Annual WRAP Review

As a thank you for being a newsletter subscriber, here is a short training about how to run a simple but effective annual review. Protect an hour for this and you will have more clarity and focus for the New Year!

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WRAP Overview

It's that time of year - when we start thinking about what went well, what didn't, and what we want to change. But before we dive into the full annual review later this month, I want to share a simple but powerful framework that will help make your reflection more meaningful (and actually useful).

The WRAP Method for Annual Reviews

You might know WRAP as a weekly review method, but it works just as well for annual review.

I’m still working on my personal 2025 WRAP, but I wanted to share the process to help with your own annual review. Here's how to use it to look back on your year and plan for 2026:

Wins

This is where we start - celebrating victories both big and small. Not just the obvious achievements, but all those small wins that add up over a year. Take time to acknowledge what went well before rushing to what needs to change!

Results

Here's where we get concrete. Look at the actual outcomes of your goals and intentions from the past year. What habits did you build? Which projects did you complete? What metrics did you hit?

Alignment

This is the deeper work - reflecting on whether your actions and choices aligned with your values and long-term vision. Are you becoming the person you want to be? This isn't about metrics - it's about growth and authenticity. More to come on this personally in the full 2024 WRAP!

Pivot (or plan)

Now comes the action step. Based on your reflection, what needs to change or continue in 2025? Maybe you'll adjust goals, change habits, or double down on what's working well.

Watch this walkthrough

Use a Reporter's Mindset

Here's something crucial I've learned about annual reviews - you need to approach them like a reporter, not a judge. What's the difference?

A reporter:

  • Documents what happened without emotional labels

  • Focuses on gathering information rather than criticism

  • Asks what and how questions instead of dwelling on why

  • Looks for patterns and trends rather than isolated incidents

This mindset helps you:

  • Keep emotional distance from past events

  • Learn from experiences without harsh self-judgment

  • Make clearer decisions about future actions

  • Build confidence through objective observation

By adopting a reporter's mindset, you shift the perspective of your annual review from stressful self-judgment into useful fact-finding that sets you up for growth. This shift can be the difference between an annual review that drains you and one that energizes you for the year ahead.

Quick Tips for Your Review

  1. Block out dedicated time (1-2 hours minimum)

  2. Remember: you're a reporter, not a judge

  3. Be honest about both wins and areas for growth

  4. Use your insights to create specific, actionable plans

Start thinking about your year through the WRAP lens. What wins come to mind first? What results did you achieve? Where did your actions align with your values? Make this an intentional focus and it will help you see your growth this year and opportunities in the year to come!

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