Taking Stock & Looking Forward: Close the Year With Clarity

Taking Stock & Looking Forward is a free printable PDF workbook for first-time business builders. Ten guided exercises help you recognise your progress, learn from challenges, choose what to continue, stop and start, and set three priorities for the year ahead.

Pause, reflect on the year behind you and make space for what comes next.

Taking Stock & Looking Forward is a free year-end reflection and New Year planning workbook from Founders Quill. Designed for first-time business builders, it helps you recognise your progress, learn from challenges and set practical goals for your business and beyond.

Through ten guided exercises, you’ll explore what worked, what didn’t and what you want to carry forward—then turn those reflections into clear next steps.

Inside the workbook, you’ll:

• Recognise achievements, helpful habits and moments that mattered.

• Reflect on challenges without blame or pressure.

• Identify lessons you can use in the year ahead.

• Choose three things to continue, stop and start doing.

• Clarify what deserves your time and energy.

• Set three priorities and a first small step for each.

• Choose a supportive way to stay accountable.

• Write a letter to your future self.

Who is it for?

Aspiring founders, first-time business owners and people building something alongside work or other commitments who want a thoughtful way to review their year and plan for the new year ahead.

How to use it

Download the PDF, print your copy and work through the prompts at your own pace. The undated exercises can be revisited each year.

You don’t need a perfect plan. Start with an honest reflection and one clear step forward.

Download your free workbook and begin your year-end reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is it for?

Aspiring founders, first-time business owners and people building something alongside work who want a thoughtful way to review their year and plan for the new year ahead.

How do I use it?

Download the PDF, print it and work through the prompts at your own pace.

Can I use it every year?

Yes. The exercises are undated, so you can revisit them each year.