Head into '25 with a clean slate.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. For many of us, that means setting new goals and dreaming about what we want to accomplish in the coming year. But before you dive into planning, there’s a crucial step you can’t skip: reviewing the year that’s just passed.

Taking time to reflect isn’t just about counting wins—it’s about understanding the full picture of your journey as a handler, celebrating progress, learning from setbacks, and closing the chapter on this year before starting fresh. Here’s how to do it thoughtfully and intentionally, even if the year didn’t go as planned.

Celebrate your wins—big and small

When you think of wins, it’s easy to jump to big milestones like titles, ribbons, or major breakthroughs. But progress isn’t always flashy or obvious. Wins can also look like showing up for training even when you didn’t feel like it, working through a tough challenge with your dog, or staying resilient through a season of ups and downs.

Take a moment to write down your wins for the year. To make it easier, divide them into three categories:

1. Personal wins: How did you grow as a handler? Did you manage stress better or build a stronger routine?
2. Team wins: What did you and your dog accomplish together, no matter how small? (Do this for each dog.)
3. Growth wins: Did you learn something new or find a new perspective, even from a tough situation?

When you celebrate wins—even the small ones—you reinforce confidence and motivation to keep moving forward.

Process the challenges

Not every year is smooth sailing, and sometimes the setbacks feel bigger than the wins. Maybe you didn’t hit your goals, faced a major injury or setback, or experienced heartbreak like losing a dog or retiring one sooner than you hoped. These moments can be heavy, but reflecting on them can help you heal and grow.

Here’s how to process the tough stuff:

1. Give yourself grace: It’s okay to feel disappointment or sadness. Let yourself process those emotions without judgment.
2. Look for the lesson: Ask yourself, What did I learn about myself this year? How did I show strength, even in hard times?
3. Find closure: Write a letter to yourself or your dog acknowledging the challenges, expressing gratitude for what you’ve learned, and letting go of what didn’t serve you.

Remember, challenges don’t define you. How you respond to them does.

Spot the patterns

Once you’ve celebrated the wins and processed the challenges, look for themes that keep coming up. Maybe you realized consistency was a struggle, or you saw how a lack of confidence affected your performance. These patterns are valuable—they show you where to focus your energy next year.

Grab your list of reflections and ask:

• What strengths do I want to carry forward?
• What areas need more attention or intentionality?

Recognizing these patterns sets you up for more thoughtful, meaningful goals in the year ahead.

End with gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful way to close the chapter on this year. It helps you reframe even the hardest moments and focus on what matters most: the partnership between you and your dog.

Write a short note to yourself or your dog. Reflect on what you’re proud of, what you’ve learned, and what you’re grateful for. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about finding the good in the journey.

Ready to set your goals?

Reviewing your year is just the first step. Once you’ve reflected, you’re ready to set goals that build on everything you’ve learned. Whether it’s refining your training, strengthening your mindset, or creating new habits, this process lays the foundation for success.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, tools like the Dogged Planner and Dogged Workbook can help guide you through every step of goal-setting. But for now, start with reflection—it’s the secret to moving forward with clarity and confidence.