We’re all guilty of it: looking at the calendar and wondering where the year went—and if we did enough. The good news? There’s still time to do a few small, meaningful things that’ll help you end this year on a good note. You don’t need to overhaul your life or achieve some massive goal. Just a few intentional actions can make you feel proud when the clock strikes midnight on December 31.
Let’s dive into easy, doable things that can help you close out this year feeling better about yourself and your journey.
1️⃣ Write a Letter to Your Future Self
It might feel a little silly at first, but trust me: writing to your future self is powerful. Grab a notebook or open a doc, and just let the words flow.
Tell yourself what you’re proud of from this year—even if it’s small stuff like “I kept going on hard days” or “I tried my best.”
Write about your hopes for next year, not in a pressured “resolutions” way, but in a gentle, encouraging tone.
It’s okay if your letter is messy or emotional. The goal is to connect with yourself honestly.
Seal it up (or save it in a safe place) and plan to read it at the end of next year.
You’ll be surprised how grounding it feels to have that record of where you were.
2️⃣ Reach Out to Someone You’ve Lost Touch With
It happens—we lose contact with people, even those we care about. But reaching out now can bring a warm reconnection before the year ends.
Don’t overthink what to say. A simple “Hey, I was just thinking about you. Hope you’re well!” works wonders.
You don’t have to rekindle a deep friendship or plan a meet-up (unless you want to). Sometimes a kind message is enough.
If the person doesn’t reply, that’s okay. The point is that you showed care.
And if they do respond, you might end the year with a new conversation that feels good.
3️⃣ Clear Out One Small Space
We often think decluttering has to be a big project. It doesn’t. Pick one drawer, one shelf, one app folder on your phone—and just clean that.
You’ll be amazed how light you feel after tackling even a tiny space. It’s a small win that builds momentum.
Sometimes clearing physical clutter clears a little mental clutter too.
And if you feel up for it, keep going! But even if you stop at that one spot, it’s still a success.
Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
4️⃣ Make a Mini Gratitude List
Forget the pressure of keeping a daily gratitude journal if that’s not your thing. Just take five minutes today to jot down five things you’re thankful for from this year.
They don’t have to be huge. Maybe it’s “my morning coffee,” “the way the air smells after rain,” or “that one friend who always checks in.”
The act of naming these things helps your brain focus on what’s good.
You can do this on a sticky note, in your phone, or in a journal—wherever feels easiest.
If you want, stick the list somewhere visible as a little reminder during these final weeks.
5️⃣ Spend Time Outdoors, Even Briefly
Fresh air can work small wonders on your mood, even if you’re only outside for 10 minutes.
Take a walk around the block. Stand in your yard or on your balcony. Sit on a park bench and just breathe.
Let yourself notice one thing: the sound of birds, the shape of a cloud, the feel of a breeze.
It doesn’t have to be a big hiking trip. Tiny doses of nature help ground you.
And if you can, make it a regular thing for these last weeks of the year.
6️⃣ Say No to One Thing That Drains You
This time of year can pile on extra obligations. Give yourself permission to say no to at least one thing.
Maybe it’s a gathering you don’t have the energy for, or a task that isn’t really necessary.
When you protect your energy, you make space for what truly matters to you.
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s self-respect.
You might be surprised how freeing it feels to release just one “should.”
7️⃣ Create a Simple Joy Ritual
What’s one small thing that makes you happy? A favorite tea, lighting a candle, listening to a certain song?
Pick something easy and make it a little ritual for yourself in these final weeks.
It can be as short as two minutes. The point is to gift yourself a moment of peace or pleasure.
You deserve small joys, not just big achievements.
And the more you practice these moments, the more natural they’ll feel going into the new year.
8️⃣ Reflect on What You’ve Learned
Even if this year didn’t go as planned, you learned things. Take a moment to acknowledge that.
What surprised you about yourself? What strength did you discover? What did a hard situation teach you?
Write it down if you like—or just think it through on a quiet evening.
Reflection helps you see how far you’ve come, even when progress felt invisible in the moment.
And it can give you fresh confidence as you face a new year.
9️⃣ Let Go of One Grudge or Regret
We all carry emotional weight that doesn’t serve us. Pick one small resentment or regret and try to release it.
This isn’t about excusing bad behavior or denying your feelings. It’s about freeing yourself from what’s no longer helping.
You could write about it, talk it out with someone, or simply set an intention: “I’m ready to let this go.”
It might not happen instantly, and that’s okay. The effort matters.
Even loosening your grip a little can feel like relief.
🔟 Do One Thing Just for Fun
End the year with something that’s purely for your own enjoyment. No productivity required.
Watch a favorite movie. Bake cookies just because. Dance in your room.
Fun doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just needs to feel good to you.
We often forget that joy is a worthy goal all on its own.
Give yourself that gift—you deserve it.
🌟 Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection
As the year winds down, it’s easy to feel like you’re racing against the clock. But the truth is—you don’t have to do anything dramatic to feel good about where you are. Small, intentional choices can make these last weeks meaningful.
You don’t need a massive transformation or a list of checked-off goals to feel proud of yourself. The simple act of trying, of caring, of showing up for yourself, that’s enough.
Pick one or two things from this list that feel right for you. Or just let it remind you that every day is a fresh chance, no matter what the calendar says.
End this year being kind to yourself. That’s the best way to step into the next one.