How Indie Hackers reviewed their 2020 (and you can too...)

As we reach the end of the year, I thought I'd share an overview of how I've worked with founders and Indie Hackers to review their year (I offered a complimentary reflection session via Twitter and LinkedIn)

A few key points:

1. There are many ways to review your year.

No single way is right or wrong. The session was the start of the reflection process. Your thoughts will continue when you're in the shower, on the toilet and out for a walk. That's ok - take the time to process them and do what's right for you.

2. Depth > Breadth was my preference

I've shared the questions I used below, but the key was digging deep on each point and not accepting a surface level answer.

For example: you may have made X decision... but dig deeper... what was the outcome? Are you proud of making that decision (regardless of the outcome)? What have you learnt for next time? What information would have helped you to take a different perspective at the time?

3. Make the process as easy as possible

There's no need to torture yourself with the process. Make it as easy and as enjoyable as possible. This isn't punishment for how things may have turned out. Kick back, think things through and document them.

4. Talk it through with someone

It's often helpful to verbalise what we're thinking - have you got a business partner, friend, life partner, pet (!) that you could talk through what you're thinking?

The questions

2020

1. When you started this year, what were you hoping would happen and how did that turn out?

2. What decisions did you make that you’re not proud of?

3. What decisions are you proud of?

4. Tell me about someone who helped you or you helped this year?

5. What was most draining? Will that change next year?

6. Overall are you in a better position now than you were in January 2020?

2021

1. If this year repeated, would you be happy in 12 months time?

2. What could you do in the remaining weeks of 2020 that would set you up for 2021?

3. What’s your single biggest priority next year? Why? What do you need to do to get it done?

4. How are you going to make change next year?

5. What are you going to stop next year?

Let me know if you have any questions below, otherwise wishing you an exciting 2021!