Happy last couple weeks of 2024! It’s been a very special year—the year this blog came to life! There’s so much more to come in 2025. Thank you so much for being part of the journey from such an early stage! Since next Wednesday is Christmas, and the Wednesday after that is New Year’s Day, this will be the final blog post of 2024! On that note, it’s only fitting to talk all things new year. More specifically, we’re setting ourselves up for a successful 2025 in all senses of the word. Success in our personal lives, professional lives, relationships, goals, overall fulfillment in life, etc. So, without further ado, here are some ways to do just that!
1- Reflect on your successes, room for growth, decisions, etc. from the past year.
What went well, how so, and why? What could’ve gone better, how so, and why? By asking yourself these questions and answering them honestly, you can then determine how to make the new year a success. Since the past year is the most recent archive of your past decisions, looking back on it can help you effectively pinpoint which habits/patterns have been working for you, which ones need to change, etc. Journaling about these things now is a great way to remember them and progress-track throughout the upcoming year. As you reflect and give yourself constructive criticism when necessary, always be kind to yourself. You did the best you could this past year, and the wisdom you gained from it will allow you to do better this coming year!
2- Choose resolutions that are rooted in true desire and intention to make them happen.
The buildup to a new year often leads us to hop on the resolutions bandwagon, as we feel inspired by the idea of a clean slate. However, the resolutions that are more likely to stick are those inspired by our genuine drive to achieve them. The “new year, new me” spirit tends to wear off after January, but your goals and desires don’t have to, as long as you’re committed to them.
That doesn’t mean they can’t evolve or change over time (we’re always evolving, which is a good thing). It just means that they’ll stem from something deeper than timing, making them more sustainable. In many cases, these can be goals and desires that you’ve had for a while already and are still in the process of working toward. In turn, the new year can simply prompt you to reevaluate what actions you should take next, based on what has and hasn’t worked for you so far.
3- Lay out your resolutions in front of you in whatever format resonates with you.
The most common examples of formats tend to be writing a simple list of resolutions and creating a vision board. Other options include writing them out in paragraph/story format, recording yourself talking about them, and writing a letter to your 2025 self about them. It’s all a matter of figuring out what’s most likely to stick with you.
Whatever you choose, be sure to keep it somewhere you’ll refer to often. The more exposure you get to it on a regular basis, the more you’ll be reminded to take action. You can make it the background on your phone/computer, display it in your room, put it on/in your nightstand, etc.—whatever works for you!
Also, aim to be as specific and detailed as possible. For a vision board, choose pictures that really capture exactly what it is you want (even if you have to edit them)! For written or spoken goals, give as much detail as you can about what you want and what actions you plan to take to get it. By doing this, you’re immersing yourself in your goals that much more and setting yourself up to achieve them!
4- Create new habits, routines, and systems that will set you up for success.
There are countless examples of how this can look. Some can be created in advance of the new year (i.e. the next couple weeks). For instance, a year-long daily habit tracker (which you can set up before the new year starts) is great reference material for the end of the coming year when you’re wondering which habits made the biggest impact. Writing yourself 365 thoughtful notes before the new year begins (so that you can read one per day) is a beautiful act of self-love that brightens each day. (Or if 365 is way too many, which is totally understandable, try 52–one per week! Lol).
Others don’t need any in-advance action-taking; just the plan to begin once the new year does. For instance, a daily brain dump journal can act as a catharsis and an artifact of how you and your life have evolved throughout the year. Coming up with other daily habits to promote health, happiness, personal development, etc. can also be incredibly beneficial. When choosing habits, consider all areas of life, especially those you have goals in. (For some inspiration on good habits to form, check out my post Mindset Regimen: Powerful Daily Habits to Nurture Your Mindset)! After all, so many goals are achieved through small, consistent actions.
Anything that you think will set you up for success is worth giving a try!
5- Don’t forget to enjoy the remainder of this year.
While it’s great to crank out some last minute productivity at the end of the year, it’s also deeply important to make time for enjoyment. Looking ahead has its time and place, but so does being in the moment. If you, like myself, love the holiday season, be sure to absorb all its magic. Fill the time with your favorite traditions, and create new special memories with your loved ones. Either way, though, ask yourself what you want and need in these final 2 weeks, and give it to yourself. It could range anywhere from booking up your social calendar to catching up on sleep/rest. The more you prioritize your current needs now, the better a position you’ll be in when kicking off 2025!
The bottom line…
With two weeks left of 2024, you still have time to end the year strong AND get the wheels in motion for an amazing coming year. Anything you can do now for your benefit next year, your 2025 self will thank you for. Have an incredible rest of 2024, and an incredible 2025 ahead—see you there!
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