3 year-end habits that will set you up for success

Clear out your space, nurture your relationships, and recharge your batteries to make 2025 your most intentional year yet.

As the year draws to a close, many of us feel the need to wrap up projects, meet deadlines, get through hectic holiday obligations, and sprint toward the finish line. But this is the truth. How you end this year will determine how you start the next one.

For me, ending the year with intention means doing more than that. It’s about pausing, reflecting, and creating space for clarity, connection, and rest. Instead of starting the new year feeling burnt out, start the new year recharged and ready to pursue your goals with purpose. Here are my three year-end habits that will set you up for success, and how to incorporate them into your year-end rituals.

1. Clean and organize: Make space for what’s important There’s a powerful connection between a clean environment and a clear mind. Research from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute shows that physical clutter competes for attention, reduces concentration, and increases stress. With this in mind, I’m making decluttering a top priority during my year-end reset, both physically and digitally.

Digital organization: Start by organizing your inbox, deleting unnecessary files, and decluttering your desktop. Clearing the digital clutter will make it much easier to return to work after the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Physical space: Whether it’s my home office, kitchen drawers, or closet, I take the time to let go of things I no longer need. According to a UCLA study, reducing physical clutter can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making.

Starting the new year with an organized space helps you mentally reset. It’s a simple action, but the sense of control and clarity it provides can make a big difference.

2. Reconnect with friends: Relationships are the real ROI The holiday season reminds us of what’s really important: the people we care about. However, more than 36% of Americans (including 61% of young people) report feeling severely lonely, according to a Harvard University study. This time of year is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with friends, mentors, and colleagues you’ve wanted to keep in touch with.

For me, it’s a meaningful conversation, not a grand gesture. Whether it’s a coffee get-together, a thoughtful text, or a handwritten note, these small acts can strengthen bonds and remind others how much they mean to you.

Beyond the emotional benefits, strong relationships are the key to success. Research shows that people with strong social connections are not only happier, but also 50% more likely to live longer. Professionally speaking, nurturing your network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

So as you reflect on the past year, take the time to celebrate the people who supported and inspired you. Let them know how much they influenced your journey.

3. Prioritize rest: Recharge for what lies ahead In a culture that glorifies hustle and bustle, rest often feels like a luxury. But science tells us otherwise. Rest is where creativity, focus, and energy are restored. The National Institutes of Health reports that sleep improves memory, sharpens decision-making, and improves problem-solving skills.

For me, a break is more than just a break, it’s a strategy. Between Christmas and New Years, I intentionally unplug and reset. Here’s how:

Step away from work: Set clear boundaries to step away from emails and appointments to give your brain space to reset. Reconnect with yourself: Whether it’s journaling, reading, or just slowing down, I use this time to reflect on the lessons of the year. Set goals: Think about and write down the small and big goals you want to achieve in the new year. Now is the time to set your intentions with a clear mind.

If you lead a team, encourage your team to rest as well. A well-rested team will be far more productive, creative, and motivated come January.

Why These Practices Work These three practices – decluttering, reconnecting, and resting – do more than just start the year off right. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term success.

Being organized creates space for focus and innovation. Reconnecting strengthens your network of support and inspiration. Resting will restore the energy you need to pursue your biggest goals.

As we close out 2024, ask yourself:

What can you let go of? Who will you be reunited with? How can I give myself permission to rest?

The new year is a blank page. Step into 2025 with clarity, intention, and purpose. We hope to end this year strong and look forward to an even brighter year ahead.