It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is already December - the last month of 2024. This year feels like it flew by, and now we’re standing at the doorstep of 2025.
As the year comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on everything that’s happened in 2024. Ask yourself:
What were some of my proudest moments this year?
What challenges did I face, and how did I grow from them?
Were there goals I wanted to achieve but didn’t?
What brought me the most happiness?
These reflections aren’t about feeling bad for what you didn’t do. They’re a chance to understand what worked, what didn’t, and why. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
It’s easy to feel disappointed about the things you didn’t accomplish. Maybe you wanted to start a new hobby, make a big career move, or focus on personal growth but didn’t get around to it. That’s normal. Life happens, and plans change.
Instead of being hard on yourself, try to see those moments as opportunities to learn. Ask yourself:
Why didn’t I achieve that goal? Was it too ambitious, or did something else take priority?
Did I procrastinate because I felt overwhelmed or unsure of where to start?
What could I do differently next time?
Remember, procrastination doesn’t mean you failed. It’s often a sign that you need to adjust your approach or take a step back to reevaluate.
As we head into the new year, think about your goals for 2025. But this time, give yourself some room to adapt and adjust along the way. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Focus on a few meaningful goals. Instead of overwhelming yourself with too many goals, pick 2–3 that matter most to you in each area of your life. Consider using the minimal design goal overview I published last year, which includes sections and a 100-day habit tracker. These designs are simple, black and white, easily printable, and available in both English and Romanian. While I usually rely on Apple Notes or Notion, paper is always a great option, especially if you’re looking to reduce screen time. Keeping a physical list on your desk can serve as a daily reminder and motivation to work towards your goals.
Break it down into small steps. Big goals can feel intimidating, so break them into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if you want to improve your health, start with simple habits like taking short walks or eating one healthier meal a day.
Stay flexible: Life rarely goes exactly as planned. Be ready to adjust your goals if needed and embrace unexpected opportunities.
The end of the year is a time to reflect, but it’s also a chance to look ahead with hope. Whether you’re revisiting goals from this year or starting something completely new, the important thing is to keep moving forward.
Keep it simple and achievable.
Until next week.
Cheers, Irina 😊