It’s the final month of 2025, and inevitably, we’re looking ahead. I’m certainly thinking about what next year could bring — the goals I want to set, how I want to work, and what I want to achieve. But before diving into planning mode, it’s worth pausing to reflect. What’s changed? What went well? What didn’t go to plan?
In an ideal world, reflection would be easy. You’d list the wins, give yourself a little pat on the back, acknowledge the things that didn’t go so well, take the learning, and move on. But if you have a neurodivergent brain, it’s not always that simple. Certainly with ADHD, our brains don’t always make space for balanced reflection. We’re much more likely to skip straight to the bad bits.
Why Reflection is Harder than it Sounds
We fixate on what we didn’t do, what we didn’t finish, or what wasn’t perfect. And there are good reasons for that:
- RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria): We’re more sensitive to criticism or perceived rejection — including feedback from ourselves. Even reviewing goals we set 12 months ago can feel like self-judgement.
- Perfectionism: We hold ourselves to incredibly high standards — often unrealistic ones. If it wasn’t done perfectly, we feel like it doesn’t count. (Spoiler: it still counts.)
- Working memory challenges: It’s easy to forget milestones, progress, and wins — especially if they weren’t recorded or celebrated at the time. Our brains naturally default to what’s missing, not what’s been done.
✏️ Important reminder: You’re not bad at reflecting. Your brain just needs a different way to do it.
What if We Did it Differently?
Here’s a framework that works better for ADHD entrepreneurs. It allows more room for compassion and kindness, and takes into account the way our brains work. It’s flexible, not prescriptive — and you don’t have to do it all in one go.
Pick the prompts that resonate. Talk it out with a friend, a coach, or even your dog. Verbal reasoning is a brilliant way to process if writing feels like a block. This reflection is yours — do it your way.
✅ The Gentle Year-End Reflection Checklist
(Take what works, leave the rest.)
🟢 Start with the wins
- What went well — big or small?
- What moments made you feel proud, energised, or excited?
- What felt easier than last year?
- What progress have you made — even if the original goal isn’t “complete”?
Struggling to remember? That’s not a reflection on you — it’s how the ADHD brain works. One to take into next year: keep a running “wins” list (in your notes app, on a whiteboard, or even as voice notes). Celebrate your progress while it’s fresh.
🟡 Look at the lessons
- What didn’t go to plan — and what did it teach you?
- What surprised you?
- Where did you adapt, shift, or try again?
- What are you grateful for, even if things didn’t turn out how you expected?
Sometimes things falling apart creates space for something better. Those silver linings are valid data points, too.
🔵 Notice your growth
- Where did you keep going, even when it was hard?
- What did you try for the first time?
- What’s changed about how you show up?
This is growth. These can be wins too.
🔘 Be honest — but kind
- Are the goals you missed still important?
- Have your priorities shifted?
- Has your capacity changed — because of life, health, family, burnout?
- Were there curveballs that knocked you off course?
This isn’t about making excuses. It’s about being real with yourself. Talk it through if that helps — sometimes saying things aloud brings more clarity than writing it down.
💡 Pro tip: Create a “done” list
Our brains hold onto what’s unfinished and forget what’s done. So go back. Check your calendar, inbox, task manager, or even your photo gallery. What have you actually achieved?
Make it visible — a mood board, a done list, a photo collage, post-it notes, or even a private reel of highlights. Whatever helps you see how far you’ve come.
Reflect first, then plan
Before you rush into setting 2026 goals, give yourself permission to pause. If everything feels fine, you’re still allowed to reflect. If things feel messy or uncertain, reflection can bring clarity.
Reflection is a necessary part of business ownership. It helps you set goals based on what’s real — not what sounds good. Without it, you’re just guessing. When you reflect, you see what’s working, what needs to change, and how to improve year on year.
For me, this year’s reflection feels especially important. Twelve months ago, I had no idea I had ADHD. I didn’t know why the things I used to rely on had stopped working. I didn’t know what I was working with — and was unknowingly working against it. Reflection is helping me understand what I need to change. It’s shaping how I run my business in a way that supports my brain — not battles it.
And while your story may be different, there will have been changes for you too. Maybe your routines have shifted. Maybe your energy is different. Maybe your business looks completely different. Let those learnings shape how you move into the year ahead.
What Next?
You’ve reflected. Now it’s time to plan — in a way that actually works for your brain.
Next month, I’ll be sharing a planning framework designed with ADHD in mind. No huge, unrealistic to-do lists. No bulky, overwhelming systems. Just a practical approach that works with executive function challenges — so you can take action and stay on track.
You bring your goals. I’ll help you shape the plan.
Reflection can feel vulnerable — but it doesn’t have to be scary. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge what’s been hard. Celebrate what was good. Let go of what no longer serves you.
You’re allowed to move forward. Gently. Thoughtfully.
In your own way.