5 Important Things to do Before The Year Ends

The year is coming to an end!  Oh my goodness!  It has gone by so quickly (like every other year).

It can be tempting to face the end of this year with dread.  Your age has increased, but not your family (aka no husband).  I distinctly recall a December month when I was disappointed that I was still single.  My hope was that it would have been the year of being pursued by a charming knight, but absolutely nothing was on the horizon.  I encourage you to not let your feelings dampen your present and your future.

Please do not waste the year end.  Your posture can lead you to rejoice and prepare for a year of blessings in the coming year.

Here are 5 Important Things to do Before the Year Ends:

1) Count your blessings

For many people, this year has been rough. Death, isolation, restrictions to socializing, inability to give hugs and kisses to family and friends, changes in church participation, loss of income are just a few of the challenges.  Yet, God has blessed us.  

Here are some blessings which you might have experienced:

• A closer relationship with God.  During the lock-downs, the pace of life became slower.  For me, I have enjoyed unrushed times with God and I am even more consistent with spending special times with Him. 
• The gift of life – if you’re reading this, then you are alive!
• Deeper relationships with your immediate family and close friends- Being stuck at home gave us opportunities to connect with people like parents, siblings, housemates, etc.
• New hobbies like cooking, home gardening, music were started or strengthened.
• New income streams. One of my friends lost her job which led her to become an entrepreneur in an unexpected endeavor. Believe me, she is totally enjoying it!

Take some time before the year ends to count all of your blessings.  Try to recall at least one hundred.  Include even the things that you might take for granted like clean water to drink.  

To help you to count your blessings, get your free 100 Things to be Thankful for by accessing my resource library!

2) Reflect and Evaluate.

This is one of my favorite things to do- sit and think.  My husband finds it rather strange that I can just sit and stare.  But so many “genius” and innovative ideas and thoughts are generated during those times.  As the year ends, designate a day to be still and contemplate.

• What did you do well?
• Whose life did you touch?
• Is there anything troubling you – conversation, event, news, relationship?
• Do you meet any guy who caught your attention?
• How were your interactions with single eligible bachelors?
• How did you deal with conflict?
• What regrets do you have?
• Which goals did you crush and which goals did you need to delay or cancel altogether?

Instead of simply reflecting on your year, write down your answers to these questions.  They will help bring clarity and guide your way forward into next year.

4) Celebrate your growth and successes.

More than likely, you would have grown in several areas in your life.  Celebrate every single victory that comes to mind (the little, medium-size or gigantic goals).

• Better implementing healthy boundaries.
• Eat healthier.
• Shared the good news of Jesus with others.
• Started recycling.
• Improved in conflict resolution.
• Accomplished a goal.
• Did a task for which you were once afraid.
• Graduated.
• Mentor or disciple a young lady.
• Read/listened to X number of books.

Make it a special time of celebration– on your own, or with a close relative or friend.

4) Have a Goal-Setting Time.

Don’t let the new year come upon you without prayerfully considering your faith-sized goals for that year.  Take it a step further and write them down.  Did you know that when you write you remember more?  Your subconscious mind will not forget.  

Tips on accomplishing your God-sized goals:

• Write them down.
• Look at them every day. 
• Pray about them regularly.
• Break them up into smaller daily tasks.  For example, if you plan to improve your writing skills, you should aim to write about 500 words every day.
• Ask someone to hold you accountable.

5) Reach out to three people.

Pray and ask God to show you three people with whom you need to talk, encourage and pray for.  When you are busy ministering to others, your resulting joy and satisfaction will fade away your disappointments.  Instead of focusing on yourself, pour out yourself as a drink offering to bless the lives of others like Paul, the apostle.  You might enter the new year with your heart full of singing as opposed to being bitter about your lot in life.

“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Philippians 2:17 (ESV)

Related Articles:

The One Thing That All Successful People Have in Common 

14 Epic New Year’s Resolutions for a Better You

Summary

Your perspective plays a key role in your success.  As the year ends, you need to choose what mindset you are going to embrace as you enter a new year.  Are you determined to grow and learn through your disappointments and struggles? How can your experiences of this year propel you toward kingdom success in the coming year? 

Don’t forget to grab your free 100 Things to be Thankful for!

What practices do you currently employ as you come to the end of a year?  What new routine or habit are you going to implement this year end?  Comment below and let me know.  Thanks for stopping by!

With love & laughter,

Kimberly Garth

Get your free 100 Things to be Thankful for in my resource library!

Complete the form below and get immediate access!