2024 Isn’t Over Yet—2025 Can Wait! Let’s Give This Year the Finale She Deserves

The truth is, the end of the year often brings a lot of mixed emotions. We’ve got one eye on the shiny promises of 2025 while the other looks at our untouched goals from January, whispering, “What happened?” But instead of throwing in the towel, let’s focus on making the most of the time we have.

2024 isn’t over, and neither are we. There’s still time to finish strong—and we’re in this together.

Step One: Acknowledge What You’ve Already Done

Before we think about what’s left to tackle, let’s pause and give ourselves some credit. Life hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park this year. Maybe we didn’t crush every goal, but we’ve made it through 2024’s ups and downs. And that? That’s worth celebrating.

Take a moment to reflect:

  • What’s one thing we handled well this year, big or small?

  • What moments felt like wins, even if no one else noticed?

  • How did we show up for ourselves or others, even on hard days?

Sometimes the victory is just getting through the day, and that’s valid. Write down one or two things that make us feel proud. Let’s start this process with a little gratitude for ourselves, because we deserve it.

Mantra for the moment:
“I honor the effort I’ve put in, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made—no matter how small.”

Step Two: Pick Just One Goal

We know that list of goals looks longer than a CVS receipt. But trying to do everything right now? That’s a recipe for overwhelm. Instead, let’s focus on just one thing.

Ask yourself:

  • What’s one goal that will make us feel proud to finish?

  • What’s one thing that feels doable before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st?

Write it down. Stick it on your mirror. Say it out loud if that helps. Let’s commit to it together.

Step Three: Stay in the Present

It’s easy to spiral into regrets about what we didn’t do or get lost daydreaming about all the things we’ll accomplish in 2025. But the magic isn’t in the past or the future—it’s in right now.

When we’re present, we stop getting stuck in what could’ve been or what’s to come. Instead, we focus on the next best step, here and now.

Mantra for the moment:
“I don’t need to finish everything. I just need to take the next step.”

Step Four: Break It Down into Bite-Sized Pieces

Big goals can feel intimidating—like standing at the bottom of a mountain. But mountains are climbed one step at a time. Instead of looking at the whole thing, let’s focus on the next small, doable action.

Examples:

  • Want to clean out a closet? Start with one shelf.

  • Trying to get back into exercise? Take a 10-minute walk today.

  • Want to read more? Pick up a book and commit to one page.

Little by little, we’ll get there.

Step Five: Create a Vibe

When it’s time to tackle our goal, we’re setting the mood—we’re creating a vibe. Light that candle. Play that playlist. Make your space cozy, energizing, or whatever makes you feel ready to focus.

And most importantly? Treat this time like an appointment you can’t miss. Put it in your planner. If you don’t have a planner, get a planner. Yes, we’re serious.

Step Six: Make Time for What Matters

We get it—life is busy. But if something really matters, we’ll make the time for it. Whether it’s 20 minutes a day or an hour on the weekend, carving out time for our goal is non-negotiable.

Here’s how:

  • Set a timer for focused work, and take breaks.

  • Let others know you’re unavailable during this time or turn on the DND.

  • Celebrate every small win—because they all add up.

Affirmations to Close Out 2024

We honor our time and effort by showing up for ourselves.
Small steps lead to big changes.
We don’t need perfection; we need progress.
I am not trying; I am doing.

A Purposeful Finish Does Not Call for Perfection

We’re not here to perfect 2024. We’re here to finish it with intention and pride. So take 15 minutes today—just 15 minutes—and work on that one goal.

Don’t wait for motivation to strike or for the stars to align. If we can scroll for hours or re-watch that show we’ve already memorized, we can absolutely carve out 15 minutes for ourselves.

We owe it to 2024—and more importantly, to ourselves—to finish strong. Because when we give this year the finale she deserves, we’ll enter 2025 feeling not just ready, but grounded.

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