As the year winds down and a new year approaches, the need to tie up loose ends, get organized, complete projects, and prepare a clean slate can leave us feeling like we’ve got an overwhelming task list and a frazzling time crunch.
Beginning a new year with the sense that we’re organized and on top of things, however, is worth some extra effort—and the best time to start is before the holidays. One way to get started is to perform an end-of-year brain dump.
Capture Ideas
This simple exercise is a great way to capture and organize your thoughts, gain clarity, and reduce stress. To begin, set aside quiet time for yourself with a pen and paper. Begin by jotting down any unfinished tasks or ideas you’ve been wanting to get to. Do not edit your writing; just capture whatever comes to mind, whether that’s something mundane such as “buy paper towels” or something monumental such as “start that new business.”
Barbara Danza
writer
Barbara Danza is a contributing editor covering family and lifestyle topics. Her articles focus on homeschooling, family travel, entrepreneurship, and personal development. She contributes children’s book reviews to the weekly booklist and is the editor of “Just For Kids,” the newspaper’s print-only page for children. Her website is Barbara-Danza.com
