Written by: Anna Filatova, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Christmas is around the corner and it’s hard to ignore that festive feeling. It’s easy to get distracted, overwhelmed and start putting things off. But what if you could cross some things off your list before the year-end?
I played basketball for many years and the last quarter of each game wasn’t the time to slow down, no matter how tired we were. It was the time to push even harder and finish the game strong. So, let’s use the next few weeks to push forward, cross some things off the “to do” list and have a good head start in 2022.
Here are 5 ways to help you finish this year strong:
1. Reflect on your progress
Look back at this year and make a list of the things that went well. Celebrate your achievements and wins and think about the successes that you can replicate next year. Do the same with the things that didn’t go as planned, record your learnings and think how you could improve.
Then look at the goals that you set at the beginning of this year and take a moment to appreciate how much effort, time and energy it took you to get to where you are now. Is there anything that you haven’t achieved yet? There is still enough time to accomplish it this year.
2. Prioritize
You might still have a long “to do” list for this year and it’s okay, however, even if you won’t manage to finish everything, there is still enough time to complete some of your tasks. Decide which things are the most important and will bring the most results. Make these tasks a priority and focus on completing them before Christmas. The more you complete this year, the less you’ll have on your “to do” list in January.
3. Declutter
The end of the year is a great time to get rid of the things that you don’t need. There is so much stuff that you most likely don’t use or need anymore. Clear out your desk or office, delegate the tasks that someone else can do for you, clear your email inbox and your computer, and have those difficult conversations that you were putting off for months.
Once you declutter your physical and mental space, you’ll feel so much lighter, energized and motivated.
4. Show gratitude
Take some time to show gratitude to those who contributed to your success this year. Tell them how grateful you are for their help, support or just having them in your life.
Do something good or help someone and make the world a better place. Volunteer, donate to a charity, provide food, toys and clothes to those in need, or offer your expertise and knowledge to someone who can’t afford a mentor.
5. Set goals
Why wait for January when you can start with planning for next year now. Set clear, SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals and objectives for next year and create an action plan with the steps on how you will achieve those goals. It will help you to start next year prepared, motivated and with a clear vision and action plan. Click here to join my FREE Goal Setting and Strategic Planning Workshop at 6 pm UK time on the 15th of December.
Anna Filatova, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Anna is the founder of Dreams and Beyond Coaching Ltd, a coaching and mentoring firm that was founded in March 2020. The company is LGBTQ+ friendly and it offers a variety of services including 1:1 coaching and mentoring, half day intensives, group programs, courses and DISC personality profiling. The services are available internationally as most of the work is done online.
From a young age, Anna has been curious about learning and development and areas such as personal fulfilment, potential and success. She has always believed that people have hidden potential and by believing in them, challenging and mentoring them, she has helped a large number of individuals to thrive and achieve high results in their careers and lives.
Anna earned an Honours BA Degree in Business Studies in International Hotel Management from National University of Ireland Galway in 2011 and a MBA for Executives with Global Perspective from London School of Commerce in 2015. She has been awarded the Brainz CREA Global Award 2021 in recognition for her creative and innovative ideas, and adaptability in business, and selected as one of the top 10 Business Coaches by Entrepreneur Mogul.
Before becoming a certified coach, Anna spent 9 years in Hotel Management and 6 years in Investment Banking. When she was 25, she had burnout that made her realize that health, well-being and work-life balance are more important than killing herself for a fast career progression.
As a Business and Success Coach, Anna helps entrepreneurs and business owners to strive for success in business and their personal lives without feeling stuck, overwhelmed and burned out. She ensures that they have all essential tools and resources for development, growth and success.
