3 ways to wrap up the year (and set next year up for success)
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
You’re almost at the finish line- you can do it!
Everything’s a mad rush, you’re pushing to meet final deadlines, you’re trying to squeeze in every last meeting and you’re ready to collapse from exhaustion after an insane year. Does this ring a bell?
Take a moment to breathe and focus your energy and thoughts.
While the end of the year can feel overwhelming, there are a few key things you can do right now to set yourself up for success in the new year.
1. Get Organised and Tidy-up
Getting organised at the end of the year is a great way for you to wrap things up and start fresh. It helps you take stock of where things stand, tidy up loose ends, and set yourself up for a smoother, more productive new year. Start by sorting out your finances, clearing clutter (both digital and physical), and reviewing how your business performed.
Use the write.copy.click. End-of-Year Checklist for Business Owners to help cover your bases.
The physicality of some of these tasks will also give your brain the break it needs from concentrating on “thinking tasks” like planning, budgeting, strategising (and other things that leave you staring at a screen for most of your day). Try blocking out a couple of hours each day for a week to chip away at these tasks.
Hot tip: Once you’ve thrown out all the junk, stock your desk drawers with yummy snacks, lux goodies like hand cream, a nifty gadget and your favourite stationery to give you something to look forward to when coming back to work in the new year.
2. Reflect and Set Goals
The time you spend reflecting and goal setting is an investment. This practice helps to align all efforts on achieving the organisational goals. It is an opportunity to review how your business has performed and assess where you’re at financially, operationally, and strategically. Using this information, you can define your future priorities.
Take a moment to truly celebrate and acknowledge exceptional work of your team. Also, consider the lessons learnt in the year and what learnings you’d like to take into the next year. Making time for reflection is paramount to learning and improving.
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. -Confucius
Set SMART Goals
This means goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Remember to set up a check-in each quarter (or whatever frequency makes sense for your business) to see how you’re tracking against your goals.
3. Make time to rest
Too many of us say that we’ll just push through until the end– and you just keep going and going, completely ignoring the signs of burnout until it hits you like a tonne of bricks.
The end of the year is not a time to test your absolute limits. It’s a time to learn how to effectively rest and implement sustainable practices to set your year up for success. The holiday you’re holding out for should not be used for burnout recovery. It should reinvigorate you and give you a sense of energy and inspiration to take into your future work.
Here are 2 effective ways you can make space for rest (even when the pressure is on!)
Use Time Blocking to schedule in mini breaks:
Schedule dedicated time slots for key tasks and also schedule time to step away from your desk regularly, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Stretch, take a walk, or enjoy a cup of tea to clear your mind and recharge.Set clear boundaries and stick to them:
Establish a cut-off time for work each day. Disconnect from emails and tasks in the evening to prioritise rest and restore your energy.
Make rest part of your daily practice- especially at the end of a busy year.
Contact write.copy.click. for your copywriting needs in the new year.