You may have heard it said that when you get to the top of the mountain, then, you begin to climb. As Gary Ryan Blair puts it; every task, goal, race, and year comes to an end. Thus, you should make it a habit to finish strong. You may think because it is the holiday season, you should just cool off. Well, you shouldn’t. Rather, you should take stock of your year and prepare for the New Year. How should you do this? Read on for eight practical tips on how to finish 2021 strongly.
Take stock of the year
First, it is also said that you should not change a winning formula. What are your biggest successes for the year? Write them down. Thereafter, list out steps to replicate those same successes for the New Year. Repeat the process for your biggest failures. Take stock of lessons learned. Both preventive and corrective.
Business-wise, arrange an end-of-year meeting with your managers. Do a performance analysis and set new objectives for the New Year. This way, your priorities can be aligned going forward.
Remember to give yourself a pat
Second, there are positive things you can identify from the long year. Do not forget to give yourself a pat on the back for those positive things no matter how big or small. Surely, this can help you be optimistic for the New Year.
Set SMART goals and objectives
Similarly, another somewhat trite but important saying warns that if you fail to plan; you plan to fail. If you want your new year to be successful, then you have to set good goals and objectives. This applies both to your personal and business lives. Remember, think S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound).
Perhaps, you can make use of project management tools out there.
Create a to-do list, manage and delegate
Remember, it does not have to be a long list. Those to-dos that you have been postponing. Make a list of them. Then, delegate some tasks to others. Do make sure all tasks will add value. If not, trash them.
Similarly, clear your desk. Discard unneeded documents. Clean out unnecessary computer files. Yes, even your closet could do with some clear-outs. Surely, you will enjoy preparing for the New Year with minimum baggage. More so, you get a handle on how to finish 2021 strongly.
Act on big decisions
Perhaps, your stock-taking process has helped you notice how much you hate your job, or a business draining your profits, or even a toxic relationship. Well, cutting the rope might just be the start to starting the year with greater focus and clarity. Furthermore, other big decisions you could act on include signing on for that college course or signing the lease for that new flat.
Keep the grass green on relationships
Moreover, the success of your business does not depend only on internal stakeholders. You should continue building strong professional relationships. As the year ends, you may want to do some relationship housekeeping.
First, list your stakeholders from the most impactful to the least. Next, identify those that can be improved. Thereafter, you may work on improving collaboration and performance levels with such stakeholders.
Finally, do appreciate all your stakeholders. If possible, get some feedback and continue building positive teamwork. Appreciation involves reaching out especially to those who helped you in difficult times or simply supported your goals. Send them a text message, email, or give them a call. You could even pay them a personal visit. Likewise, sending gift hampers may not be going overboard.
Mind the overlap
Sometimes, your goals for this year and those of next year may overlap. Furthermore, some goals cannot be put into action until the New Year. Thus, you have to identify the overlaps. With the order created, you can then take care of the overlap. Business-wise, this process involves laying out a plan of action and assigning responsibilities.
Ultimately, this process will prepare you better for the tasks in the New Year. Assuredly, you will increase your peace of mind.
Take a break
Hey! It’s the end of the year. It’s a holiday for a reason! Chill out. Take time out with friends and family. Laugh! Put all worries aside and start the New Year recharged and refreshed. After all, chilling out is an important part when you consider how to finish 2021 strongly.
