“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us.” – Hal Borland
Ending the year with the same energy you started it with helps you to finish the year strong and gives you a head start as the New Year begins. December doesn’t have to be when you slow down and wait for the new year so that you can pick up the pace again: you can start doing that now!
Finishing the year on a high note gives you the high you need to keep going in the new year while feeling good about yourself as the old year ends. So here are 10 tips for you to end the year strong.
10 Ways to Finish Strong this Year
- Work on a 2021 Resolution that you never started.
Every New Year begins with high energy and the feeling that you can do and are ready to do what it takes to make that year your best year yet. There are so many goals and plans, and some you work on and accomplish them; but, of course, there are some that you never started on. Now is the time to pick it up and get started on it. You must not achieve it this month: just get started on it.
- Work on a 2021 Resolution that you started but didn’t finish.
Just as there are goals that you never got started on, there are some that you started but didn’t finish. This is a good time to pick one of those up and make some more progress on achieving it. Who knows, you might follow through on it before the year runs out!
- Set goals for the new year, aka New Year Resolutions for 2022
Start planning your 2022 goals now! Get a notebook and a pen and write those goals and what you will need – time, resources, skills – to achieve them. Some questions to get you thinking are:
- How much time will you dedicate to achieving this goal?
- What tools will you need for it?
- What actionable steps can you take to achieve it?
- When do you want to achieve this goal?
- Get to work on next year’s goals NOW
Honestly, you don’t have to wait for the New Year to work on your resolutions. If you have your goals written out and your plans outlined, you can get to work. If your goal is to walk 30 minutes a day, three days a week, you can start that this month. If one of your resolutions is to create content for social media two times a week, or to write 200 words every day, 5 days a week, you might as well start now. By the time 2022 begins, you would have made significant headway.
- Declutter – mentally, physically, emotionally
Are the items you planned to donate or throw out, that you’re still holding on to? Are there any lingering feelings you need to let go? Are there some bad habits you promised yourself you would get rid of this year? It’s time to declutter and give yourself a fresh start. With less baggage comes more positive energy to focus on the future you desire.
- Get a little more debt-free
Even if you can’t pay off all your debts, you can pay off some of them. Pay off a huge chunk of an enormous debt, or pay off several small debts. Finish the year strong by being a little more debt-free this December.
- Save some more
Ending the year with some money tucked away will make you feel good. Knowing that you didn’t spend it all on the festivities will show you that yes, you can work with a budget and save money during the holidays. Plus, you will have a tidy sum for the long January ahead, and money to work on your New Year goals. Saving apps like PiggyVest have December saving challenges you can join to help you save money this month.
- End the year with a BANG! By accomplishing one big goal
It could be getting your driver’s license, losing 5 pounds by December 30th, or finishing 8 books in 4 weeks. Find something that is a big thing to you, and achieve it this month. You will start the new year with a huge confidence boost and a drive to achieve even more.
- Appreciate the progress you made this year
Reflecting on what you have accomplished this year will show you have much to be proud of. Pat yourself on the back for the strides you made this year to achieve your goals.
- Rest – it’s the holidays!
Yes, we have talked about doing, doing, doing, but what’s just as important is resting. Taking time out to rest, to show yourself some TLC, is probably one of the best ways to finish the year strong. The only way you can bring your A-game is when you are well-rested and refreshed.
Finish strong and get the inspiration and motivation you need to start the new year strong!
