Earlier in blogmas I shared some top tips for staying productive during the festive period. Today I want to talk about 4 of the best things you can do to set yourself up for the new year in these last few weeks because the plan I have right now is pretty simple.
Clear
I know that having a clear out is usually associated with spring, but making space and clearing the clutter can be a great way to set yourself up for the new year, especially if you’ve received any replacements of things for Christmas. If you need some guidance, earlier this year I wrote up my complete guide to doing a spring clean that’s just as relevant now.
Plan
Set your goals for the new year ahead. These could come in the form of new year’s resolutions or they might just be things you want to achieve in work or your personal life. Last year I put mine up on an A3 poster on my wall, and I think I’ll be doing something similar again this year. I’m also going to review the goals I set in September and check they’re still true to what I want. Give yourself some focus for the next 12 months, it’s hard to achieve something if you don’t know what it is. If you can’t think of a big year-long goal, start with something you want to do in the first 6, 3 or 2 months of the year and use that to drive yourself forward.
Prep
Once you’ve set those goals, set yourself up to achieve them. If you want to eat healthier, make sure your cupboards are properly stocked. If you want to try a new class, book it now. If you want to reach a work goal, come up with a strategy to get there. This is a great activity to check that the goals you’ve set are actually doable as well. Give yourself a fighting chance to get where you want to be.
Rest
Finally, take the end of the year as a time to rest and recharge. You’ve achieved a whole lot this year, I don’t know you but I know you have. Just surviving a year on the planet is a big achievement. So, take a moment to reflect on all you’ve done and then take some well-deserved time off so you can come back and do even better (not necessarily more, something I’m learning) next year. There are so many excuses to put your feet up and just enjoy yourself at this time of year it’s hard not to.
These are good tips. I have a few days off before New Years to try and stuff in order. This year seems to have gone really quickly but at the same time been filled with a lot of tribulations and growing pains. It’s amazing how much can happen in one year. I hope 2018 is a continuation of progress and growth.
You too Zed – I feel like looking back over the year I’ve certainly had those “growing pains” too but that means we’re growing right?