Preparing for a performance review shouldn't mean stress dreams and tanked productivity, but it can be challenging to navigate the process without feeling overwhelmed. HR experts and employees offer several tips to help individuals prepare for their reviews, including taking a 360° self-evaluation ahead of time, aligning themselves with their job family matrix (JFM), and showcasing their successes through evidence. It's also essential to articulate success and be transparent about challenges, create a rough draft of goals, cast a vision for the future, bring a portfolio of work, have a case study ready, connect goals to business-impacting results, take notes during the year, and be prepared to listen to constructive feedback. By following these tips, individuals can increase their confidence and productivity, and make the most out of their performance review process.