As the year comes to a close, it’s a natural time to reflect on how we can set ourselves up for success in the new year. Whether 2024 has been a triumph, a challenge, or somewhere in between, how you finish it can have a profound impact on how you begin 2025. Today, I’m exploring how to bookend your year to close 2024 with intention and purpose, to lay the foundations for a focused, energised start to 2025.
Why bookending matters
Think of the end of this year as a bookend—it’s not just a conclusion but a foundation for what’s to come. If your priorities for 2025 include improved energy, better mood, and stronger motivation, how you wrap up this year will directly influence your ability to hit the ground running in January.
The end is just the beginning
Closing out 2024 intentionally doesn’t mean shutting everything down or retreating completely—especially if rest looks different for you or if social commitments are non-negotiable. Instead, it’s about prioritising recovery in ways that work for you.
What does recovery look like for you?
Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. For many busy professionals, recharging the mind is just as important, if not more so, than resting the body. Here are some ways to prioritise recovery and set yourself up for a great start to the new year:
- Eat well: Nourishing your body with balanced meals can help you maintain energy, mood and resilience during the festive season.
- Hydrate: Don’t underestimate the power of staying hydrated—it impacts mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.
- Move: Regular movement, even gentle activities like walking, can recharge both body and mind.
- Connect: Spend quality time with family, friends, or your broader community—connection is a powerful way to restore balance.
- Recharge mentally: Reflect on what helps you unwind—perhaps it’s reading, meditation, or simply gazing at the horizon (a practice we’ve explored recently).
Rest is personal
Recovery doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s about finding what truly recharges you. For some, it may involve quiet time at home; for others, it could mean spending time with loved ones or participating in festive activities. The key is to align your choices with what helps you feel refreshed, grounded, and ready for the year ahead.
Bookend your year and set the tone for a thriving New Year
As you wind down 2024, think about the practices and habits that will help you start 2025 strong. By prioritising rest and recovery now, you can create the energy and focus you need to tackle your goals in the new year.
Here’s to closing the year with intention and purpose, and to starting the next one with momentum!
Resources to help you take action
Take our Cadence Wellbeing Scorecard and receive a free, personalised report with actionable insights you can take into your daily life to optimise your health and wellbeing.
Interested in having Leanne speak to your audience? Book a free, no-obligation discovery call or enquire here: https://leannespencer.co.uk/contact/.
