James Clear Annual Review Ritual

A 100 minute year end reflection based on the James Clear annual review process that uses three core questions to evaluate habits and values.

5 time blocks, 100 minutes in total.

Time blocks

  1. Gather Yearly Logs and Data: 15 min
    Collect calendar entries, photos, and journal logs from the past year
  2. Answer Question 1: What Went Well?: 25 min
    List wins, positive habits built, and achievements from the year
  3. Answer Question 2: What Didn't Go Well?: 25 min
    Identify mistakes, broken habits, and friction points objectively
  4. Answer Question 3: What Drives Me?: 25 min
    Revisit core values and define priorities for the coming year
  5. Write Review Summary and Intentions: 10 min
    Synthesize findings into key takeaways and store for future reference

About this routine

Author James Clear publishes an annual review every December to evaluate his life and work. Rather than setting vague resolutions, he looks backward at concrete data before setting new goals. His template relies on three straightforward questions: what went well this year, what did not go well, and what drives my life and work?

To complete the process, start by auditing your calendar, notes, and records from the past twelve months. Reviewing your actual behavior provides an accurate picture of how you spent your time. Answering the three questions reveals patterns in your habits, highlights hidden friction, and keeps your work aligned with your personal values.

You can complete this entire reflection session in 100 minutes using paper or a digital notebook. Structured periodic reviews offer a reliable way to make deliberate progress year after year.

Why this routine works

  • Provides an objective assessment of annual habits and achievements
  • Identifies friction points and patterns behind broken routines
  • Aligns daily activities with long term personal values
  • Creates a clear historical record of personal progress

FAQ

What is the James Clear annual review?

It is a yearly reflection process built around three questions: what went well, what did not go well, and what drives your life and work.

How long does the annual review take?

This structured version takes 100 minutes, including 15 minutes of data gathering, 75 minutes answering the three reflection questions, and 10 minutes writing a summary.

When should you complete an annual review?

Most people complete it in late December or early January, but you can run this reflection process at any major milestone or birthday.

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