Your Checklist for Closing Out 2024
December is about to roll around, the countdown to the end of 2024 is officially on, marking the perfect time to start wrapping up a year filled with unique challenges and achievements. During this busy season, work deadlines loom large and personal errands accumulate, all while holiday plans and festive activities beckon. Amidst the flurry, it’s crucial to ensure we close out 2024 effectively to enjoy a restful holiday and hit the ground running in 2025.
Here’s some tips on how to effectively wrap up your year as an admin professional:
Begin Now:
Start putting the final touches on any lingering projects and reports. The urge to procrastinate can be strong as the year winds down, but tackling these tasks now will prevent the ‘ghost of work past’ from haunting your early 2025.
Schedule Dedicated Times:
Block out specific times in your calendar to focus solely on finalising projects. This helps in managing your workload without the end-of-year rush feeling overwhelming.
Set Clear Deadlines:
Communicate explicit deadlines to colleagues who need to contribute to your projects. This ensures everything is completed on time and you’re not left waiting on last-minute submissions.
Enforce Deadlines:
It’s okay to enforce strict deadlines during this period. Keeping a tight grip on timelines ensures that everything wraps up smoothly, allowing you to start the new year fresh.
Manage Your Inbox:
Allocate at least half a day to clean up your email inbox. Aim to action or file all pending emails so that you can leave for the holidays with a zero inbox balance.
Reset Your Workspace:
Give your office a thorough cleanup. Clear off all desks, tables, and shelves. Starting the new year with a tidy workspace can significantly boost your productivity and morale.I’m a big fan of having a new notebook and pen to start my year. It’s my treat in the post holiday sales is buying new stationery for myself.
Celebrate the Year’s End:
Take time to celebrate your achievements throughout the year. Reflect on what went well, consider what could be improved, and set goals for the first quarter of 2025. This not only provides closure but also positions you for future success.
Acknowledge Your Efforts:
Pat yourself on the back. It’s important to recognise the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year. Reflect on your accomplishments, remind yourself of your resilience, and revel in your personal growth.
Plan to Pay It Forward:
As you reflect, think about ways to carry forward positive actions into the new year. Whether it’s joining an admin group or mentoring a colleague. Find ways to extend kindness and support to others, especially in our admin community. At Admin Avenues and The Admin Collective, we are always open to new members so come and check us out over the holidays and enjoy all the free resources we have available.
We suggest following these steps, that way you can ensure that you wrap up 2024 efficiently and set yourself up for a successful start to 2025. Remember, the end of the year is not just a time for completion but also for celebration and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Thank you for being part of our community in 2024. As always, if we can ever be of help in your admin career, reach out to us on our LinkedIn or email us at [email protected]. Have a great break!