Nine Powerful Ways to Close the Year Strong
The year is almost at its end, with another chapter of our lives closing as the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Whether this year was your best so far, full of great memories and splendid people, or it was one better to be forgotten, with a lot of moments that turned out to be lessons, the new year is a fresh start for everyone. Despite what 2017 brought you, here are nine great ways to end the year on a high note and start off the new one correctly.
1. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions.
January 1st is no day to begin resolutions – it’s cold, everything’s closed and there’s a significant chance you’ll be hungover as hell. Whichever habits you’d like to kick-start in the new year, kick-start now. By the time January 1st rolls around, you’ll be accustomed to your new routine, which means you’ll be infinitely more likely to stick with it.
2. Make a list of the fifteen best things you did this year.
365 days is a long stretch of time – long enough for us to forget our own accomplishments and triumphs throughout. Sit down and write a list of every tiny victory you’ve encountered in the past year – fifteen at a minimum, infinity at a maximum. You may be surprised at all the tiny mountains you’ve conquered over the past twelve months, without ever recognizing them as such.
3. Identify five things you wish you’d done, but didn’t.
Just as we have to take notice of our triumphs, we also ought to take notice of the places where we sold ourselves short. Make a list of what you meant to accomplish this year, but never got around to. And then ask yourself how you’re going to make sure you make it happen now.
4. Thank the people who got you through the year.
Think of all your lowest points throughout the year. Ask yourself who was still standing beside you in those moments. And then let those people know exactly how much they’ve meant to you. Those who help us with an open heart often aren’t aware of how much of an impact they have – so it’s our job to let them know. And to give them the thanks they deserve.
5. Sever the ties you know you ought to.
The person you need to let go of. The job that you need to stop working. The situation that has been dragging you down throughout the year – it’s time to make the affirmative decision to let it all go. Why bring your baggage into the new year? If cutting off ties is going to hurt, let it hurt now. And let the new year be a place where you start over.
6. Forgive others and let it go.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean welcoming someone back into your life. It doesn’t even necessarily mean contacting them again. It just means making the conscious decision to let go of any anger, resentment and blame that you’ve been holding onto. It means accepting that we’re all fallible people, and allowing ourselves to head into the new year with peace in relation to that fact, rather than fury.
7. Accept what didn’t work and what you learned.
It’s tough to make it through the year without a single failure. But rather than dragging that beaten horse into the New Year alongside you, have the strength and the audacity before this year ends to let it go. To accept that you have failed. To let disappointment sink in, but also to revel in the freedom it allows you. We can’t fight new battles if we’re still waging war on the past. And there are so many other battles left to win.
8. Start on your New Year’s Resolutions today.
January 1st is no day to begin resolutions – it’s cold, everything’s closed and there’s a significant chance you’ll be hungover as hell. Whichever habits you’d like to kick-start in the new year, kick-start now. By the time January 1st rolls around, you’ll be accustomed to your new routine, which means you’ll be infinitely more likely to stick with it.
9. Ask for the things you want and expect it to happen.
Now that you’ve outwardly admitted what you want, make a detailed action plan that will make phrasing those questions a reality. Write down the speech you’re going to present to your boss, the text you’re going to send that person, or the application you’re going to send in that will make you eligible for that opportunity. Refuse to keep letting your dreams be dreams.
Shawna Johnson is an Author, International Speaker and Resiliency Expert. For more resources on building massive momentum in your business, visit her online. Interested in customized tips for your individualized needs? Schedule a complimentary, no obligation consultation today!