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The Power of the Rearview Mirror and the Windshield: An activity of reflection and projection

Using the metaphor of a vehicle's small rearview mirror and large windshield, columnist Kathleen Wood shares a structured framework designed to briefly reflect on past lessons and proactively plan for future personal and professional success.

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June 29, 2026 by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

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There is a great metaphor about how the rearview mirror is intentionally small to remind us to spend less time looking back. The large front windshield encourages us to focus forward on opportunities, possibilities, and a vision for the future.

Many years ago, I transformed this metaphor into an end-of-year reflection/projection activity for both my personal and professional growth. As a driven, highly motivated and sometimes intense leader, I used to end the year thinking about all the unmet goals and spent the holidays kicking myself for what was not achieved. I realized what a waste of time this was, and instead, I channeled this energy into the following year-end reflection/projection activity.

Leveraging my "rearview mirror" for the year, I reflect on five key questions. Let's look, learn and then let go of the year that has passed.

Achievement: What am I most proud of achieving in my life and business?
Assessment: What have I learned for future growth?
Adjustment: What can I change to improve?
Abandon: What will I let go of as it no longer serves a purpose?
Address: Whom or what will I forgive, including myself, to move forward?

Utilizing my "windshield," I project a vision for the new year based on five similar questions. Let's focus forward and drive to new destinations for success.

Achievement: What is my vision for this year? What does my life and business look like in December 2026?
Assess: What is my plan for fulfilling my 2026 vision? My plan is written with priorities, goals, and objectives so I can see my roadmap for the year.
Adjust: What changes will I make in my life, leadership, business, and relationships to support my vision and plan? This includes looking at how I want to live, work, and spend my time.
Abandon: What beliefs, resources, and relationships will shift in 2026 if they do not support forward progress?
Address: What actions/routines will leverage to maintain a positive, healthy, and growth mindset to focus on what matters most?

We all have the choice to drive to our own destiny. The road of life and business will always have ups, downs, twists, turns, unexpected loss, unexpected joy and everything in between. Reflecting on where we have been and projecting where we want to go lets us proactively drive on the road to great success, achievement, and support in the ups and downs of the journey. May you have an amazing 2026 as you drive your life and business to achieve your vision!

About Kathleen Wood

Kathleen Wood is the Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners (KWP), an innovative and award-winning growth strategy firm dedicated to propelling Founder-led businesses to new levels of success. Kathleen and her team work with Founders in scaling and accelerating their visions into actionable results through strategic growth solutions, operational excellence, competitive sales strategies, and transformative leadership development. The KWP expertise includes range of Founder-led businesses in the restaurant, hospitality, technology, and manufacturing industries.

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