The end of the year
December feels different. The year winds down, but it’s not just an ending. It’s a transition. A moment to reflect on the past year while setting the stage for the one ahead.
It’s an opportunity to pause, celebrate progress, and get ready to start fresh.
Every year, I stop and spend some time reflecting on the last year and thinking about the next. It’s during these moments that I often am struck with ideas that change my direction.
You know what’s amazing? Just one idea during this time can start me on a new adventure. When mixed with action, then discipline, I chart a new path. That idea takes root and becomes something.
Snowfall often reminds me of this…each snowflake unique but part of something bigger. Our accomplishments, struggles, and lessons are like that. Individually, they may feel small. Together, they form the foundation for what’s next.
celebrate what you’ve accomplished
This time of year it’s easy to rush into planning mode. But December also calls for celebration. What went well this year? What challenges did you overcome? Who helped you along the way? Taking time to celebrate achievements—big or small—fuels your team and yourself.
Think about how you can recognize your team. A handwritten note, a team shout-out, or even a simple “thank you” can mean a lot.
prepare for what’s next
A little snow may stop traffic, but it doesn’t stop the earth from turning. Neither should celebration keep us from preparing for the future. December is the time to think about what you want the next year to look like. What goals will you set? What habits will help you grow?
Ask yourself:
- What lessons did I learn this year?
- What can I do better next year?
- How will I support my team and my own growth?
embrace the season
December is more than a month. It’s a reminder of the gift of time—a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate before stepping into the future with purpose. I was reminded of this lesson earlier this year by someone who shared how they’ve learned to treasure time.
This colleague has a habit of carving out what he called “intentional pauses.” He told me how he used to rush from one goal to the next, checking off accomplishments like items on a to-do list. But then life threw him a curveball when he learned he may not make it to the end of the year.
He said it reminded him that time isn’t guaranteed. It’s precious. He immediately began setting aside moments to reflect on what truly mattered—whether it was time with loved ones, gratitude for progress, or even celebrating small victories.
It stuck with me. It wasn’t about squeezing more into each day. It was about making room to appreciate the day itself. As the saying goes, “Time is a gift, but you have to choose to unwrap it.”
That perspective has shaped how I see December. It’s not just the last page of the calendar. It’s a season to pause, take stock of the year, and celebrate the moments that mattered. It’s a time to reconnect—with others, with yourself, and with the dreams you’re building. And, most importantly, it’s a moment to honor the gift of time by using it with intention.
When we finish strong and connect deeply, we aren’t just ending the year. We’re setting the tone for the next one.
Use December to give yourself the space to reflect, celebrate, and prepare.
Time is a gift—choose to unwrap it.
image credit anne nygard