21+ Things You Should Do Before The End Of The Year
Here are some practical things you should do before the end of the year so that you can start the new year on a clean slate without feeling overwhelmed.
The New Year can be a highly stressful time for everyone but ESPECIALLY for perfectionists because we put so much pressure on ourselves to get everything done right and achieve our goals before the deadline.
As a Mindset and Productivity Coach for perfectionists, I specialise in helping my clients set realistic goals while still getting things done.
This list of end-of-year activities is not meant to be completed in one day! It is something you can work through over a period of weeks and is quite handily divided into 2 neat sections: should do and nice to do.
I’ve tried to make these tips as practical as possible so I’ve added how-tos and journal prompts to help you work through the activities in a pain-free manner.
Why end-of-year activities matter
End-of-year activities are important because they give you the chance to pause and reflect (mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually).
It’s always a good time to analyse what happened this year instead of getting caught up in what didn’t go to plan since what’s done is done.
Reflection helps you to accept things for what they are without beating yourself up.
For example, if you’re a perfectionist, you probably have a long list of things you ‘should’ have done by the end of the year but didn’t get around to it.
Instead of ruminating and entering a shame spiral, I recommend you actively celebrate your wins (big and small).
You literally SURVIVED another year. Gained so many more experiences and grew as a person.
Also, another benefit of end-of-year activities is being able to get closure. Closure is such a powerful thing and it’s something that only you can give yourself.
This article in Psychology Today sums up my feelings amazingly ‘closure is a bridge, not a door’. You don’t need to shut out everything that happened, you just need to put things into perspective and move forward.
I find it therapeutic to close the chapter in the book (my bullet journal) and move on with intention. You owe it to yourself to reflect, celebrate and realign with your values and true purpose.
How to use this list
I have created this list specifically for perfectionists so expect to see self-compassion and practical steps blended throughout to help you get organised without feeling overwhelmed.
Also, I genuinely believe values-based living is essential for overcoming perfectionism and living a fuller life so expect to see activities related to that as well.
Here’s how to get the most out of this list:
- Start with ‘should-do’ tasks: these tasks will help you get your life together so that you can start the new year on the right track.
- Choose ‘nice-to-do’ activities: pick a few activities that stand out to you and will help you move the needle forward in your healing journey/personal goals
- Keep it flexible: this list is a GUIDE, not a strict schedule. No one is going to threaten you if you don’t complete the activities on the list so just use it in a way that supports you
- Spread it out: whatever you do, DON’T try to do everything all in one day. Try to complete the tasks over a few weeks so that you don’t feel overwhelmed
Must Do Activities
1. Practice Gratitude
Practising gratitude is a complete game changer when it comes to realigning your life and becoming the best version of yourself. Gratitude is the act of appreciating the things you already have in your life.
It’s about getting out of a ‘lack’ mentality and shifting into an abundance one.
You don’t even need to find big complex things to be grateful for. Just keep it simple and find everyday things if you’re struggling. For example, on some days the only thing I’m grateful for are my legs because I am able to walk up the stairs and go to bed.
Here are some everyday things to consider:
- A Belgian bun from Greggs
- Your electric blanket
- A quote from your grandma
- Netflix
- Your yoga mat
- A pen that works
- A funny meme
- Your hands
- Your humour
- You resilience
- God
- Friends and family
- The cold side of your pillow
2. Review Your Finances
Before the year ends, you NEED to review your finances and be honest with yourself about how you’ve been spending. Now is not the time to be avoiding your bank account because I can honestly say avoidance makes everything worse.
Everything.
For example, during my ‘unhealthy student era,’ I decided to review my spending and was SHOCKED to discover I had spent hundreds of pounds on McDonald’s over the year.
Bear in mind, I was only using their £1.99 McChicken and fries voucher. It honestly shook me to my core and changed my eating habits forever. Now I only eat McDonald’s a few times a year, if that.
So don’t be like me, face your bank account head-on because knowledge is power and ignorance is NOT bliss.
Checklist for Reviewing Finances:
- Look at your spending over the past year
- Review your savings and investments
- Examine any recurring bills and subscriptions
- Identify any areas where you can cut back
- Set financial goals for the coming year
Questions you need to ask yourself:
- Did any bills or spending activities surprise you?
- Are there any spending patterns you want to change?
- Did your spending align with your values?
- What are your financial goals for the next year?
- How can you stay motivated to stick to your budget?
- How do you feel about your spending this year?
- Are you in a good or bad financial position and why?
3. Declutter Your Digital Life
Digital clutter is something that a lot of us avoid sorting out until our computers/phones start slowing down due to a lack of storage.
Why not start the year with an organised and clutter-free digital workspace?
For example, you could try zero inboxing. This is where you have 0 emails/messages in your inbox by the end of each day.
I started doing this a few years ago after a mentor recommended it, and honestly, it changed my life.
Not gonna lie, it was HARD at first.
I had never deleted an email in my life! It took me weeks because I had thousands of emails to go through, but I made it into a little game.
Top Tip: Try to find little shortcuts on your phone and laptop to help you cut through the crap quickly. I changed my Gmail settings so that I could swipe right to move things into a folder and swipe left to delete.
It was so addictive and kind of like Tinder for emails! I’d do it while I was bored on the train or waiting in line.
You can apply the same mindset to your photos, documents, and even your downloads.
Here are some things to declutter:
- Photos (especially duplicates!)
- Emails (start with newsletters and junk mail)
- Documents (look through your downloads folder)
- Apps you don’t use anymore
- Old contacts on your phone
- Whatsapp messages – I archive chats I replied to and changed my settings so that new messages come out of the archive
Simple steps to get started:
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and start with your inbox
- Create folders for important categories (work, family, personal)
- Use your phone’s email settings to delete or archive on the go
- For photos, back them up and delete duplicates or blurry shots
- Tackle one area at a time – don’t overwhelm yourself by doing everything at once
Take it step by step and honestly, it’s worth doing because it feels SO good to have a clear inbox.
Related Post: How to reduce your iPhone screen time the ruthless way
4. Declutter Your Physical Space
Clearing out your physical space can have a big impact on your mental clarity. Sort through your fridge, wardrobe, cosmetics, toiletries, cupboards etc…
When you find something that doesn’t bring you joy or serve a purpose it’s time to say goodbye!
I tend to do a quarterly declutter of my room, but if you only do it once a year, that’s completely fine. Take your time!
Over the course of a few days to weeks (please don’t try to do it in a single day because you probably will feel overwhelmed), go through each room and declutter.
I was listening to Tonya Leigh’s podcast, and she mentioned how hard decluttering was for her. So, she threw a reverse housewarming party where each guest had to remove 10 items from her house.
Now, THAT is brave! Maybe take a page from her book and give it a go if you’re struggling to let go.
Things to declutter:
- Fridge and cupboards (check the date on your seasonings)
- Wardrobe (anything you haven’t worn in a year)
- Cosmetics and toiletries (expired or unused products)
- Books and magazines (especially ones gathering dust)
- Old paperwork (go digital if possible!)
- Kitchen utensils
Questions to ask yourself when decluttering:
- Does this item bring me joy?
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Is this taking up valuable space or energy?
- Would someone else get more use from it?
- Does this item fit with the life I want to create?
Related Post: How to stay organized at home – the lazy way
5. Check in With Friends and Family
This one can feel awkward, especially if you’ve been avoiding it. But trust me, reaching out to friends and family is one of the easiest ways to feel more connected and grounded.
If you struggle with fear of rejection, you’re probably thinking, “What if they don’t respond?” But guess what? You’re reaching out with love and good intentions. And that matters.
Literally, send that message: “Hey, you just crossed my mind, so I thought I’d say hi. How’ve you been?” I’ve done this so many times, and each time, I felt more at ease.
Even when the response wasn’t immediate or what I expected, it felt good to know I tried.
You’re not reaching out for validation—you’re doing it for connection.
Reasons to get over your fear and SEND THAT TEXT:
- You never know who might need that message today
- It’s a small act that can strengthen relationships
- You’re building a connection, not waiting for approval
- You’ll feel lighter knowing you made the effort
- You have everything to gain and nothing to lose
Related Post: Valuing Professional And Personal Relationships For A Successful Life
6. Evaluate Your Health
Your health is your foundation.
If you struggle with perfectionism, you might push your health aside while chasing productivity or obsessing over goals, but what good are those achievements if your body and mind are burnt out?
NOW is the time to check in with yourself.
Get that annual check-up you’ve been putting off and start with some simple home checks.
Use this time to reflect on your physical and mental health this year. Have you been running on empty? Or has your health improved?
Knowing where you stand is the first step toward making real change in your life.
Practical health checks you can do right now:
- Take your blood pressure (it’s a small step that tells you a lot)
- Check your weight and BMI (as a guide so don’t obsess over it).
- Look for changes in your skin (any new moles, bumps, or lumps?)
- Evaluate your sleep (are you sleeping well or burning out?)
- How are your teeth?
Ask yourself:
- How do I feel physically and mentally today?
- Has my energy improved or dropped over the past year?
- What steps have I taken to care for my mental health?
- Am I doing anything to improve my physical health, or am I ignoring it?
- What health habits do I need to start or stop next year?
7. Create a Done List
You NEED a done list. It’s a much better version of a to-do list and will change your perspective completely.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t accomplished (because we do that enough already), start listing what you have achieved—big and small.
I started this during my 2nd year of uni when my anxiety was through the roof, and it was one of the most grounding things I ever did. It helped me see progress I would have otherwise dismissed.
You’ll be amazed at how much you’ve actually done.
How to create your Done List:
- Grab a notebook or open a note on your phone
- Start listing every single thing you accomplished this year (nothing is too small to include!)
- Divide it into 8 categories of life (personal and spiritual growth, health and fitness, career and business, romantic relationships etc.).
- Add to it regularly and look back when you need a reminder of how far you’ve come
- Celebrate every little win because they ALL matter
8. Reflect on Your Goals and realign with your values
Goal-setting is one of the hardest things to do realistically as a perfectionist.
We tend to aim unrealistically high, and then feel like a failure when we don’t reach those goals.
But here’s the thing: No matter what, you’ve accomplished a lot!
Now’s the time to evaluate the goals you set at the start of the year. Did you meet them? If not, don’t dwell on it. This isn’t about self-criticism—it’s about learning and realigning.
The key is asking: Did my goals align with my values? It’s so easy to get caught up chasing goals that fit a ‘script’ on how we should be living life rather than goals that ACTUALLY align with our values.
So let’s get clear about what went well, what didn’t, and what needs adjusting for the year ahead so that you can live more authentically.
Journal prompts to realign your goals and values:
- Did I meet my goals this year? If not, what lessons can I take from that?
- Were my goals aligned with my values, or was I chasing someone else’s idea of success?
- What achievements am I most proud of this year?
- Which goals brought me joy and fulfilment, and which ones drained me?
- What’s one key lesson I’ve learned about myself this year?
9. Set Values-Driven Goals for the Next Year
Honestly, you can do this activity now or in the new year. Personally, I prefer to end the year with intentions for the next so I can hit the ground running.
It’s important that you set values-driven goals and not just any old goal. Why? Because when you align your goals with your values, you get to focus on the things that truly matter to you and are in alignment with your true self.
Take time to identify your values and figure out what goals align with them.
The new year is a fresh start, so why not evaluate if your career, friendships, side hustles, etc., are things you actually want to keep investing in?
Here’s how to set values-driven goals using the SMARTER framework:
- Specific: Be clear and detailed about what you want
- Measurable: How will you track your progress?
- Achievable: Is it realistic and attainable?
- Relevant: Does it align with your values and long-term goals?
- Timebound: Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable
- Empowering: Visualise yourself achieving this goal and how it will feel
- Reflective: Schedule regular review points to check in with your progress and growth mindset
Related Post: 5 Hassle-Free Steps To Setting Values-Driven Goals (+Free Workbook)
10. Go on a Social Media Detox
This one is HUGE. Taking a break from social media will give you the mental space to recharge and reflect.
I did this at the end of 2023 and the start of 2024. I disconnected completely and took a whole month off. No scrolling, no notifications. Nothing.
It allowed me to focus on MY goals and processes without constantly comparing myself to others or worrying about outcomes. It was pure freedom.
Starting the new year without superficial distractions will give you such a clear head. If you’ve been feeling foggy, stuck, or drained, it’s a great time to break an unhealthy habit.
Trust me, a social media detox could be the exact thing you need to end your year on a high note and start your year in a much better headspace.
Maybe you’ll actually stick to your New Year resolutions this time around!
Here are some reasons to go on a social media detox:
- You’ll stop avoiding yourself: you’ll finally face what’s really going on inside without distractions
- You’ll reconnect with your own goals: you’ll focus on what YOU want without comparison
- You’ll reclaim time: It’s wild how much time we spend mindlessly doom-scrolling
- You’ll reduce stress: just peace and no more notifications
Also, you’re lying to yourself if you believe…:
- “I can’t live without social media.” Yes, you can. You’ll survive.
- “I’ll miss out on everything.” You won’t. Life will still go on, and you’ll return more focused
- “What if people forget about me?” They won’t. The people who matter will still be there when you’re back
Related Post: How To Go On A 6 Month Social Media Detox
11. Return Borrowed Items
It might sound small, but returning borrowed items before the year ends will make you feel SO much lighter.
Whether it’s a book, a shirt, or anything else, clearing these little obligations will free you of that nagging guilt. No one is going to chase you down about the missing item, but imagine how good it feels to start the year with a clean slate.
And hey, if you’ve lost something, just be honest about it. People will appreciate your honesty more than the radio silence.
Things you might need to return:
- Borrowed books (especially that one you’ve had for ages)
- Clothes
- Kitchenware (e.g. tupperware).
- Tech or tools (e.g. chargers, wires, torches etc…)
12. Evaluate Your Productivity System
As a productivity coach and project manager, this is my favourite step!
You might have the most detailed colour-coded productivity system but is it really working for you? Now’s the perfect time to review what’s been effective this year and what hasn’t.
A productivity system is simply a way to organise your tasks, schedule, and to-dos to get things done without feeling overwhelmed.
I tend to use a bullet journal combined with Google Calendar. But depending on the project or season, I’ll add in Google Keep or Notion for extra support. For me, the goal is to keep it as simple as possible so that I don’t get overwhelmed and let my perfectionism crawl back in.
Take a moment to reflect: Is your current system helping you, or does it need an upgrade?
Here’s how to evaluate your productivity system:
- What’s working? Think about which tools or methods helped you stay organised and on track
- What’s not working? Are there areas where you still felt scattered or overwhelmed?
- Do you need to simplify? Sometimes less is more. Would cutting down on tools make things more streamlined?
- Where can you improve? Maybe you need to set more realistic goals, or perhaps you just need a better routine
- What can you add? Is there a new tool or technique you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t got around to it?
Related Post: 5 Simple Ways To Develop An Effective Productivity Sprint (Examples Included)
Nice to Do Activities
13. Learn Something New
Pick a course, book, or hobby. Make it fun and something purely for your own enjoyment. Don’t just choose the boring ‘career CPD.’
Do something that’s just for you.
Last year, I ended the year with singing and street dancing classes. This year, I’m learning to swim, and I might start practising my drawing again using a workbook.
It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, for example, my swimming lessons are free, thanks to my local council!
Life is for living, so try something new.
Here are some simple activities you can try:
- Take a cooking class
- Learn a new language
- Pick up painting or drawing
- Try a sport or fitness class you’ve never done before
- Start a book or podcast club
14. Have a Solo Date
Dedicate time to yourself!
You are the only person you’re going to live with your whole life, so treat yourself! Go out, dress up, and eat some nice food. You are the prize! End the year by connecting with yourself and practising self-love.
Here are some solo date ideas:
- Go to a fancy restaurant
- Spend a day at a museum or gallery
- Have a spa day at home with candles and a bath
- See a film by yourself
- Walk through a botanical garden
Related Post: 9 Realistic Ways To Have A Guilt-Free Self-Care Day
15. Choose a Word or Theme for the Year
You can approach this in two ways.
One option is to look at the year gone by and decide on a key theme or word based on how you felt or what you learned.
For example, last year, my word was ‘faith.’ It’s a great reflective tool and helps bring closure.
OR, you can flip it and choose a theme or word for the new year so you start it with the right intention. Try both if you want, or just stick with one that connects the most with you.
16. Give Something Back to the Community
- Volunteer your time or donate to a cause that aligns with your values.
- One of the 5 ways to wellbeign is to ‘give’. Theres so much pain and suffering in the world. Taking a moment to be a light in someone else life can make a big difference. You can volunteer at a charity or you can even reach out to someone who you see is doing great work in the community and thank them. Maybe even random acts of kindness
- {list simple ways to give back}
Volunteer your time or donate to a cause that aligns with your values.
One of the five ways to wellbeing is to ‘give to others.’ There’s so much pain and suffering in the world so taking a moment to be a light in someone else’s life can make a huge difference.
You can volunteer at a charity or even reach out to someone who’s doing great work in the community and thank them.
Maybe even do random acts of kindness!
Here are simple ways to give back:
- Donate to a charity you believe in
- Volunteer at a local shelter or community event
- Buy someone in need a meal
- Mentor someone
- Send a handwritten thank-you note to someone who made a difference in your life
- Offer to help a friend or neighbour with a task they’re struggling with
17. Create a Values Vision Board
Visualise what living your values looks like and create a vision board to represent it.
I call it the values vision board! It’s way better than a traditional vision board because you can start right now without having to wait for the future. For example, if one of your values is ‘kindness’, you don’t have to wait to become kinder, you can just start being a kinder person right now.
Your values dictate HOW you show up in the world every day, so this board helps you focus on living in alignment with them.
Related post: How To Create An Authentic Values Vision Board – 5 Simple Steps
18. Write a Letter to Yourself
Write a letter to reflect on the year and encourage your future self.
This is one of the most wholesome activities and I’ve found it to be quite mindset-shifting too.
You can write letters to your future self, past self, or even present self which is incredibly inspirational and therapeutic, especially when writing a letter to your inner child.
Here are some types of letters you can write:
- A letter to your future self, offering advice or encouragement
- A letter to your past self, acknowledging growth or lessons learned
- A letter to your present self, reflecting on your current journey
- A letter to your inner child, offering comfort and reassurance
Related Post: 81 Things To Write In A Journal When You’re Bored
19. Symbolically Let Go of the Past
Burn, tear up, or bury old papers/items that hold negative memories or no longer serve you.
This is just a reminder that you don’t have to carry everything with you and you can symbolically and physically let it go.
Your past doesn’t define you and you can create a new future.
Here are simple ways to let go:
- Write down what you want to release and burn the paper
- Tear up old documents or items with negative associations
- Bury an item to symbolise moving on
- Donate or discard objects that no longer serve you
20. Read Through Your Journal
If you’ve been journaling, now’s the perfect time to sit down and actually read through your entries from the past year.
Trust me, it’s one of the most revealing and validating things you can do. You’ll be SHOCKED at how much you’ve grown, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
I know that when I read mine, I always end up noticing patterns of limiting beliefs and areas that I have mentally and emotionally grown in.
It’s a brilliant way to give yourself credit for all the hard work you’ve done internally.
Some practical steps:
- Notice what themes or patterns keep showing up
- Celebrate the challenges you’ve overcome, no matter how small
- Acknowledge any emotional or mindset shifts you’ve had throughout the year
- If you’ve never journaled before, now’s the perfect time to start! Write one last reflection for the year
21. Set or Revise Daily Routines
Routines are key to living a balanced, values-driven life.
But sometimes, your routine that used to work so well starts to feel like a burden. I’ve been there. That’s why it’s important to do an audit of your routines and figure out if your current habits bring you closer to your values-driven goals or not. You can always mix things up a bit.
Intentionality is key.
Are you still doing things out of habit or obligation?
Here’s what to do:
- List the things in your routine that energise you
- Identify what drains your energy and see if it still serves you
- Remove or limit energy-draining activities and keep energy boosting activities
- Create space for something fun or healing in your routine
- Don’t be afraid to tweak or cut things. Your routine should evolve as you do!
22. Plan Something Fun or Meaningful
Life is for LIVING, not just grinding through tasks.
As the year wraps up, I challenge you to plan something that brings joy or meaning to your life. It could be a mini-day trip, a creative crotchet project, or even something as simple as a night out with friends.
Last year, I planned a solo date just for me, and it healed parts of me that I didn’t know needed healing. I felt more connected to myself and ready to take on whatever the new year had in store for me.
Some ideas to get started:
- Plan a weekend away or a staycation
- Sign up for that fun class you’ve always wanted to try
- Spend time with someone who makes you feel most like yourself
- Do an online class
Related Post: 9 Realistic Ways To Have A Guilt-Free Self-Care Day
23. Organise your productivity backlog/master to-do list
If you have a personal productivity backlog or a master to-do list, now is the perfect time to completely declutter it.
There’s no point having a long list of tasks that you realistically wont be able to complete in the next year or don’t want to complete.
You probably have tasks that have been on the list for YEARS.
I’ve been guilty of having a mile-long backlog, but trust me, doing a little ‘list audit’ can help you feel so much lighter going into the new year.
How to do it:
- Go through your backlog and ask, Is this still relevant?
- Prioritise what actually needs to be done and ditch the rest
- Group similar tasks together for easier flow (batching is a lifesaver!)
- Break any big tasks down into smaller steps so they’re less overwhelming
Related Post: 5 EASY Steps To Create A Personal Productivity Backlog
So what are you going to do before the new year?
Did any of these activities jump out to you? As I mentioned before, PLEASE don’t try to do all these activities in one day because you will burn out and quite frankly, it’s unrealistic.
Try to work through the should-do activities first and then if you have enough time complete your top 3-5 nice-to-do activities so that you can start the new year in the best headspace possible.
Let me know in the comments if you are planning on doing any of these activities.
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