The 2023 Personal Audit
The 2023 Personal Audit
12 simple questions that may change your life.
At the end of every year, I do a personal audit to reflect, understand, and plan ahead.
I’ve found massive benefits from doing this.
The impact of this exercise:
Celebrate wins and give yourself a pat on the back for your accomplishments
Understand and take action on your skills, strengths, and growth areas
Set ambitious goals and create a plan for the upcoming year
Strengthen and refine your vision for your life
But this year, I’ve changed how I approach the annual audit.
Previously, I’d go through my journal (which I write weekly) and note down the accomplishments and challenges of every single month.
But it was time-consuming, and it didn’t allow me to see my year holistically.
So I found a new way to do it.
It consists of 12 simple questions that take 5 minutes each to answer.
It’s quicker, more fun, and allows me to see the bigger picture.
I think everybody should do this exercise. We all owe it to ourselves—especially after an eventful year.
Here’s how it works:
The 2023 Personal Audit
First, take three deep breaths.
Grab a pen and a piece of paper.
Read through the next three sections, and as you do, write down each question and answer them one by one.
Remember to enjoy the process.
✍️ Looking back...
These are questions that allow you to reflect on your accomplishments and the impact of your year.
If you’re like me—someone who is growth-oriented, driven, and motivated—you might forget the wins you’ve achieved this year.
Take the time to celebrate.
What am I most proud of this year?
What were my biggest challenges this year?
What were the best decisions I made this year? Why?
What have I accomplished this year that would have shocked me a year ago?
🕺🏽 Being the best version of yourself
These are questions that help you become the happiest, smartest, and most energized version of yourself.
Identify the areas that you need to focus on, then take action.
What is my happiness level on a scale of 1-10? What would make it 1 score higher?
What do I need help with currently? Who can help me? How can I help myself?
When do I feel most productive? What activities do I find most energizing?
What did I learn this year?
📈 Looking forward…
These are questions that help you create a plan to successfully reach your goals in 2024.
What does a fulfilling 2024 look like?
Consider your:
Career
Health & Wellness
Relationships
Personal Finance
Spirituality & Religion
What is a non-negotiable for me in 2024?
What improvement in myself am I most excited to see?
What is one small step I can take today toward a goal that feels out of reach?
Take three final breaths.
Well done—you’ve now completed the exercise.
Remember that sharing your goals with a close friend or peer will help create accountability and increase your odds of being successful.
Congratulations on making it through 2023! Onward to 2024.
Btw, if you’d like to book time with me to chat through all things goals, planning, and reflection, you can do so here.
📌 Andrew’s Picks
Fascinating internet things I’ve come across:
How to Pick Your Life Partner — Tim Urban’s write-up on the most important decision you will make in your life. Society has it all wrong and gives us terrible advice. Here’s some good advice.
Why You Believe The Things You Do — Our perception shapes our reality: What you believe to be true is influenced by how much you want it to be true. A brilliant piece by Morgan Housel.
Don’t build a personal brand – build a creative platform — Lately, everyone and their mother have been talking about building a “personal brand.” How exactly do you do that? An article by creator expert Jay Clouse.
Bonus: My new favorite newsletter!
If you love my newsletter and tech events, you’ll love GM NYC.
GM NYC is a weekly newsletter curating the best parties and tech events in NYC.
Click here to join the list.
🖼️ Behind the Scenes
I find gift-buying really hard.
You have to figure out what someone likes but doesn’t have.
What they want but won’t buy for themselves.
And it should be affordable but thoughtful.
It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while skiing backwards up a sand dune.
Is it just me? If not, I’m here to make it easier for you.
Check these out:
“What is an item under $100 that has significantly improved your life?”
Bonus: My girlfriend is awesome at gift-giving. She has a natural talent for it. Check out her list of fascinating yet quirky gifts.
Happy holidays!
