Embracing Year-End – How to Stay Motivated and Upbeat

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves in a reflective mood. It’s a time to look back on the past 12 months, assess our achievements, and set new goals for the year ahead. However, the end of the year can also bring about a sense of fatigue and decreased motivation, especially with the demands of the seasonal shutdown. In this blog, I will explore the effect of the year-end on our motivation and offer some suggestions on how to stay upbeat during this transitional period.

The Year-End Effect on Our Motivation and Overall Wellbeing

  • Reflection and Regret: As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on what we have accomplished. Sometimes, this reflection can lead to feelings of regret or disappointment if we haven’t met all our goals or if we have encountered setbacks.
  • Seasonal Distractions: The holiday season, filled with parties, gatherings, and festivities, can be a double-edged sword. While it is a time for celebration, it can also be distracting and disrupt our regular routines and work habits. It is easy to feel overwhelmed especially if you are an introvert who doesn’t enjoy the social aspect.
  • Seasonal Shutdown: Many organisations experience a slowdown or even a temporary shutdown during the year-end holidays. This can leave employees with less work to do and, consequently, less motivation to stay focused and productive.

It is important to acknowledge that however you feel – that’s OK! Try to stay true to yourself and opt in or out of activities depending on your authentic feelings; not what others want you to do or what you think is expected of you.  A friend of mine mentioned recently that she had de-prioritised goals that were on her to-do list to be completed by year’s end.  In realising that completion of these goals was unrealistic she created space for things that she really wanted to do instead.

How to Stay Upbeat During the Year-End

  • Set Realistic Goals: Instead of dwelling on unmet goals, use this time to set more realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming year. Break large goals down into smaller, manageable tasks to boost your motivation and give you a sense of accomplishment.
  • Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Routine: While it’s essential to enjoy the holidays and spend time with loved ones, try to maintain a basic routine. Allocate time for work, exercise, and self-care to keep your energy levels up.
  • Reflect on Achievements: Look back at the past year and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your progress can provide a sense of fulfilment and boost your motivation to start afresh in 2024.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Any form of mindfulness, meditation or self-care can be a powerful tool to stay grounded and focused during the seasonal chaos. Spend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection to clear your mind and reduce stress. My personal favourite is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping, sometimes referred to as psychological acupressure, a simple exercise that can be done anywhere and you get instant results.  
  • Express Gratitude: The holiday season is an excellent time to express gratitude for the people and experiences in your life. Gratitude boosts the brain’s neurotransmitter serotonin and activates the brain stem to produce dopamine (the brain’s pleasure chemical). The more frequently we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel.
  • Stay Active: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can enhance your mood and motivation. Whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or practising yoga, make sure to stay active during the year-end break.
  • Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a trusted advisor if you’re feeling demotivated or overwhelmed. Sharing your thoughts and seeking support can help you regain your enthusiasm.

It is easy to see how the increased demands of the year-end can affect our motivation, but it doesn’t have to signal a period of decline. For the most part it is a good idea to take a step back at the earliest sign of feeling overwhelmed and think about an action that you can take to rebalance in that moment.  We sometimes allow ourselves to get carried away on a wave of socialising, shopping, and preparing only to be stopped in our tracks by feelings of exhaustion, being overwhelmed and often physical illness.  The means to overcome these feelings is within our grasp as I have outlined in the self-care suggestions above.  By being more self-aware, maintaining routines, and focusing on personal care and gratitude, you can stay upbeat and motivated during what I call the ‘silly season’. Embrace the last few weeks of 2023 with gratitude and a self-care mindset, and you will be well-prepared to welcome the new year with renewed enthusiasm.