Top 3 Things I Do at the End of the Year
Does anyone else feel like the end of the year sneaks up on them like an uninvited guest? Every single time, I find myself caught off guard! Before I know it, I’m spiraling into the “not-enough” mindset—“I didn’t accomplish as much as I wanted to,” or “I’m not where I thought I’d be by now.” You’ve been there, right? The panic sets in, the self-doubt creeps up, and suddenly, you’re reflecting on your year like it’s some dramatic life flashback montage.
Here’s the thing, though—you’re not alone. The messy feeling of not being “enough” is a game our minds play, and we’re here to stop it, together. I’ve discovered a few things that help me end the year with less stress and more hope. I’m sharing them with you—not because I’ve mastered it (spoiler alert, I haven’t), but because little changes have made a huge difference in how I look back, look forward, and cut myself a whole lot of slack.
HUGE REMINDER! DO NOT, I MEAN DO NOT, compare yourself to those around you, especially on the internet. Everyone around you is fighting some battle that we do not know about.
1. Reflect on the Past Year. (The Big Wins AND the Tiny Ones)
First things first, get cozy with your favorite cup of coffee (hello, caffeine!) and give yourself permission to reflect. This step is SO powerful. It’s easy to think, “This year wasn’t that great,” but TRUST ME—you’ve grown more than you think.
Take time to jot down the milestones that filled your year. Big or small, it ALL counts. Maybe it was landing a new job, taking a road trip you’ll never forget, or simply learning how to make a perfect banana bread. These moments deserve recognition.
Hack for Next Year
Want to make reflection even easier? Grab a jar (or a shoebox, whatever works) and start dropping in little notes of joy throughout the year—memories, wins, funny moments, or even a cute thing you overheard at the grocery store. At the end of the year, you’ll have an instant highlights reel waiting for you.
2. Set Goals, Not Resolutions
Resolutions? Overrated. (Sorry, not sorry.) The moment we frame things in a “goal vs. resolution” way, it suddenly feels lighter, achievable, and much less pressure-filled.
The trick? Break it down into bite-sized steps. Don’t say, “I’m going to lose 20 pounds this year.” Instead, try something like, “I’ll go to the gym twice a week in January and build from there.” Goals are about progress, not perfection. Check this out:
- Want to save more? Start with $10-$30 weekly in January and gradually increase it. (start as small or as big as you feel comfortable)
- Dream of traveling? Post a photo of your dream destination on your desk or mirror for daily inspiration (and set up that travel savings fund—little by little, it adds up).
- Craving a career boost? Commit to reading ONE professional development book by March or attending a local networking event.
And here’s my magic trick—WRITE IT DOWN. Seriously. Write those goals on sticky notes, post them on your bathroom mirror, add them to a vision board, or slap them on your fridge. It’s in-your-face accountability, and it works!
3. Clean your space. (Trust Me, This Matters More Than You Think)
Here’s the most underrated mood booster for transitioning into the new year—a clean, clutter-free space. Think about it—feeling stressed when you come home to a cozy, clean vibe is hard. No dishes in the sink. No guilt-inducing piles of laundry. Just peace.
I swear by this routine before New Year’s Eve (and honestly, before any vacation). You can ugly cry at midnight in a spotless living room—or recover from your NYE hangover stress-free in a zen-like haven. Either way, you win.
Pro tip? If decluttering sounds scary (same), set a timer for 10-15 minutes per task. Put on your favorite playlist or podcast, and tackle the mess in manageable chunks. Think of it as a gift to future you who will wake up, and THANK YOU.
Another HUGE Reminder Before You Start…
DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF—ESPECIALLY ONLINE.
It’s so tempting to scroll social media and see people posting their highlight reels. But remember, everyone is fighting a battle you don’t see. Your pace? Your story? It’s YOURS, and it’s absolutely enough. Return to your goals, growth, and wins—because that’s where the magic is.
Before You Go…
This process isn’t about perfection. It’s about grace, progress, and celebrating that you’ve made it this far (because, wow, that’s already huge). With just a little reflection, intentional goal-setting, and a quick space refresh, you’ll be ready to take on the new year like your absolute rockstar.
You’ve got this. Now, go tackle that beautiful, messy, and unpredictable year ahead.
