Make the Last Nine Weeks of the Year Count
As we approach the year-end, it’s natural to feel tired and overwhelmed and to feel the pull of deadlines and the push to finish projects. I’m hearing lots of overwhelm and people saying things like “I’m so over this year, I can’t wait to shut the door on 2024, I’ll be so happy when the holiday arrives, I’m sooo tired, I’m done” – and the list goes on. With this mindset, we rob ourselves of the joy of the next few weeks of life that we can NEVER GET BACK and we amplify the stress, anxiety, overwhelm and tiredness. What if, instead of wishing time away or rushing through the rest of 2024, we could slow things down, find peace, connect to purpose and consciously make the last few weeks of the year truly count?
Here’s some simple yet powerful strategies to help you turn the rest of this year into a time of reflection, growth and meaningful progress and take Key Steps to…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
- Reflect and Realign
Take a moment to review your goals from the beginning of the year. What did you set out to achieve? What worked, and what didn’t? Be compassionate and honest with yourself. Instead of dwelling on what’s unfinished, focus on what’s still possible. This isn’t about cramming; it’s about aligning your actions with what matters most. Ask yourself:
What accomplishments am I proud of?
Where did I grow?
What would make the biggest difference if I focused on it now? - Finish with Focus The final weeks of the year often involve juggling multiple tasks and distractions, making it easy to lose focus. Don’t fall into the trap of multi-tasking! To counter this, try setting mini deadlines. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make them feel less overwhelming and more achievable. This primes your brain to do its best thinking and to be better able to collaborate too. Taking a focused approach allows you to finish strong without feeling stretched.
- Foster Connection and Gratitude The end of the year is a wonderful time to nurture relationships and express gratitude. Take a few moments to connect with those who’ve supported your journey — mentors, colleagues, family and friends. This can be as simple as a thoughtful email or an in-person coffee catch-up. Building connections isn’t just heartwarming; it’s foundational for personal and professional growth. Gratitude also transforms how we see our life and can help you enter the new year with a stronger, more positive outlook.
- Rest and Recharge
In the quest to make every moment count, we often overlook rest. Yet, rest is vital for sustained performance. Allow yourself to recharge, especially if you’re feeling drained. Pausing can lead to sharper insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Consider these questions:
How can I create micro moments of peace? I have come to enjoy 5-minute “do nothing” breaks where I focus on my breathing, taking in the sounds of the birds, looking for all the shades of green I can see in the tree outside my window… It does wonders!
What energises me? 10-minutes outdoors can be game changing.
How can I ensure that I begin the new year revitalised, not exhausted? - Celebrate Your Wins Finally, take time to celebrate what you’ve achieved — big and small. Celebrate the journey and the lessons learned too. By ending the year on a constructive note, you’re reinforcing your capacity for growth and resilience. This acknowledgment empowers you to carry momentum into the new year.
Make these last few weeks an intentional time of purpose, reflection and connection. By doing so, you’ll not only end the year on a higher note but also set a powerful foundation for the new one.
Remember, the way you finish is as important as the way you start. So, let’s make it count and take Key Steps to…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
