2018 is almost over! This year has been full of fun memories, changes and growth. I know most people see the “new year, new me” concept as lame and cliche, but it’s a fun way to celebrate with loved ones and put in effort at making improvements and changes in your life.
An effort to improve ourselves is important because we can solve issues that occur in our lives as well as improving our current relationships, work life, health and happiness. Even if you don’t fulfill your goals, it’s important to reflect and wrap up this year before jumping into the new year.
3 Ways to Wrap Up the Year:
1. Complete Basic Tasks
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Before completely relaxing for winter break or vacation, here are some tasks to complete:
- Make sure to finish important deadlines or projects.
- Re-organize your home, work and/or school life for the new year.
- Donate unused/unworn clothes or items to Good Will or other thrift shops that accept donations.
- Throw away things you don’t need.
It’s better to do it before the holidays start, so you won’t have to worry or stress about it later. Besides, who wants to clean and work during or after the holidays? Save yourself the extra stress and get it done before the new year starts.
2. Reflect on the Past Year
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Reflect on what you have accomplished, what you have lost, what you gained and what you learned this year. We tend to become so busy with school, work, family, friendships and errands that we don’t give ourselves time to be thankful for what we have. Take the time to stop and just be appreciative. Figure out what you could do differently to improve on the new year.
3. Write a Brutally Honest Letter to Yourself
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Write a letter to your future self to track your personal growth. This is my favorite tradition that started in high school. I would write honest letters to myself of how I felt about myself, my life and what I hoped to achieve.
Reflecting brings us closer to making changes within ourselves. Because we can see the problem clearly and take steps to solve it. This is satisfying because when time passes, you can look back and see how much you’ve grown.
I could see where I matured and what kind of mindset I had. Seeing the struggles I faced made me more positive and motivated me to be a better version of myself for the new year.
How to Set Goals for The New Year!
1. Plan Ahead and Strategize Ways to Accomplish Your Goals!
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Whether it is to adopt a more positive mindset, lose weight, eat healthier or spend more time with your family. You can keep setting goals, but what you really need is a plan and strategies to accomplish your goals.
- If it’s to improve your grades in school, things to consider are: studying more efficiently, utilizing your peers/professor’s help, asking more questions and make time to see your professor during office hours.
- If it’s to adopt a more positive mindset, some strategies to achieve this goal are: meditation, yoga, the company of positive people and practicing gratitude.
You also need to figure out the best time to incorporate these in your life. Set aside time in your schedule to accomplish your goals. Treat them like homework for personal success. If possible, devote a journal to keep track of your goals.