The year is quickly winding down and before we know it, we will be getting endless reminders that the New Year is here and we’ll be deep into 2020. However, we still have 5 weeks left of 2019. I’ve spent the last few days on reflecting and reviewing over 2019 and getting an overview of what I want for 2020 – it felt good to see it all written down and not just in my head! I am far from done though, I’ve scheduled a whole to Reflect & Review and another day to plan, set intentions, create a vision board (or two) for 2020.
5 weeks is a good chunk of time to really make the final weeks count. It’s easy to write off the remainder of the year because of the holidays (and the endless parties and obligations that come with that), or because it’s cold and you’d rather snuggle up on the couch with a good book and cup of tea (I am guilty of this), or because you finally have decided to spend more time outdoors (even though it’s cold!) and enjoy seeing the gorgeousness of nature (like me and I must admit; I am so much happier and feel so much more alive when I am out and about!)
What can you do in 5 weeks? A lot! Here are 5 things – one for each week – that you can do to wrap up 2019:
1. Take a {REAL} day off
This time of year is often about giving and spending time with others. It is a wonderful time of year, but don’t forget to spend some quality time alone to recharge. If your plans are anything like mine, 2020 is going to be a busy year so take a day off just for yourself.
2. Cross off lingering to-do’s and decide what can be ditched
Is there an item on your to-do list that has been lingering for weeks or even months? Does that thing still matter? This is the perfect time to finally take care of it. Don’t let it follow you into the New Year. This is something I’ve been working on, on a regular basis. Trello has really helped me being organised and simplify my life. What tasks, projects, or obligations can you ditch next year?
3. Reflect with honesty
What worked this year? What didn’t go quite so well? This is a great time to go back and review the whole year – month-by-month. We often look forward without truly reflecting on what worked and didn’t work in the past. Whatever it may be, take note and include it in your plans for 2020.
4. Celebrate your achievements (from tiny to big)
We all have our plans, our to-do lists and our vision boards, but we often forget to take a moment and celebrate the wins of the last year. It’s important to recognise all the work you’ve done thus far and how far you’ve already come. I’ve dedicated a notebook to this and then created a Yearly Round-up Planner. Read more about it here!
Next… Buy yourself some gorgeous flowers, pop open a bottle of champagne with a friend or take yourself on a weekend away. However, you like to celebrate – make sure you take some time to do so.
5. Pull out last years plans and notes
Let’s take a look at what your plans were this time last year. Were there any projects or ideas that were planned but you didn’t get to this year? Why? Did your priorities or direction change? Were you scared? Also, go through your notebooks, calendars, Evernote – wherever you keep your notes and review some of the ideas you jotted down. There might be some gems to include for next year.
Let’s start the New Year not only excited about everything you plan to accomplish but also have reflected in the past year. It’s easy to plan for the following year without taking a good look at the present year. Make sure you wrap up 2019 with intention so that your 2020 will start with a bang!
