Life moves fast. Between juggling work deadlines, managing relationships, and remembering to water the plants (seriously, how do people keep those alive?), it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s why, every year, my husband and I sit down for a yearly development discussion.
Ok, it sounds more formal than it is. It’s a blend of a personal heart-to-heart and a mini-performance review for both our individual lives and careers. It’s become a tradition that helps us reflect on the year that’s passed, acknowledge how far we’ve come, and plan for the year ahead—both as a couple and as individuals.
And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
When we first started doing this, I’ll admit, it felt a little…well, not very romantic, right? But that it wasn’t just about setting goals or checking off boxes. It became an opportunity for us to pause, take a breath, and reflect on the big picture. How much have we evolved, both individually and together? What have we accomplished, and where do we want to go next? What do you want from your life and our life? From our professional life?
This yearly discussion isn’t just about planning for the future. It’s about recognizing the growth we’ve made, even if we don’t always see it day to day. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the tough moments—the setbacks, the loss, the emotional struggles that are just a part of life, but impact a great deal. We’ve learned that part of growth is accepting those harder parts and talking about them openly. Whether it’s a professional setback or personal loss, these challenges shape who we are, and it’s crucial to reflect on them with compassion for ourselves and each other.
What We’re Planning for the Coming Year
Every year, our discussion had some exciting plans and a few challenges. We’ve both done studies in the past. We pushed it through by agreeing to take turns with our learning journeys. That helped balance things out while still prioritizing personal growth.
We also have set major goals: Building and selling our house soon. It’s a big step, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about everything that needs to happen before the “for sale” sign goes up. But having a clear focus helps to stay aligned and motivated.
Having a successful entrepreneur in the household will spice up the situation. Scaling up a business is not a walk in the park. But when you see your partner lighting up like a Christmas tree when talking about the things they are going to do and what they have achieved, you know the hard work has paid off, and even if it didn’t come overnight and easy, you also know you wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything in the end is a trade-off, but seeing your partner happy is worth it.
And, still, after traveling and going around the world, I love to take the family on holiday. Life’s been busy, and we both recognize the importance of hitting pause to recharge and connect as a family. Whether it is this year or in coming years, I still keep “around the world” on my list of things to be done —and it’s a reminder that work and responsibilities shouldn’t always come first.
Professionally, we also discuss the goals if it’s that next big career move or taking on just a new role. It’s, same time, exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but having those conversations helps us stay on the same page and support each other in taking those steps.
But we also acknowledged the reality of setbacks. We’ve had our share of challenges, and we know that not every plan will go as smoothly as we’d like. When things get tough, it’s essential to keep communicating, adapting, and moving forward with patience and resilience and above all together.
Why It’s Not Just About Goals, but About Having Fun Together
Some of our closest friends know that I actually agreed to marry my husband under one simple condition: every year, we check in to make sure we’re still having fun together. Because, let’s face it, life can get serious, and if we aren’t enjoying each other’s company, what’s the point?
This might sound a little silly, but it’s something we both value deeply. It’s easy to let life’s responsibilities overshadow the little moments of joy and laughter that make a relationship unique. By regularly checking in on whether we’re still having fun, we’re committing to prioritizing our bond and making sure we continue to be partners, not just co-managers of a busy household.
Reflecting on the Setbacks and Embracing Growth
Of course, no discussion about the future is complete without acknowledging the bumps along the road. Over the past years, we’ve faced some challenges—emotionally difficult situations, loss, and moments where things just didn’t go according to plan. These aren’t the easy parts of life, but they’re real. And they’ve shaped how we approach every new year.
Having the space to talk about these moments is part of the process. It’s not just about dreaming big and planning for success; it’s about accepting the difficult moments, learning from them, and growing together through the tough times.
Why This Works for Us
This yearly discussion has evolved into a tradition we both look forward to. It’s more than just a “check-in.” It’s a time to reflect, acknowledge, and appreciate how far we’ve come while also setting the stage for what’s next. It’s a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t just happen in one area of life—it happens across the personal, professional, and emotional spectrum.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that life is about the journey, not just the destination. We have plans, yes, but we also have each other to lean on, laugh with, and grow alongside. And that’s what makes all the challenges, even painful ones, worth it.
So, whether you’re doing this with a partner, a friend, or just reflecting solo, I encourage you to have your own yearly development discussion. Take stock of where you’ve been, dream about where you’re going, and remember to have fun along the way. Life’s too short not to.
And to my husband, partner, trusted advisor, and best friend, we made it! Thank you for making our journey in 2024 even more meaningful. Here’s to another year of growth, laughter, and, most importantly, enjoying the ride together.
