Somehow, after what seems like a whirlwind year for many of us, 2024 is coming to an end. Now is a great time to reflect on the past year’s successes and challenges, and look ahead at what is to come.

What do you want to keep, what do you want to leave behind? 

Journaling can help you figure some of this out

Get those thoughts down, whether on paper or into a word processor and consider searching online for journaling prompts if you’re having a hard time getting started. Journaling helps foster presence of mind. As Founders, our minds are often going a mile a minute, swirling with tasks and reminders, messages, and all the things we need to keep track of. Putting literal (or figurative) pen to paper offers us a way to get everything out and gives it some structure, helping to make sense of it all, finding clarity by getting it all out from our heads and onto the page.

Consider investing in a new planner or goal-setting system

Speaking of structure, as you reflect, consider investing in a new planner/goal-setting system for the coming year if you think there’s room for improvement in your current system. There are so many different physical, online, and app-based planners and systems for getting organized and setting goals for yourself. If you’re thinking about a fresh start, do some research, and maybe read a book by one of your favorite entrepreneurs to glean some inspiration from how they get things done. Some Founders swear by the Full Focus Planner system (not an ad), but there are so many to choose from out there, catering to many different styles and preferences.

Plan on furthering your professional development

As you figure out your goals, you may realize it is time to plan on furthering your professional development as Q1 speeds toward us, or perhaps you’re gearing up for the next steps in your strategic plan (or a pivot to a new one). Maybe it’s time to read that book or attend that seminar on leadership you’ve been thinking about for a while, or perhaps it’s time to dig into market research to figure out your next strategic steps for your organization. It’s an exciting time rife with possibilities, so lean into that rather than giving into overwhelm or dwelling too much on any goals that weren’t met 100% by the end of this year. 

Finally, as you continue to reflect and plan, don’t forget to celebrate with your team! Remember to be as inclusive as possible during the holiday season – your colleagues and support system will appreciate being seen and heard. 

However you’re feeling while reflecting during this holiday season, remember that you made it, and so many new possibilities await you in the new year.

If you’re ready to take the new year by storm, book a mentor session today so you can hit the ground running in 2025. Not a member yet? Sign up for a FREE 7-day trial with Selfmade to start the new year off right.