Wrapping Up the Year in Productive Fashion

As we prepare to enter a new year, I think it will first be helpful to talk about a productive way to wrap up the year that is ending. We can take a bit of stock and put a productive context around what has taken place.
How has the year been for you? Likely, there have been difficulties. Likely, there have been encouraging moments and developments, too. Likely there have been times you’ve followed through on goals, and times you didn’t, for whatever reason.

Likely there have been times you’ve been a true friend and encouragement to yourself, and others where you have allowed negative self-talk to run rampant.

Likely there have been some processes, routines, and points of focus that were very helpful for you, and others that you learned—through trial and error—weren’t really working or moving you in a productive direction.

As you think about the past year, assessing it and conceptualizing it in your mind, let’s focus on the following:

1) Don’t be harsh or perfectionistic with yourself. If there were any personal failings or goals that weren’t followed through on, remind yourself that there were likely a lot of extenuating circumstances and then resolve to do better in the coming year in some of these areas. Personal development and progress aren't about burning out in a fire of perfectionism, but rather about continually finding ways to dust ourselves off and keep trying. This is how real results happen over time, and it is how emotional balance and self-love can be strengthened.

2) Let the bygones be the bygones. Let go of the difficult days. Don’t dwell in the depths. I really enjoy watching American football, and the most important player on each team is generally considered to be the quarterback. He is in charge of making the decisions and keeping the team steady with his play and his mindsest. If and when he does make a bad play or decision—say throwing an interception to the other team and turning the ball over—he can’t dwell on that misstep. He must instead dust himself off, put the mistake out of his mind, and move onto the next play so that he can help his team to move forward. Heading into the new year, have a mindset of “moving onto the next play.”

3) Give yourself credit for what you’ve endured. As I said at the beginning of this post, you’ve likely endured some difficult times in this past year. It would have been easy to just give up during such times, but you didn’t. You are here—reading this post and preparing to move into the new year with faith. The tough times weren’t fun, but they perhaps taught you something, brought you closer to God, or helped to make you stronger in some way that will really benefit you in the future. Be proud.

4) Magnify your accomplishments and improvements. Go over your year with a fine-tooth comb, looking for any and all personal victories and achievements. Look for all better moments and improvements. Make a list of these things, take time to reflect on them, thank God for them, and think about how they speak of future improvements that will come your way as your process and progress continue.

No matter what else 2025 was for you, it was a success because of how you endured and grew. Feel good about this, and carry that emotional momentum into the new year!

Michael