10 Things To Achieve Before The End of 2018 | Closure

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The year is coming to a close, and many are focusing on 2019, but before the end of 2018, there is still time to do a few things!

Hold on!

Don’t throw away the baby with the bathwater just yet. I am definitely thinking about 2019 myself, but first I think it is important to wrap up 2018.

Currently, I am wrapping up projects, and pushing myself to achieve 10 things before 2019 because there is still time yet for success! I tend to wait until the last week of the month to write down my goals for 2019, so I give myself the full year to achieve my goals.

Before the end…

My plan is to use the last weeks of the year to evaluate 2018, declutter, and organize in order to move into 2019 fully focused. These 10 things I want to achieve before the end of 2018 include beauty, home, life, and preparation for 2019.

Beauty

Trim Your Ends. There is no better way to revive my hair than fresh ends. Fresh ends make detangling easier, make my curls pop, and keep single strand knots away. If my hair wasn’t in great shape, I think I would take this a step further and get a haircut. I just do not see the point in hanging on to straggly hair, instead, I prefer the look of full healthy hair.

Check Expiration Dates. I think we frequently check the expiration dates on our food products, but how often do you check the expiration dates on your beauty products? Remember, expiration dates are a suggestion, not a hard-fast rule. However, if you buy products frequently, taking stock of which products have been sitting for a while can help remind you to use up your stash. This would also be a good time to sanitize your makeup and get rid of any spoiled or broken items.

Clean Your Tools. Speaking of sanitizing your makeup, when is the last time you cleaned your tools? There is no time like the present. Sanitize your makeup brushes, clean and sanitize your hair tools, and get the dust out of your hair dryers. One of the biggest culprits in shortening the life of your tools is leaving them filled with old products and dust from your home.

Home

Declutter Your Closet. The end of the year is here, and I am sure there are items in your closet that you did not wear once all year long. It is time to go through your closet and decide what to keep and what to donate. Do you really need to keep that dress you haven’t worn in three years? Is it time to replace those well-worn sneakers? Could you pare down the number of clothes you own? Use this moment to clear out the closet, so your Spring Cleaning in 2019 is focused on just cleaning.

Deep Clean Your Car. Post-Thanksgiving and Christmas, my car tends to have wrapping paper, boxes, and/or random items from traveling to see family. Clear everything out of the car and deep clean thoroughly (maybe go get a detail at a shop). If you have young kids or animals you regularly travel with, this would be a good time to deep clean carpets and seats as well. Then, once your car is completely clean, only return necessary items in an organized manner to your vehicle.

Organize Everything. Don’t just organize your car, take that inside the home, and organize everything. I take one week at a time until the end of the year to organize different rooms in my home. Organizing will also encourage me to declutter, and clean as well. There is no need to wait until Spring, instead, walk into the new year with a clean organized home to promote an environment that supports a clear and focused mind.

Life

Gather Tax Documents. While you organize, take the opportunity to gather tax documents. Locate receipts, identify any tax-deductible giving, and determine whether a Giving Tuesday donation would be prudent for tax deduction purposes. Also, determine what documents you expect to receive in order to complete your taxes before the deadline.

Memory Keeping. Since I began Ali Edwards One Little Word course last year, I have come to realize the importance of memory keeping. It is so very easy to take tons of photos every year, and never look back to reflect on the significant moments. I enjoy the process of choosing photos and thinking about moments that brought me a feeling of joy and accomplishment throughout the year. I enjoy watching my Puppy grow and experiencing life with my friends and family through a printed visual medium. Then, I fill my album so that I can walk down memory lane anytime in the years to come.

Reflect on The Year. I consider memory keeping part of reflection, but I also reflect on the year as a whole. Determining what was successful, what didn’t work, and what opportunities have presented themselves as the year progressed. I read through my journal, and reflect on my state of mind as the year pushed through. Mental health is integral to a fulfilled life, so I do not rush this process. When I feel that I have spent enough time analyzing my year, I am ready to set goals for the new year.

2019 Goal Setting

Create a Vision Board. Once my 2018 projects are wrapped up. Once my home and vehicle are clear of clutter and organized. Once I have decluttered my beauty products, I am ready to push through to a new year. I like to create a vision for a new year before setting my goals. Ask yourself, what can you accomplish in a year? and  What do you want your life to look like this time next year? Once I answer those questions, I create a vision board. Then I use this vision to set S.M.A.R.T goals for the new year.

These ten things represent closure. Firmly close the door in 2018 and allow yourself to walk into 2019 clear and focused on creating new experiences. I hope this list encourages you to not give up on 2018 just yet. Instead, use the weeks we have left and push yourself. Clear the clutter and finish those projects. Allow yourself the time necessary to create a clean, clutter-free, and focused environment for a successful 2019.