Today, I dedicated several hours to compiling "23 Things That I Learned in 2023" for my newsletter subscribers. That reflection took me on a deep dive into the insights gleaned from my many positive and challenging experiences throughout the year. Despite the considerable time investment in composing that list, the act of writing it left me with such a profound sense of closure, contributing to a remarkably positive conclusion to the year. [Note: I’ll link it at the bottom of this text in case you’re curious to read it.]
That’s why I decided that here on my Substack today, I’d give you 23 things you can consider doing to close out the year:
Reflect on Achievements: Take stock of your accomplishments and milestones from the past year. Maybe write 23 things that you’ve accomplished or 23 things that you’ve learned.
Set Goals for 2024: Outline your aspirations and objectives for the upcoming year. I don’t mean, ‘lose weight’ or ‘get into the best shape of my life’. This is what most of us want. Try to imagine where you see your life, your business, your home life, etc.
Express Gratitude: Write thank-you notes or messages to express gratitude to those who have impacted your year positively. Try thinking of 5 people who really were there for you in 2023 and send them a wonderful Whatsapp message before the year ends. Thank them for being there for you. Tell them what they did that made an impact on your life in 2023.
Declutter: Clean and organize your living space, clearing out unnecessary items. This can be accomplished in a few hours if you start small and decide to organize your closet or a few drawers before January 1st. Put on your favorite playlist and get started!
Review Finances: Evaluate your financial situation, set a budget, and plan for the upcoming year. Think of how you imagine your finances in Q1, Q2, and so on. Write down how you plan to hit those goals.
Finish That Book: Finish the book you've been meaning to finish! Really! You’ll feel better for it.
Learn Something New: Take a short online course or workshop to acquire a new skill. You most likely won’t finish it by January 1, but simply enrolling and working through a few materials sets you up for success in 2024!
Update Your LinkedIn: Review and update your LinkedIn, noting your achievements and skills. If you don’t use LinkedIn, update your Instagram profile photo and your bio. Fresh things up for 2024!
Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time or connect virtually with family and friends. Do a few video calls. Reach out to loved ones who are older or perhaps, in nursing homes or hospitals. Send flowers. Let them know they are loved.
Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals by creating a vision board for the upcoming year. This is so much fun! Detail on the board how you want your life to look like next year.
Digital Detox: Take a break from screens and spend some time away from electronic devices including your phone. Stop reading Substack too (after this post of course). Take a break, you’ll feel so much better if you spend this weekend offline as much as possible.
Plan a Celebration [or something special] on NYE: Organize a small gathering or virtual event to celebrate the end of the year. Maybe you go swimming in the morning like we do - it’s a wonderful way to wash away 2023. We also order special baked sweets from the bakery for NYE and champagne.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation or mindfulness exercises to center yourself. Journal how you want life to be like for yourself in 2024. I’ll be doing yoga tomorrow and Sunday. :)
Express Yourself Creatively: Paint, write, sing, or engage in any creative activity. I am practicing piano in my living room and trying to learn a Taylor Swift song at the moment.
Review Health and Wellness: Assess your well-being and set health goals for the next year. Maybe just increase your time at the gym or walk more? Something simple but that adds years to your life and makes you happier is enough - and better than - trying to become a hard body with a six pack.
Plan for Travel: Plan your travel destinations or adventures for the upcoming year. This gives you a good feeling for the months ahead.
Create a Memory Jar: Write down positive memories from the year and collect them in a jar.
Try a New Recipe: Experiment with a new dish or cuisine in the kitchen and eat a new meal on NYE.
Plan Personal Development: Identify areas for personal growth and development in the coming year. Think of who you need to hire or ask for help. Maybe a new life coach? Join a mastermind?
Take a long walk in nature: Spend some quiet time appreciating the beauty of nature. Take a chance to reflect on 2023 and to imagine what you’d like to do in the year ahead.
Update Personal Documents: Ensure your important documents are up-to-date and organized - health care card, Passports, etc.
Set Boundaries: Reflect on areas where you need to establish healthier boundaries in your life.
Schedule blood work for January. I do this each year, complete lab tests in January and a visit to my family doctor. It’s essential to regularly schedule blood tests. I also make sure to schedule my dental cleanings and ob/gyn appointments for the next 6 months when the new year begins. Health is everything!
My dear friends and subscribers - I can’t wait to grow and expand my Substack in 2024 and thank you for being here with me in 2023. I know my posts were a little sporadic, so if you want a free extension to your Substack subscription just write to me (holly@decor8blog.com) and I’ll comp you with some extra time. In January, I’ll be doing some podcasts and videos here and posting each week regularly, so you’ll have more than enough inspiration from me ahead.
I wish you a smooth and wonderful transition into 2024 and send you nothing but love and positivity.
Yours,
Holly
[Read my newsletter article about 23 Things I’ve Learned in 2023 here > https://preview.mailerlite.com/r7s5p1b0h3/2380663929232691233/k9d7]
Happy New Year, Holly! I just read your other newsletter about the 23 things you learned this year. Thank you so much for sharing those. ❤️
I actually just scheduled bloodwork!