Since I was a kid, December has always been my favorite time for reflection. Back then, I would find a cozy spot in the house and sit down with my trusty notebook and favorite pen. I used to list down New Year’s resolutions with the excitement of someone so ready to take on a challenge—whether it was eating less sugar or studying harder.
The truth is, we don’t need the clock to strike at midnight or a new calendar to spark change. But there’s something magical about the end of the year—it feels like the universe is hitting a reset button. If you’re looking for an excuse to reflect and realign your life, this is your sign.
Let’s dive into questions to help us wrap up 2024 with intention and tips to step into 2025 with purpose and joy.
Questions to assess 2024
What am I most proud of this year?
Start on a high note. What made you smile, cheer, or even happy-cry in 2024? Big or small, those wins deserve a standing ovation.
What challenges shaped me the most?
Did a challenge teach you resilience, patience, or grace? Often, the tough stuff is where the real growth happens.
Which habits or routines served me well?
Maybe you nailed a morning routine, finally embraced meal prepping, or spent less time scrolling. Celebrate the things that work for you.
Where did I fall short, and why?
Don’t shy away from this one. Identifying where and why you stumbled can offer golden insights for the road ahead.
What brought me the most joy?
Narrow down the moments, people, activities that filled your cup. Knowing your sources of happiness is the ultimate hack for the future.
How to thrive in 2025
Create a “2024 highlight reel.”
Jot down your best moments, achievements, and even your most memorable lessons. Turn it into a gratitude journal entry or even a digital collage—it’s your year, celebrate it.
Design a “not-to-do” list.
Forget “To-Do” lists for a moment. What habits, attitudes, or commitments from 2024 will you leave behind? Decluttering your mental space is powerful.
Set a “theme word” for 2025.
Choose a single word that captures how you want to feel or live next year. Think of a word and let it guide your goals and decisions.
Plan “joy pockets” in advance.
Book a trip, plan a staycation, or mark your calendar for regular self-care days. Having something to look forward to, like a pocket of joy, is an instant mood booster.
Prioritize progress over perfection.
As you plan your goals, aim for progress, not perfection. Life’s best moments are often the messy, unplanned ones, so leave room for magic.
The end of the year is a gift, offering us time to pause, reflect, and dream. As you close the chapter on 2024 and dive into 2025, remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
I’m rooting for you to not just survive but thrive in the year ahead. Here’s to a fresh start, a fulfilling journey, and a life you’re excited to wake up to every single day. May we all thrive in 2025.
