Episode #373 – Recharge and Reset: Design Your Own Year End Retreat

This is episode 373 of the Brilliant Balance Podcast. Reset and recharge your self-guided year-end retreat. I am so glad that you are choosing to spend a little time with me here in a very busy season, whether you listen to this episode right as it comes out mid-month or tuck it away for that week between the holiday—Christmas or Hanukkah—and New Year’s. That’s my favorite time to do a self-guided year-end retreat. I’m sharing it now because I have no idea what your schedule looks like. You may actually have some time, like a long car trip or a plane ride, that would lend itself to doing some reflective work. You might find that you have a day or two of quiet before the holiday really kicks into gear. Maybe you’re hosting company and have a day or two of quiet. Or you might find that the week between Christmas or Hanukkah and New Year is the best time for you. But I’m sharing this now so you’ll have it.

I want you to either go to the show notes, where it’s linked, or visit brilliant-balance.com/self-guided-retreat (all one word). You can download your own version of the guide I’m talking about today. I think this is a really important exercise to do. At the end of the year, it always feels like time is accelerating, and we don’t know how we got here. Another year has gone by, and so many things have happened—in my family, within the Brilliant Balance company, and in the community of clients I support. As the year comes to a close, it’s important to press pause for a moment and steal away from all the family members, work, and gifts to find a little quiet time to reflect on what the year has meant. It’s such a great opportunity. That’s why I put together this guide for you, with the intention of helping you design your retreat process in whatever way works for this season of life.

I encourage you to print it out for yourself, even if you typically do everything digitally. The computer can be such a distraction when doing a process like this. Using a printed document and a pencil feels quieting, almost serene. I love that vibe for this exercise. In today’s episode, I’ll guide you through the retreat process and explain why I care so much about it. My hope is that you’ll take inspiration from today’s episode and schedule this time for yourself. Maybe pick December 28th or 30th and spend a couple of hours alone, reflecting on how the year has gone. If you do it, I’d love to celebrate with you! DM me on Instagram (@CSkolnicki) and let me know how it went or share some of your insights.

Now, let’s get into the process for this transition between years. This time of year naturally feels reflective. The days are shorter, it gets dark earlier, it’s cold, and we’re on the precipice of something new. It holds so much possibility, nudging us to press pause and reflect. I sometimes call this a “thinking day,” inspired by Bill Gates’ concept of thinking days. I try to make time for this regularly, and year-end is one of those times.

I know it’s a challenge to fit this in. That’s why I suggest scheduling it. You’ll want a process so you don’t feel flustered when starting. This how-to guide will help. It’s important to look backward and assess how you got here. The process takes just a couple of hours or up to half a day. You can add other enjoyable activities to the day to make it special.

When choosing where to do this, find a location that feels good. It might be at home, in a library, a hotel lobby, or a coffee shop. Avoid spaces with clutter or harsh lighting. Surround yourself with energy that inspires you.

The guided process I provide ensures you know where to start and end. Aim to be thorough but not perfect. No one is grading this, and it’s okay to write incomplete sentences, skip questions, or make changes. I recommend writing in pencil—it feels forgiving and reflective.

Be kind to yourself as you review the year. The prompts I’ve provided balance celebrating achievements and acknowledging challenges. This exercise is about reflection, not planning. You’re gathering insights and patterns to inform future decisions. If you want to create a plan later, give yourself time to process your reflections.

Make the experience special. Treat it as a celebration of your efforts. Small touches—like enjoying a cozy environment, lighting a candle, or treating yourself to a special drink—can elevate the experience.

As you finish, think about reentry. You may feel excited to share insights, but remember that others weren’t part of the experience and might not fully understand your enthusiasm. Hold your insights close and recognize they are for you.

Finally, if this exercise reveals that you want next year to be different, consider seeking support. A community like BOLD can provide expert guidance, accountability, and a structure to help you achieve your goals. If not BOLD, find a community that fits your needs.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or colleague who might benefit. Helping others reflect and reset is a great way to close out the year. Don’t forget to download the guide, schedule your retreat, and set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Till next time, go be brilliant.