As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks into full swing, it’s natural to start thinking about what’s next. The excitement of celebrations often comes with the pull to reflect—on the habits we’d like to change, the goals we hope to achieve, and the new possibilities we want to embrace.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already looking ahead, eager to make positive changes and step into the best version of yourself. But let’s be honest—the lead-up to the holidays can feel like a whirlwind. Between last-minute shopping, social gatherings, and holiday prep, finding time to think about the new year might feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until January 1st to begin setting intentions. And it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or pressure-filled either. By embracing this time with a little awareness and a sustainable approach, you can set yourself up for meaningful growth before the holiday haze sets in.
Plan
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
—Rumi
The end of the year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what went well, what you’re proud of, and what you want to work toward in the year ahead. At work, this reflection is an opportunity to set meaningful goals that align with your values and create a clear, actionable path for success.
Here’s a practical way to approach planning for the new year with awareness and intention:
Reflect
Take time to evaluate the past year and ask yourself:
- What is your main, big-picture goal for the year ahead? What will bring the most meaning to your work, your leadership, and your life?
- What went well this year? What strategies, habits, or initiatives led to success?
- What didn’t work as planned? What lessons can you take from those experiences?
- What attitudes or approaches would you like to cultivate this year?
By taking stock of your wins, setbacks, and aspirations, you’ll gain clarity on what truly matters and what steps to prioritize.
Start Small
As you set goals, focus on realistic, actionable steps that align with your priorities. Research from Stanford professor BJ Fogg emphasizes starting small to build sustainable habits. For example:
- Instead of committing to overhauling your entire schedule, start with one change, like dedicating 15 minutes each morning to strategic planning.
- Focus on consistent progress, rather than aiming for perfection. Small wins compound over time.
Commit
Make a 100% commitment to your goal. Consistency is key, and partial commitment often leads to procrastination or abandoning the habit altogether. When you’re fully committed, decisions become simpler, and progress is more predictable.
Build Habits That Stick
- Stack Habits: Pair your new habit with an existing routine. For example, if your goal is to build stronger connections with your team, tie it to something you already do daily: “After I pour my morning coffee, I’ll send one quick message to a team member acknowledging their recent contributions.” This approach makes the new habit easy to remember and seamlessly integrates it into your day.
- Set Visual Reminders: Create cues in your environment to reinforce your goals. For instance, if your aim is to prepare for key meetings more effectively, keep a checklist on your desk or set a recurring calendar reminder to review your notes in advance.
- Track Progress: Use simple tools like a habit tracker or a journal to measure your consistency and celebrate milestones. Recognizing progress helps maintain momentum.
Build a Support Network
Building a strong support network is crucial for sustained growth. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar goals. Whether through mentorship, peer groups, or online communities, having accountability partners can help you stay focused and motivated.
Lead with Essential Attitudes
As you work toward your goals, bring these essential attitudes into your journey:
- Patience: Change takes time; focus on long-term progress.
- Gentleness: Treat setbacks as opportunities to learn, not failures. Approach them with kindness and self-compassion, knowing that progress comes from persistence and patience.
- Sense of Humor: Remember to not take yourself too seriously—celebrate the wins, and laugh off the occasional misstep.
- Curiosity: Stay open to new ideas and approaches.
Take Action
The holidays offer a natural pause—a chance to enjoy the present while considering the possibilities ahead. Between celebrations and quiet moments, take time to reflect on what truly matters. Whether it’s refining your leadership, strengthening relationships, or pursuing a new goal, the small steps you take now can set the tone for meaningful, lasting growth. Embrace the season fully while planting the seeds for what’s next, and step into the new year with clarity, focus and purpose.
Here’s to a successful and fulfilling new year ahead!
