# How to End a Year and Plan a Better One

## Part 1: Reflect

[YouTube](https://youtu.be/kh8hXAG1lJg)

[Transcript](https://otter.ai/u/utU5E7_7m_Nd78B0kLUu3ahqwv0?utm_source=copy_url)

Here is a summary of the key points from the podcast transcript on how to end a year and plan a better one:

1. Reflect on the past year - What went well? What would you do differently? Celebrate your wins and learn from mistakes. Don't dwell on negatives.
2. Don't assume next year will be better or worse. Analyze your resilience and adaptability this past year. How did you handle challenges?
3. Be proud of progress made and hard work done. But don't ignore others' struggles. Find the right balance.
4. Distinguish money problems (solvable) from other more permanent problems. Money issues can often be resolved.
5. Evaluate what expenses you value and want to increase versus decrease. Spending priorities change over time.
6. Assess all areas - finances, relationships, health, personal growth. Are you trending positively in key freedoms?
7. The past is gone. Every day is a new opportunity. Forget what you can't change. Live presently and plan ahead.

In summary, reflecting positively but honestly on the past prepares you to actively create the future you want. The key is learning and improving.

Here are some actionable tips for ending the year well and planning for the next based on the podcast:

1. Set aside dedicated time for self-reflection - Get a journal, find a relaxing spot, and reflect intentionally.
2. Celebrate wins from this past year - Make a list of accomplishments, investments that paid off, goals met. Appreciate these.
3. Identify lessons learned - What mistakes did you make? What would you do differently? Capture these to apply next year.
4. Plan fun year-end activities with family - Camping trips, board games night, homemade treats. Strengthen bonds.
5. Review your budget and expenses - What spending aligns with your values? What can you cut out or optimize?
6. Set financial goals for next year - E.g. increase income streams, spend more on relationships, save for a big purchase.
7. Consider relocating for greater freedom - With remote work options, consider moving to a preferable city or country.
8. Commit to continual learning - Read books, take classes, pick up new hobbies. Growth requires active engagement.
9. Write a letter to your future self - Share lessons, goals and dreams to open next year looking forward with purpose.
10. Decide each day is a fresh start - Let go of past regrets. Live presently with intention. The future is a clean slate.

## Part 2: Dream

[YouTube](https://youtu.be/FUxTD6dD2c4)

[Transcript](https://otter.ai/u/ax9rvExYidCLjrP2_5pE0CW9JMI?utm_source=copy_url)

Here is a summary of the key points from the podcast transcript on how to end a year and plan a better one:

The podcast discusses two main steps for ending the year well and planning a better upcoming year:

1. Reflect on the past year - Take time to rejoice in what went well and learn from the challenges and difficulties. Reflection helps you see lessons and insights to apply going forward.
2. Dream about the future - Spend time envisioning and imagining the future you desire across different areas of life like lifestyle, work, activities, relationships, etc. Let your mind wander and dream without constraints.

Dreaming:

- Helps give clarity, purpose and direction for your actions today
- Is easier for some people than others based on personality, experiences, input during childhood etc.
- Can start by observing and imagining the lives of people you admire
- Expose yourself to diverse lifestyles to see different possibilities
- Does not imply commitment - you can change dreams flexibly

Goals and plans bring more accountability but should come after free dreaming. Dreams guide your priorities and decisions around things like finances.

Some tips for dreaming:

- List 30 things you want to be, do and have before dying
- Describe your perfect day
- Imagine how you would live if you never retired

The past is gone - today you can live differently. Dreams will likely change over time and that process of shifting dreams keeps life exciting.

Here are some actionable advice items from the podcast transcript on ending a year well and planning a better upcoming year:

1. Set aside intentional time for self-reflection on the past year. What went well that you can appreciate? What were challenges and how can you learn from them?
2. Spend time imagining and visualizing your ideal future life. Let your mind wander freely. Don't censor yourself or worry about feasibility yet.
3. Identify people you admire and note qualities in their lives you'd like to emulate. Seeing possibilities through others can stimulate dreams.
4. Consume content/media showcasing alternative lifestyles to spark new visions for your life.
5. Maintain flexibility with dreams. Feel empowered to change directions as dreams evolve over time.
6. Create a list of 30 things you want to be, 30 things you want to do, and 30 things you want to have before you die.
7. Journal or voice record a description of your perfect average day from start to finish.
8. Imagine how your ideal lifestyle would look if you never retired and had to sustain the pace every day.
9. Refer back to your dreams and envisioned future when making major decisions around things like careers, finances, relationships to ensure alignment.
10. Remember each new day is a chance to live differently. Don't let the past constrain you.

## Part 3: Plan

[YouTube](https://youtu.be/jjN97W-8GGQ)

[Transcript](https://otter.ai/u/uBoj1wgZOE5yrA6aUzSnJNld_zI?utm_source=copy_url)

Here is a summary of the key points from the podcast transcript on how to end a year and plan a better one:

1. Reflect on the past year - Look back on what worked and what didn't, and try to learn lessons that can be applied going forward.
2. Dream - Allow yourself to envision and get excited about possibilities for the future without pressure or judgment. Maintain your ability to dream big.
3. Plan - Transform dreams into concrete goals and action steps. Envision yourself already achieving the dream, then ask yourself "How did I get here?" and "What steps did I take?" Write down ideas for how to replicate success. Also ask "What could I do that might move me a bit closer?" for simple starting points.
4. Learn - Consider what knowledge could help you achieve your goals and how to access it. Learning often leads naturally to action.
5. Meet people - Surround yourself with people you want to be like, whether in person or virtually. Seeing examples of success is inspiring and instructive.
6. Start doing - Ultimately, plans and knowledge are meaningless without action. Resolve to at least start taking small steps forward. Maintain determination even if you only achieve 50% of extremely ambitious goals.

The key message is keeping dreams alive while transforming them into doable steps. Progress often happens gradually, but determination pays off over time. Reflection and planning for the new year represents an opportunity for a fresh start.

Here are some actionable pieces of advice for goal-setting and improving yourself based on this podcast:

1. Take time to reflect on the past year and think about what went well, what didn't, and what you learned. Jot down 3-5 key takeaways.
2. Carve out time for dreaming and envisioning your ideal future, whether in your career, relationships, health, etc. Don't censor yourself at this stage.
3. Pick 1-2 dreams and make them concrete goals. Outline the specific steps you would have taken to achieve them. Start broad, then narrow it down to actionable steps.
4. Research people who have achieved goals similar to yours, through books or online resources. Make a list of 3-5 things they did that could translate to your situation.
5. Unfollow or mute negative social media connections. Refollow influencers and thought leaders that motivate you and represent who you want to become.
6. Make meeting new, inspiring people this year a goal, whether online or in-person through networking events or mutual connections.
7. Talk to a mentor or peer who can hold you accountable to making progress on your goals and action steps throughout the year. Set monthly check-ins.
8. Don't wait or overplan—be willing to take imperfect action in alignment with your big-picture vision. Progress might look different than you imagined.