20 Things To Do Before The End Of 2020

I don't think I can actually believe we are so close to the year 2021! There’s no doubt 2020 has been a strange and challenging year. Who knows what 2021 will hold, but there are things we can all put into action now to give ourselves the best chance of a great year ahead. I thought I’d share 20 things you can do before the end of 2020 to set up next year for success. 

“The secret of getting things done is to act!” —Dante Alighieri

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on the year. Finish this chapter, this year and this decade and prepare ourselves for 2021. 

There are five weeks left until the end of the year. Yes, really, five weeks! So what are we waiting for?!

Create a clean slate

1. Declutter your home

Even better pick 20 things to declutter before the end of the year.

It is much easier than you expect. Just open that drawer, you know the one with all the "miscellaneous" items in it? I will link my interview with Roxy, who is a decluttering expert, to get you motivated.

Disorder increases stress and brings chaos. Clear the energy pathways in your home and start 2020 with a calmer, more positive vibe.

2. Go through your photos

I don't know about you, but my phone has so many photos that my laptop can no longer sync with the volume. I have started going through and deciding what to delete and what to save. 

 The 1 Second App is also a great way to store your memories. Alternatively, upload photos to social media, then you can remove.

3. Clear your phone of contacts you no longer need

Sticking with phones. I went through and found I had contacts on my phone I didn't recognise, or they were for things I had been working on but are now complete. 

Also, some people who I know I will never contact again. If you know you don't need to contact them again, just delete.

4. Clear your inbox and unsubscribe to unwanted mailing lists

Read, reply or delete. 

Then go through your emails and unsubscribe to anything which no longer interests you. Just think of the time it takes each day to delete an unwanted email. 

Unsubscribing makes for the perfect fresh start for 2021.

5. Purge your to-do list

Have you had things on your to-do list for what feels like forever? If they are quick wins, do them now. 

Delete any to do if they aren't essential—Start 2021 with as much of an empty list as possible.

Sprinkle some positivity 

6. Write down 20 things you’re grateful for in 2020

Gratitude has an amazing ability to create a positive perspective. 

When being in a state of gratitude, you stop dwelling on what frustrates or makes you unhappy, and it focuses your brain on what is good. 

Aim to feel grateful for where you are at this moment, it will set you up for a positive next chapter in life.

7. List 20 things you want to leaving behind in 2020

It’s powerful to let go, although often easier said than done.  Write a list of what you want to let go of. 

It’s time to move forward, starting with perspective. 

Maybe even write a letter to that thing you are letting go of. Thank it for all it did for you, but now it no longer serves you, you are leaving it in 2020 and letting it go. 

8. List 20 things you would love to achieve in 2021

No holds barred and no restrictions. What would you want to achieve? 

It may not be possible to achieve at the moment, but by putting it out into the universe, you never know what you can achieve!

9. Write 20 positive affirmations about yourself

Be kinder to yourself. Train your inner voice to stop being negative and speak positively about yourself.

Negative thinking hampers your ability to live your best life.  Nobody else can be the authentic you. 

Think about how you want to describe yourself? 

Put them into an affirmative statement. “I am caring.” “I am a success.” 

Even better say them out loud to yourself in the mirror each morning. 

10. Forgive and make amends

If someone or a situation hurt you this year, can you let it go? Don't go into a new year feeling a grudge. Either let it go or attempt to make amends. 

Conversely, if a relationship you care about fell apart this year, reach out and make the first move. 

Start afresh 

11. Ditch the bad habits

You know what they are. Start weaning yourself off those bad habits now so that you can start the new year as a better version of yourself.

There are five weeks left until the end of the year. That is plenty of time to shift yourself away from a bad habit and instead start to implement good habits.  

12. Start a new hobby

Finding a new hobby can bring so much joy to your life, relieve stress and even help you to meet likeminded people. 

If you're not sure what you'll enjoy, make a list of all things you've wanted to do and make a start now before the new year even begins. 

13. What do you want to learn in 2021? 

Is there a language you've always wanted to learn or a new skill you want to learn to better your career?

Check out local colleges, or online course and plan how you're going to achieve your ambition.

14 Make a conscious decision to cut your TV or screen time

To spend quality time focusing on productive activities such as self-development, can you make time by cutting the time you watch TV or scroll social media?

Motivate yourself by writing a list of the things you want to achieve instead. Think of the books you would like to read. Even ask for items as Christmas gifts from loved ones.

15. Check-in on your circle

Ask yourself, is there anyone you need to reach out to? 

2020 has been a strange old year, in which most of us have become closer to our nearest and dearest, but if there is anyone you feel you need to contact, then this is the perfect time to do it. 

Spread the love 

16. Have a date with yourself

When was the last time you did something special for yourself? 

If you're anything like me, you won't take the time to make a nice meal just for yourself. Yet why not make yourself a nice meal? 

Or when restrictions allow, take yourself to the cinema or even to another city. 

Just relax and enjoy your own company and be happy. 

17. Establish a self-care routine

Take time out for yourself every week.

Self-care is important. We have to learn how to manage our work and personal life stress and what better way than by indulging in regular self-care. 

18. Take a 20-minute walk with no distractions

Look around you and really appreciate nature. Be mindful and take in the beauty of the seasons changing. Feel the cold air or the sun on your face. Take in the views. 

19. Start budgeting for 2021

As we experienced in 2020, we can't always be prepared for what might happen. 

I started a low buy year a the beginning of 2020. Unfortunately, I lost track of my spending towards the middle of the year. 

I am going to start my low buy year again in December ready for January and track all of my spendings. 2021 will be my low budget year!

20 Write a bucket list

Start working towards ticking items off your list now. For example, if one of your things is to go on the trip of a lifetime, start saving for it now. 

What do you plan to do before the end of 2020? 

Lots of love, 

Helen x