Back in 2014, I shared a list of things to do to prepare for the end of the year/new year. Five years seems like a good time to update that list, so here you go!
- Purge, purge, purge – OK, this one was at the top of list last time because it still holds true. If you haven’t used it in the last year – be it a file, a shirt, or an app – get rid of it. And if you are the type of person who doesn’t like to delete files, at least move it in an “archive” folder.
- File what you need but don’t need right now – Things like old receipts and signed proposals you need for taxes and the like do not need to take up valuable space (physical or otherwise) in the now. Pack them away in a file that’s clearly labeled so you know where to look for them.
- Get a new calendar – While I still strive to be mostly digital, there is still something to be said for a physical calendar. I have two: a 12-month dry-erase calendar that lives on my dining room wall as a command center for travel and events and a daily one that stays at my desk to keep note of meetings and reminders. (I treated myself to customized daily book for 2020!)
- Look at your old calendar – We are often focused on what’s coming in the year ahead that we don’t look at the year we just had. Flip through old calendars or tasks lists to remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished in the last 12 months.
- Have fun! – This one hasn’t changed, either. Use the last of your vacation days, go out to lunch with colleagues, spring for cheese from the nice part of the grocery store. Do whatever you can to carve out some time for fun!
Nadia Zerka is an account director at Imagine who will be spending her holiday break eating junk and watching rubbish, a la Kevin McAllister.