working is just as important as identifying changes.

Ask yourself:

• What strategies, processes, or habits delivered the best results last year?
• Which client relationships or team practices have been particularly impactful?
• What aspects of my business bring me the most joy and fulfillment?

Keep doing the things that align with your mission and continue to drive results. By doubling down on your strengths, you create stability and a strong foundation for growth.

Tips for Effective Reflection

Here are some practical tips to make the most of your “stop, start, keep” exercise:

• Set aside time: Block out a quiet hour (or a day) to reflect deeply without distractions.
• Ask for input: Involve your team or trusted advisors for fresh perspectives.
• Be specific: Write down clear, actionable changes under each category.
• Prioritise: You don’t have to tackle everything at once—focus on what will have the biggest impact.
• Review regularly: Make time to revisit your list quarterly to stay on track and adjust as needed.

The Year Ahead: Your Clean Slate

As you step into the new year, remember that reflection is not just an annual exercise—it’s an ongoing practice. By identifying what to stop, start, and keep, you’ll build a business (and life) that feels purposeful, aligned, and successful.

So, grab a pen, make your lists, and embrace the clarity that comes with reflection. Here’s to a year of intentional progress and unstoppable momentum!

What will you stop, start, and keep doing this year? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your plans!

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