Reflection: Slowing It Down

As we approach the holiday season and year-end, it's easy to get caught up in the rush of deadlines, the next big sprint, and cramming in the last bits for our KPIs. For a moment, let’s step away from the metrics and reflect on what really mattered—the wins, the challenges, and the moments that defined our growth. Here is where we find the gems worth carrying into the new year.

How Have I Grown This Year?

• When you think about this past year in full, how do you feel about the progress you made personally? Beyond KPIs and targets, did you grow in ways that genuinely mattered to you?

• What about your team’s progress? When were you most proud to be part of this journey together?

• Consider the pace of work. Was it sustainable, or were there times when it pushed you too far? How did this affect your sense of fulfillment?

  
  

Action: Reflect on Your Achievements Take 10-15 minutes to sit quietly with a notebook—paper and pen, not a keyboard! Write down three major achievements from the past year that made you proud. List three challenges you faced and what you learned from each. Reflect on how these experiences have contributed to your growth and how they might shape your goals for the upcoming year.

The Highs and Lows

• Think back to the moments when you felt most proud to be part of your company. Was it when you overcame a significant challenge, supported a colleague, or created something impactful? What made those moments stand out?

• When did you feel most discouraged? Acknowledge these times, not to dwell on them, but to learn and grow.

• Who on your team provided support that made a real difference? Recognizing the contributions of others helps us appreciate the community that drives us forward.

  
  

Action: Reflect on the Highs and Lows Take 5-10 minutes to list one or two moments that made you feel proud and one or two moments that were discouraging. Write a sentence about why each moment had such an impact on you. Think about how you can carry forward the positive lessons and what you can learn from the challenges.

Growth and Learning

• What’s been your biggest area of growth this year? Was there a time when you thought, "Wow, I’ve really improved at this" or "I learned something important about myself"?

• Reflect on how your relationships have evolved. Have your connections with colleagues or your manager grown stronger? What progress have you made in how you collaborate and communicate?

  
  

Action: Celebrate Your Wins Create a simple celebration ritual as an act of self-kindness. Take yourself out for coffee at your favorite spot, write a letter to yourself about your achievements, or share your wins with a close friend or mentor. The act of celebrating, no matter how small, reinforces your progress and builds momentum for future growth.

Looking Ahead

• What do you want to do differently next year to align more closely with your personal goals? In what ways do you want to stretch and grow?

• If you’re in a leadership role, how can you better support your team—not just in hitting targets, but in fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and inspired?

• How can you ensure that the pace is not just about getting things done but also about creating space for creativity, well-being, and meaningful work?

  
  

Action: Create Your Personal North Star Set a timer for 10 minutes and jot down three things you want to do differently next year. Think about your personal growth, career, and relationships. Choose one of these areas and outline a simple first step you can take to make progress in January.

A Call to Slow Down and Celebrate As we reflect, it's not about judging ourselves by numbers or promotions—it's about recognizing the progress we've made and understanding the kind of leader, teammate, or professional we are becoming. For those of us in high tech, the pace can be relentless, but growth happens not only when we push forward but also when we pause, appreciate where we've been, and acknowledge who we are becoming.

Take this moment to slow down, celebrate the wins, recognize the challenges, and set our sights on purposeful growth in the new year. The journey is just as important as the destination, and the person you’re becoming along the way is worth every bit of attention.

Wishing everyone a moment of calm amidst the busyness and the clarity that comes from reflecting on the best parts of the year. Here’s to making the next year even more fulfilling, together.

Celebrate Wins