8 Things To Do If You Want To Finish 2024 The Right Way
Regardless of how your past year went, you likely want a chance to wrap it up neatly.
An opportunity to step into 2024 without any loose ends or lingering issues.
To achieve this, there are some steps you need to take.
I won’t sugarcoat it—not all of these will be easy, but each one is essential.
Concentrate on the positive
A useful exercise to reflect on the past year is to create two lists of all the significant events that occurred in your life in 2023.
Remember, “significant” is subjective, so these events don’t have to be monumental—if they impacted you, that’s enough.
Put all the negative events on one list and the positive ones on another.
Now, symbolically let go of the negative list.
This act helps you leave behind the negativity instead of carrying it into the new year.
You’re focusing on the good things and learning to appreciate them.
Review the positive list carefully once more.
Be grateful for the blessings and good fortune you received, for being alive and healthy, and for having your loved ones by your side.
Be thankful for each of these experiences and vow never to take life’s gifts for granted again.
However, don’t forget to be grateful for the hard times too.
They shaped you into who you are today, giving you strength you didn’t know you had.
And that is something to be thankful for as well.
Let go of grudges
If you truly want the new year to be a fresh start, you can’t bring any emotional baggage from 2023 along.
After all, what’s the point of turning over a new leaf if you keep revisiting old chapters?
You can’t make progress in 2024 unless you release any resentment and grudges first.
You can’t enter the New Year at peace if you’re consumed by a desire for revenge.
Use these final days of 2023 to forgive those who have harmed you, including yourself, and even accept apologies you never received.
It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of others’ wrongdoings.
Most importantly, forgive yourself for times you didn’t prioritize your well-being, devalued your worth, or settled for less than you deserve.
Make amends
We’ve discussed those who hurt you, but what about the times when you were the one causing pain?
Let’s be real—you’re not perfect, and it’s unlikely you went through 2023 without hurting anyone.
Maybe you insulted, humiliated, or treated someone poorly, or perhaps you broke someone’s heart.
It might not have been intentional, but that doesn’t diminish the pain caused.
That’s why it’s equally important to apologize as it is to forgive.
Be the bigger person.
Say “I’m sorry.
Acknowledge your mistakes and do everything possible to correct them.
Find resolution
As another chapter of your life concludes, it’s natural to seek closure on certain things.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to those you feel owe you an explanation and ask the unanswered questions.
However, if these individuals refuse to provide closure, you must move on regardless and put it behind you.
At the very least, you’ll know you tried, and that should be sufficient.
Express thanks
When was the last time you reached out to your closest friends and family, just to see how they’re doing?
Have you recently thanked those who have always been there for you?
The ones who support you through good times and bad?
The ones who never fail to brighten your day and wipe away your tears?
You might think these people know they matter to you, even if you don’t say it.
That nothing could make them stop caring and they’ll always be there.
But here’s a thought:
Everyone appreciates kind words and gratitude.
Don’t take these special people for granted. Show them the love they deserve.
Pick up your phone.
Send a message or give them a call.
Express how much you value them and thank them for being your rock.
And above all – thank God.
Show gratitude for all His blessings, mercy, and grace.
Don’t forget to thank Him for the closed doors and prayers that went unanswered.
Thank Him for saving you from hurt, even when you didn’t realize it.
Release negativity and toxic people
At the same time, let go of those who don’t deserve a place in your life – the ones who hold you back and put you down.
Say farewell to people who bring chaos into your life.
This includes toxic and selfish “friends,” the partner who comes and goes as they please, coworkers who only see you as competition, and relatives who only remember you when they need something.
Along with them, let go of all the negativity and doubts.
Enter 2024 with a clear and positive mindset!
Learn from your mistakes
After acknowledging your mistakes, the next step is to learn from them.
Make a list of your past errors and see what lessons each one holds.
Remember, this isn’t about feeling bad; it’s about growth.
You can’t change what’s done, but you can shape your future.
Use these lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Create an action plan
New Year’s resolutions are common, but they often don’t stick.
This year, do something different.
Instead of making vague resolutions, write down a specific action plan for each of your goals.
Remember, it’s okay if you don’t achieve every single one.
What matters is that you give it your best shot.
Good luck and Happy New Year!
