The Art and Science of Thriving
Welcome to The Art and Science of Thriving, the podcast where high-achieving professionals unlock the secrets to living a fulfilling, balanced, and high-performing life.
Through evidence-based insights in neuroscience, psychology, and high-performance strategies, we’ll explore how to achieve success without burnout, create clarity and purpose, and thrive in every area of your life.
Michael Schiel, a high performance coach and transformation consultant, hosts the podcast. Michael helps overwhelmed people and teams find their purpose, achieve their goals, and reach peak performance while creating well-being, balance and fulfillment in their lives
The Art and Science of Thriving
Episode #90: The Science of Reflection: How to Review Your Year and Find What Really Mattered
Have you ever reached the end of the year and felt… underwhelmed? You worked hard, hit some goals, and overcame challenges—but still wonder, Did any of this really matter?
In this episode of The Art and Science of Thriving, I explore the neuroscience and psychology behind why achievement alone rarely feels fulfilling—and how meaningful reflection is the key to ending your year with clarity, confidence, and a genuine sense of progress.
You’ll learn:
- Why your brain’s dopamine system is wired for the chase, not the finish, and how that affects your sense of success.
- The neuroscience of reflection—how it consolidates learning, strengthens resilience, and turns experiences into wisdom.
- Five science-backed principles for reviewing your year so you feel proud, grounded, and ready for what’s next.
- The R.E.S.E.T. Reflection Framework — a simple, evidence-based process to reflect, realign, and refocus for the year ahead.
Plus, I share practical reflection tools you can use this week— like the “Year-in-Three” list and closure rituals—to help you end the year not just successful, but fulfilled.
Instantly Unlock Performance, Well-Being and Balance Now
The "Thrive Hive" is a monthly membership to help teach, coach and support individuals, organizational teams and their leaders in reaching their full potential, and living a flourishing life with balance and well-being.
You get access to group coaching, monthly education, webinars/livecasts and other events, topic-based support and tools, and access to a private community of other like-minded individuals.
You can find out more or sign up clicking here!