This year was brutal` is a reflective passage about the challenges of 2021, acknowledging that many people struggled to cope with its difficulties. The author, a productivity expert, encourages those who are barely getting by to give themselves credit for their accomplishments and not feel guilty about it. They share their company's experience of achieving success despite personal struggles, and offer advice on how to approach resolutions in the new year, emphasizing the importance of being realistic and making achievable goals. The author aims to liberate readers from feelings of guilt and inadequacy, and instead focus on celebrating small victories and finding ways to make life easier.