Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of leading several workshops focused on intentional living—and one exercise that continues to resonate deeply with participants is the Calendar Audit. I’ve heard from so many of you that this reflection has been unexpectedly powerful. It’s helped you see what mattered most, what drained your energy, and where you want to spend your time differently moving forward.

Why does this simple activity make such a big impact?

Because we rarely take the time to pause and look back. We move fast, from one task to the next, without asking:

• What was great?
• What was hard?
• What do I want more of next year?
• And just as importantly—what do I want less of?

The only way to truly learn, grow, and design a life you love is by reflecting on where you’ve been. That means being honest with yourself, asking thought-provoking questions, and getting intentional about what comes next.

In this post, I’m sharing the outline from my workshop so you can do this on your own. It’s simple, eye-opening, and something I truly believe everyone should do at least once a year.

Workshop Outline:

A Year in Review: How to Do a Calendar Audit for a Life You Love

Ever feel like the months fly by and you’re left wondering, “Where did the time go?” You’re not alone. But what if you could look back at your calendar and uncover powerful insights about what filled you up—and what drained you?

A Calendar Audit is one of the simplest, most eye-opening ways to reflect on your past year and intentionally shape the one ahead. All you need is your calendar (digital or paper), some blank pages, and a curious mindset.

Here’s how to do it:

✨ Step 1: Gather Your Tools

• Last year’s calendar (digital or paper—larger screens work best)
• Your phone’s photo roll
• Bank statements (optional but helpful)
• A notebook or a few sheets of blank paper
• Pens, highlighters, or markers

🧐 Step 2: The Calendar Audit

Start by looking back through your calendar month by month.

Ask yourself:

• What events stand out?
• What milestones, trips, celebrations, or "firsts" happened?
• What regular commitments did I have?
• Who did I spend the most time with?

Write these down by month or season. Include the good, the bad, and the mundane. And don’t forget to note the time-consuming things that didn’t make it onto your calendar—commuting, cooking, cleaning, scrolling, etc.

💡 Bonus Tip: This list also makes a great foundation for a year-in-review photo book!

💭 Step 3: Reflect on What Mattered Most

Now, take a step back and look at your list.

• What made you feel on top of the world?
• What relationships were most important to you?
• Where did you spend too much time? Too little?
• Were there any surprises?

Use prompts like:

• Why was this moment so meaningful?
• What would I like to do more of this year?
• Which relationships do I want to nurture more deeply?
• What habits helped me thrive—or held me back?

🎡 Step 4: Explore Your “Wheel of Life”

Think about the major areas of your life:

• Career, Health, Relationships, Personal Growth, Fun, Spirituality, etc.

Score each area from 1 (low fulfillment) to 5 (high fulfillment).

What do you notice?

• Where are your flat spots?
• Which areas were well-represented last year?
• Which ones were missing entirely?

This helps you spot blind spots and areas ripe for growth.

🧩 Step 5: Design Your Ideal Life Combos

Here’s where it gets fun.

Ask yourself:

• How can I combine things I love or want more of?
• Like cooking healthy meals and spending quality time with my partner
• Or learning Spanish while traveling with friends

Make a list of “combo ideas” that light you up—then schedule one small step toward making them real.

📅 Step 6: Make a Plan & Move Forward

Take everything you've gathered and turn it into action:

• Book time for something you want to prioritize
• Write your goals where you can see them
• Find an “accounta-bili-buddy” to keep you on track

Final Thought:

This calendar audit isn’t just about looking back—it’s about making intentional space for what lights you up. Whether you do it solo or with a friend, it’s a powerful way to reconnect with what truly matters.

How was that as an outline?

✨ Want to Experience the Full Calendar Audit Workshop?

If this outline sparked something in you—imagine what we can uncover together in the full experience. I guide groups and individuals through this powerful reflection process with real-time coaching, personalized insights, and the kind of accountability that makes change stick.

📅 Book a Workshop for Your Group or Team
💬 Reach out for a 1:1 Session
📝 Or just drop me a message and let’s chat about what you're hoping to get out of it!

👉 staceyrollsdough@gmail.com

Let’s design a life you actually want to live—on purpose, with joy.

Interested in the full workshop? Contact me at staceyrollsdough@gmail.com