As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.
Time seems to move faster as the final weeks approach, and the holidays often leave us caught between moments of celebration and reflection.
Yet, this season holds an incredible opportunity—a chance to prepare for what lies ahead while embracing what remains of the present. Ending the year intentionally isn’t about grand gestures or perfect resolutions; it’s about small, meaningful actions that align with your truest values.
Here are ten powerful ways to finish the year with clarity, purpose, and momentum, ensuring that when January arrives, you feel prepared and inspired to make it your best yet.
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10 Things To Do To Make A Fresh Start Next Year
1. Declutter Your Space
Your surroundings mirror your mind.
If your home feels cluttered, your thoughts likely do too. So now is the perfect time to release what no longer serves you.
Start with small areas: a drawer, a shelf, or a corner of your desk. Work through your cupboards and closets methodically.
Donate clothes you haven’t worn in years, recycle old paperwork, and organize the items that bring you joy.
Consider not just tidying but transforming your space. Could a new arrangement make your home feel lighter? Could fresh decor spark creativity?
Even subtle changes, like adding plants or better lighting, can have profound effects. Decluttering isn’t just about physical items; it’s about making space for possibility. When your home feels clear, so does your path forward.
2. Review Your Finances
Your financial health is the basis of your future stability.
The end of the year is an ideal time to assess where you stand. Begin with a simple overview:
- How much have you saved?
- Where have you spent?
- Are there lingering debts that need attention?
If you don’t already have a system, consider using tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your money.
And then go deeper than the numbers.
Reflect on how your financial habits align with your values. Are you investing in what matters most to you? Use this moment to set financial goals for the year ahead, whether that means building an emergency fund, saving for a dream trip, or contributing more to long-term investments.
A clear financial plan grounds you and gives you a sense of control and confidence over your future.
3. Start a New Workout Routine
There’s a quiet power in starting a fitness routine before the New Year rush.
By beginning now, you’re showing yourself that self-care isn’t seasonal; it’s a commitment.
Choose an activity that excites you rather than one you feel obligated to do. Maybe it’s yoga, brisk walks, or a dance class that gets your heart pumping.
Movement isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even creativity.
As the days grow colder and shorter, exercise can help you overcome the winter blues and keep your energy high during busy weeks.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but consistency. Showing up for yourself will create a foundation of strength for the months to come.
4. Address Stress and Anxiety
The end of the year can be a paradox—festive yet overwhelming.
Between holiday obligations, work deadlines, and personal expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of your inner peace.
But you don’t have to carry stress into the new year. Dedicate time each day to practices that calm your mind and reconnect you with your center.
Meditation is a transformative tool. Just five minutes a day can help you shift from reactive to reflective.
If you want to give it a try, I recommend the Headspace app and the Netflix series. Headspace offers many great guided meditations, which is the easiest way to get into meditation for the first time.
Journaling is another powerful practice—write about what’s weighing on you, and let the act of naming your stress begin to release it.
5. Improve Your Diet
It takes a lot of optimism to start a diet in December. Trust me.
I live in Switzerland, and I have already tried to start a diet in winter several times. But with the traditional cheese fondues and raclettes organized every week, losing weight is simply impossible at this time of the year.
If you live in a part of the world where it usually gets really cold in winter (if you don’t, lucky you!), you probably can relate.
Still, it doesn’t mean you can’t start paying attention to your diet and alcohol intake. Being aware of the changes you need to implement and starting with small steps is already a good start.
Instead of focusing on restriction, think about what enhances your well-being.
Maybe it’s swapping sugary drinks for herbal teas or prioritizing a wholesome breakfast over skipping meals.
When you make even one healthy choice, it ripples into other areas of your life. By starting today, you’re not waiting for January 1st to start fresh; you’re planting the seeds right now, ensuring you enter the new year with strength.
6. Reflect and Set New Goals
Reflection is an act of gratitude.
When you look back on your year, you honor the journey you’ve taken—the challenges you’ve faced, the growth you’ve achieved, and the lessons you’ve learned.
So ask yourself: What moments brought you joy? What habits held you back? Write your reflections down; clarity comes through articulation.
Once you’ve reflected, let your goals for the coming year emerge naturally.
Don’t just aim for outcomes; think about processes. Instead of “I want to lose 10 pounds,” consider “I want to build better habits, move more and eat healthier foods.”
Goals rooted in your values and identity are more sustainable because they feel like an extension of who you already are, making it easier to achieve them.
7. Create New Routines
Routines are the quiet architecture of your life.
They shape your days, your productivity, and ultimately your happiness.
Use this time to design routines that align with the version of yourself you want to step into.
Mornings, for instance, could start with gratitude journaling, movement, and a nourishing breakfast.
Evenings might include reading, reflection, and other intentional wind-down rituals.
Experiment with what feels right, and remember: routines should support you, not constrain you.
When they’re designed with care, they become rituals, helping you navigate the chaos of life with more calm and ease.
8. Seek Inspiration
Inspiration often comes quietly, in the spaces where we least expect it.
Use this season to immerse yourself in content that expands your perspective.
Pick up a book that challenges your thinking, watch a documentary that ignites curiosity, or listen to podcasts that speak to your aspirations.
It’s not just about consuming ideas; it’s about engaging with them.
Reflect on what resonates, and let those sparks of insight guide you into the new year. Inspiration fuels hope, and hope is the foundation of every meaningful change.
9. Find the Perfect Planner
A planner isn’t just a tool; it’s a reflection of how you intend to spend your time and energy.
Whether you prefer digital apps or a beautifully bound journal, choose a system that aligns with your needs.
Your planner can be more than a schedule; it can hold your goals, track your habits, and remind you of your intentions.
Start using it now, even in small ways.
Mapping out your days before January gives you a head start, turning your aspirations into actionable steps.
Organization isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about making time for what matters most to you.
10. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is the foundation of every productive and fulfilling life.
It’s not a reward for achieving your goals; it’s the practice that sustains you while you work toward them.
Take time this season to tune into your needs. Maybe it’s a relaxing bath, prioritizing sleep and rest, a walk in nature, or a hobby that makes your heart light.
Self-care also means setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and giving yourself permission to rest.
When you take care of yourself, you’re not just investing in your own well-being—you’re ensuring you can show up fully for the people and projects you love.
Final Thoughts
The end of the year is not a deadline; it’s a stepping stone.
By embracing these practices now, you’re not just preparing for another January—you’re getting ready to create a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment. The best time to begin is today, and the best way to start is with intention.
No matter what steps you decide to take to close out the year with purpose and your goals for next year, Make It Happen will guide you in every step of the journey. This 203-page guide, including +40 worksheets, will help you plan out your year, set life-changing goals, and take action to create your best life!
