Below is an inspiring article from “Get Organised” newsletter I get from Maria Gracia:
“5 Things I Always Do Before the New Year Starts
1) Make My January Goals
I always set 5 very specific goals on the last day of the year. This way, when the new year starts, I won’t be sitting around wondering what I should do in the new year. Instead, I’ll be all set to write up the steps necessary to achieve my goals, and to begin with step one.
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2) Catch-Up
Whether it’s my laundry, my email, my thank you notes or my pending bills, I use the last two days of the old year to catch up with everything, even if it means I don’t get to watch any TV or surf the Net for those 2 days. This way, when the new year rolls around, I’m not still trying to catch up with last year’s stuff.
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3) I Get my Calendar up to Date
This means I make sure all recurring activities (my daughter’s piano lessons, for example, and birthdays), and new calendar year events (weddings, retreats), etc. are all included in my new calendar. I also use the last two days of December to schedule all of our annual doctor checkups, and get those into my calendar as well. * * * * * * * * * *
4) I Return any Gifts As Needed
We don’t usually have to return many gifts, but there are always one or two each year. For instance, this year we received a DVD that we already have, so we’re going to the store to exchange it. I also received a shirt that doesn’t quite fit, so I’ll need to exchange and/or return that too. We handle this before the year ends, and don’t have to think about it in the new year.
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5) I make a ‘Thankful’ List
I take an hour to write up a list of 100 things I’m thankful for this year. I highlight the 10 things that have made a big difference in my life. I then file this list away, so I can refer to it whenever I wish. What a wonderful way to reflect on all the good, and end the year on a positive note! “
http://www.getorganizednow.com