Ending the Year with Intention
As we approach the close of 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set intentions for a strong finish to the year. While many people romanticize the new year with long lists of resolutions, goals, and expectations, I’ve taken a slightly different approach in recent years. Instead of focusing solely on what’s ahead, I aim to conclude the year strong by setting intentional steps that lay the groundwork for a successful start to the new year.
Over the past three years, my year-end reflections have been a source of gratitude and even a pleasant surprise. Each time, I’m reminded of my growth and the accomplishments that, at the moment, may have seemed small but were pivotal over time. For me, time is a beautiful thing because every year is another opportunity to learn, improve, and thrive.
I’d like to share my simple yet transformative approach to ending the year with purpose:
Asiah’s personal reflection
Below, I share my responses to the above steps for concluding the year. I hope my reflections inspire and provide a framework you can consider for your journey.
For me, 2024 was a triumphant year filled with surprises, thrills, and immense growth. The most exciting milestone was graduating with my PhD—a professional achievement that feels almost surreal. What was once just a dream, captured in my thoughts and journal entries, has become a tangible reality. The phrase “Radiance Realized” perfectly encapsulates the fulfillment and brightness I’ve experienced this year.
To conclude the year with intention, I’ve chosen to organize the storage closet in my home. This small yet impactful action is a step toward maintaining an orderly and peaceful environment in the new year.
As I look ahead, my focus for 2025 is captured in the phrase "Mastery and Execution." This theme applies to both my personal and professional life, representing my commitment to sharpening my skills and bringing my goals to life with precision and intention.
An immediate step toward this focus is identifying a specific skill I want to master:
Identified Skill to Master: Enhancing my physical flexibility and achieving a full split.
This year, I am proud of my commitment to personal growth and my willingness to embrace new challenges. I’ve seen significant progress in managing my time and communicating effectively in my relationships—both of which have positively impacted multiple areas of my life.
While 2024 was a year of growth, there are still areas where I can improve:
Sleep Hygiene: Developing consistent habits to improve the quality and quantity of my sleep.
Financial Goals: Identifying long-term financial objectives and creating SMART goals to achieve them.
A Note of Gratitude to Myself
Dear Asiah,
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to ending the year strong. I am in awe of how far you’ve come and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way. Remember to thank God for an abundant life and the countless lessons you’ve learned in 2024.
You’ve done an incredible job this year, and you deserve all the blessings that are on their way to you. As you step into 2025, hold close to your personal mission statement and set the intention to align your actions with its purpose. Embody the best version of yourself every day. Feel the success that you are, and leave your sparkle wherever you go.
I love you always.
—Asiah
Final Thoughts
Ending the year with intention doesn’t just help you close out the past—it sets the tone for the future. By taking the 7 steps identified above, you’re not only giving yourself the gift of reflection but also equipping yourself to approach 2025 with clarity, confidence, and purpose. You deserve to have a good year so go ahead and plan for it :)
Celebrate how far you’ve come, and embrace the endless possibilities ahead.
That’s all for now,
Asiah R.