It’s wrapping season.
We are wrapping gifts.
The vibe is more relaxed.
And we are preparing for the year ahead.
This got me thinking that the gifts aren’t the only thing being wrapped.
We are wrapping up the year.
Tying up loose ends for a fresh start in the new year.
Loose Ends to Consider
There are many things you could try to tie up.
Here are a few I recommend that have provided me with peace of mind over the years.
Projects: Consider your open projects. Can they be completed before year end? If so, dive in and get them finished. If not, how can you wrap things up in a way that is clear where you can easily pick them back up next year?
Accomplishments: Especially at work, summarize your projects from the year. Create a short line for your resume (always keep this up to date). Create a paragraph in STAR format to remember the role you played. And, if possible, create a 1-page case study that includes more detail. Your future self will thank you for this activity.
eMail: Set aside a few hours to completely clear out your email. An easy first step is to create a folder called 2025 emails. Move everything from the inbox into this folder. Then, start slowly going through what’s in the folder and determining what to keep. This simple solution quickly lets you start the new year at inbox zero with a new email management solution.
Files: Like email, I often create a new folder called 2025 files. Then, I sort through and pull out what I want to keep front and center as I move into the new year. Everything is still there (including all the subfolders), but I suddenly feel more organized as I head into the year.
Standing Meetings: This is one I wish more people would consider. Just because a standing meeting worked this year doesn’t mean you need it next year. Ask the questions – Do we still need this meeting? If not, cancel. If you do, does it need to be as frequent? Maybe every other week instead of every week. Does the day and time still work well for everyone? If not, move it.
Your Turn
What activities do you do to clear space for the year ahead?
Have you tried any of the ideas presented here?
Which one would be a good add to your plan as you wrap your year?