As 2024 fades into memory, take a moment to reflect on the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons of the past year.

“Looking back at where we’ve been and how we felt during those times can act as a guide for where we want to go,” says Caroline Fenkel, chief clinical officer at the virtual mental-health platform Charlie Health. By asking yourself thoughtful questions, you can build self-awareness and make changes to enhance your happiness and well-being in the year ahead. Think of it as a “gentle inventory” rather than a “high-stakes self-assessment,” she explains.

Here’s how to start: Assess who and what energizes or drains you. Fenkel suggests regularly evaluating what adds value to your life—such as feeding ducks by her pond—and what detracts from it, like excessive social media use. If something brings you joy, “do it over and over again,” she advises. (For Fenkel, that means more duck-feeding in 2025!)

To help you kickstart 2025 on the right note, experts suggest these reflective questions:

1. What brought me true joy last year? And what drained it?

Reflect on moments that made you happiest. These “peak experiences” reveal your authentic desires, says Lauren Farina, a Chicago psychotherapist. For example, if a trip to Sedona brought you awe and joy, consider how you can integrate similar experiences—like spending time in nature—into your daily life.

Also, think about what drained your energy or dampened your spirit. Identify ways to set boundaries or delegate tasks to limit those stressors. “Our feelings are messengers,” Farina says, “and it’s up to us to interpret and act on them.”

2. Which relationships felt uplifting, and which were draining?

Relationships significantly impact our happiness, Fenkel notes. Identify connections that energize you and those that leave you feeling depleted. Prioritize nurturing the positive relationships and consider setting boundaries with those that drain you. This might mean reducing time spent together or establishing clearer expectations. “Detach with love,” Fenkel advises. Protecting your well-being is not only valid but necessary.

3. Was my time balanced between work, family, social life, and rest?

Think about how you divided your time in 2024. If work dominated, consider ways to reclaim personal time. Or, if you didn’t meet your professional goals, reflect on how to reengage with your career. Regular check-ins—quarterly, for instance—can help. Fenkel suggests tracking how many true days off you take and adjusting based on your priorities.

4. What should I say no to? What should I say yes to?

Assess what stops you from saying no. Fear of letting others down or straining relationships might be holding you back, says Gabrielle Morse, a licensed mental health counselor in New York City. Ignoring your own needs can lead to resentment and strain relationships.

On the flip side, consider saying yes to things you’ve deprioritized—like creative pursuits or hobbies. This is your chance to ask yourself what truly matters to you.

5. What positive traits did I notice in myself in 2024?

Instead of focusing only on achievements, reflect on qualities you demonstrated, like resilience, growth, or authenticity, suggests Morse. Celebrate moments where you broke old patterns, like setting boundaries or overcoming challenges. Recognizing these traits helps reinforce your inner strength for the coming year.

6. What am I proud of and grateful for?

Shift your focus to what went well in 2024. Reflecting on successes and sources of gratitude can reshape your outlook. “This perspective shift allows us to notice and amplify joy,” says Farina. It’s a way to reframe your mindset, setting you up for a positive year ahead.

7. How can I make peace with last year’s challenges?

“Crises and problems are opportunities to evolve,” Farina explains. Think about how difficulties in 2024 could inspire growth. For instance, a stressful job might push you to practice mindfulness, or a strained relationship could motivate you to improve communication. Even in loss or trauma, there’s a chance to learn and transform.

8. Are my goals clear and achievable?

Vague goals can derail progress, so set specific, attainable targets. For example, commit to exercising 30 minutes daily instead of vaguely aiming to “get in shape.” Start small; you can always build on your successes later, says Dr. Ashley Zucker, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Avoid taking on too many goals at once—one or two is often best to prevent overwhelm.

9. Am I being kind to myself?

Bad days are inevitable. How you treat yourself during setbacks matters. Zucker recommends considering how you’d support a loved one in the same situation and offering yourself that same compassion. Remember, “There’s always tomorrow—or later today—for another chance.”

10. What would I do in 2025 if I weren’t afraid?

Fear often shapes decisions. Reflect on what you might do differently if fear weren’t a factor. While some choices require caution, pausing to question fear-based decisions can lead to bold actions that positively shape your year, Farina says.

By reflecting on these questions, you can turn 2024’s experiences into a springboard for growth, ensuring 2025 is filled with purpose, balance, and joy.