How to finish strong and complete your New Year's resolutions

2025 is just around the corner, and we can feel it approaching with only two weeks of the year left to go. This is the perfect time to reflect on the year that 2024 has been and wrap up any pending New Year resolutions you set at the start of the year. Whether you are very close to the finish line or feel that you’ve gone off track, these two weeks can be make-or-break for you and your checklist.

Here’s what you need to do to finish the year on a great note.

Make targets that are specific and achievable

Ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). If a goal seems too long or difficult to achieve, break it down into smaller, manageable steps that help you inch closer to success each day. This also means prioritising what’s important and not biting off more than you can chew.

Make a timetable for the next two weeks

Planning exactly what you need to do in these final two weeks will add structure to your strategy and help you move closer to your goals. This is a time when the last thing you should do is procrastinate, so set deadlines for what needs to be completed. Treat these last two weeks as a sprint, not a marathon.

Eliminate the distractions

Identify and single out the areas or things holding you back from completing your resolutions. Reduce or stop them during the final weeks so that your entire focus and energy are directed towards what needs to be done. It also helps to work in a productive environment that enhances your focus and clarity.

Keep tracking your progress

Tracking your progress over the next two weeks is a great way to keep yourself motivated and identify areas that need adjustment. Daily check-ins also create opportunities to reward yourself, keeping morale high when you complete a resolution. Visualising your success can further boost your spirits—picture how good it will feel to accomplish what you set out to achieve, and stay motivated for the final stretch.

Along with tracking your progress, let a close friend or loved one know about your resolutions. Knowing someone is keeping track can help hold you accountable and stop you from giving up. You could also build momentum by partnering with someone who has similar goals.

Remember to stay positive and take care of yourself

Don’t go all out and risk burnout just to complete your New Year's resolutions. Take time to rest and recover so that your physical and mental well-being remains in good shape. If you feel overwhelmed by having too much to do, try practising mindfulness or meditation. Managing stress helps you stay clear-headed, and a balanced mindset will improve your chances of finishing strong. Even if you feel you’re behind schedule, don’t lose heart—celebrate the journey and the effort, not just the end result.

Resolutions old and new

Whether or not you complete your resolutions, the lessons learnt along the way will help you prepare for your 2025 goals. Set yourself up for success by establishing new, realistic targets that build on this year’s progress. Embrace the idea of personal growth as an ongoing process, and consider how you can keep improving next year.

Lead image: Netflix 

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