Chris Guillebeau's Annual Review: A Systematic Goal-Tracking Approach with Spreadsheet Template
by Chris Guillebeau
Chris Guillebeau's Annual Review Guide offers a systematic, category-based approach to year-end reflection. Known for his books The Art of Non-Conformity and Side Hustle, Guillebeau brings a practical, action-oriented perspective to the review process.
What distinguishes his approach is the emphasis on tracking and measurement. With a downloadable spreadsheet template, you can organize your reflection across multiple life categories and create a clear record that carries forward year after year.
What is Annual Review Guide?
The Annual Review Guide is a structured methodology with spreadsheet template that helps you evaluate your year across various life categories. Rather than free-form journaling, Guillebeau's approach uses systematic tracking to identify patterns and measure progress.
The framework reflects his belief that intentional living requires intentional measurement. By categorizing and tracking your goals and experiences, you build a clearer picture of what's working and what needs adjustment.
How to Use Annual Review Guide
- 1
Download the spreadsheet template from Guillebeau's website
- 2
Define your life categories — Work, health, relationships, finances, personal growth, etc.
- 3
Review each category — What were your goals? What actually happened?
- 4
Rate your satisfaction in each area on a scale
- 5
Identify gaps between intentions and reality
- 6
Set category-specific goals for the coming year
- 7
Save your completed review to compare with future years
Who is Annual Review Guide Best For?
- Goal-oriented individuals who like tracking and measurement
- Spreadsheet enthusiasts comfortable with structured formats
- Multi-category planners who want to review all life areas
- Those building year-over-year records of their progress
- Systematic thinkers who prefer organized approaches
Key Features
Spreadsheet Template
Ready-to-use format for organized tracking.
Category-Based
Review multiple life areas systematically.
Year-Over-Year Tracking
Build a record to compare across years.
Satisfaction Ratings
Quantify your feelings about each area.
Gap Analysis
Identify where intentions didn't match reality.
Goal Integration
Seamlessly connects review to goal-setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this review take?
Plan for 2-3 hours to do it thoroughly. The category-by-category approach takes time but yields comprehensive insights.
What categories should I use?
Guillebeau suggests common areas like work, health, relationships, finances, and personal growth. You can customize based on what matters most to you.
Do I need to use the spreadsheet?
No, but it helps. The structured format makes it easier to track year-over-year and identify patterns. You could adapt the approach to other tools.
Who is Chris Guillebeau?
Chris Guillebeau is the author of The Art of Non-Conformity, Side Hustle, and other books. He's known for visiting every country in the world and his practical approach to unconventional living.
How is this different from other reviews?
The systematic, spreadsheet-based approach sets it apart. While many reviews are more free-form, Guillebeau's method emphasizes measurement and tracking.
Can I use this with other reflection methods?
Yes. Many people use Guillebeau's structured approach for goal tracking while using other methods for deeper emotional or spiritual reflection.
Ready to Start Your Reflection?
Download Annual Review Guide for free and begin your year-end reflection journey today.