We are around the corner from a new beginning and it’s time to start prepping for another successful year even before this one comes to an end. As finals finish and our holiday vacations begin, spend a little time doing what I call focusing on our freedoms. Our freedoms release us from bad vibes of the past and build up positive vibes for the future. With these eight end-of-year must do’s, we’ll walk (or stumble) into 2017 with our best foot forward.

1. Forgive

Find the peace you deserve by forgiving. Even if someone doesn’t necessarily deserve your forgiveness, find a place in your heart to forgive them anyways. You’re about to start fresh; don’t bring any bad vibes into the new year. Free yourself of negative energies and don’t forget to forgive yourself in the process too!

2. Review

Recognize your successes and set a positive tone for 2017 by building on what you’ve been good at, what you’ve loved, and what you want more of. What were your magic moments, your unfabulous moments, and what REALLY mattered to you? You’re entitled to the time and space to reflect so take it. “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” Know your history so you can write a better one for tomorrow.

3. Eliminate

Get out the ‘to don’t’ list and get rid of anything you don’t need to make room for something better! Stop doing/buying what doesn't benefit you. Throw away the clothes you never wear, makeup you never use, miscellaneous items you have from you ex; and if there’s someone you need to let go of too, now’s the time. Set your boundaries and shut the door.

4. Envision

Don’t just set your goals, envision them. Decide why you're going after your goal and really imagine what it will feel like to achieve them. When you know why, it gives you deeper purpose. Set your goal, be certain about your why, and let it make you unstoppable. Dream big, dream longer, and dream again.

5. Dance

You did it! Another year full of laughs, love, learning, and it’s finally time to celebrate! And you don’t have to wait until New Years to pop the bubbly. Thanksgiving was just the beginning, the pre-game, of our end of year celebration. So get the party started now by showing your thanks and celebrating your blessings! Cheers to you and cheers to me.

6. Organize

Schedule fun. Schedule work. Schedule your time. Try to map the next three months and actually put pen to paper. Set the date for personal days, vacations, brunches, and deadlines because what you schedule gets done. Grab your planner and get buy! And when you’re done you’ll look at it and think yes, let's do this.

7. Meditate

Take some time over the holidays to unwind and unplug. This includes powering down your phone, putting away the computer, and turning off the tv. Use it as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, family, and friends. Whether it’s for 10 minutes or an hour, make it a priority to be in the moment.

8. Simplify

Keep things simple and significant to calm the chaos of the holidays. Take your big ideas, plans, and promises and strip them down to their bottom line. Stop spreading yourself too thin and really focus on the basics. Simplifying life creates more space for the little things you love!

So get ready to make this the best year yet even before the ball drops! With our freedoms in mind, I promise that come January 1st we’ll be ready to kick some serious 2017 ass….after the hangover goes away, obviously.

xoxo
Andrea