The Leader’s Year-End Reset: What to Carry Forward and What to Leave Behind

As we approach the end of another year, leaders everywhere are doing the same thing — looking back at what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. But too often, reflection becomes rumination. Leaders obsess over mistakes, overlook wins, and jump straight into January without any real clarity.

A true year-end reset should never be about beating yourself up or building an unrealistic list of resolutions. It should, however, include hitting pause, being honest with yourself, and choosing intentionally what you want to bring into the new year and what you’re ready to leave behind.

What to Carry Forward: Double Down on What’s Working

Every year gives you clues about who you are as a leader. December is the moment to look for the patterns that helped you grow and bring those forward with purpose.

Carry forward the habits that created real impact.

Maybe it was consistent one-on-ones.
Maybe it was finally trusting your team with bigger responsibilities.
Maybe it was taking more time to coach instead of correct.

Whatever moved the needle, do more of it.

Carry forward the relationships you’ve strengthened.

Think about the people who stepped up, the ones who gave you honest feedback, the ones who made your team stronger. Invest in them even more next year.

Carry forward the clarity you created.

When people understand the “why,” they perform at their best. If you were intentional about communication this year, keep that rhythm going.

Great leaders repeat what works.

What to Leave Behind: Release What’s Slowing You Down

Just as important as what you carry forward is what you stop carrying.

Leave behind outdated systems and routines.

If a meeting, metric, or process no longer serves the team, it doesn’t have to come with you into the new year.

Leave behind the urge to do everything yourself.

Micromanagement slows everyone down, including you. Start next year with more trust and clearer delegation.

Leave behind the negative narratives.

That one mistake you made in May?
That goal you didn’t hit in Q3?
Those moments do not define your leadership unless you let them.

Reflection helps you grow. Dwelling holds you back.

2026 Will Reward Leaders Who Are Intentional

The leaders who make the biggest difference typically aren’t the busiest. They’re the ones whose actions match their purpose.

And purpose starts with this simple December question:

“What needs to change in the way I show up as a leader in the new year?”

Before the calendar flips, take time to decide what you will carry forward and what you will leave behind.

Give your team a version of you that is more focused, more aware, and more committed than ever.