Can you believe it? December is already here. It’s as if we blinked and jumped straight from Halloween to the holiday rush, skipping over November entirely. It feels like this happens every year, doesn’t it?
Now we find ourselves in the final stretch of the calendar year – that whirlwind season where schedules are packed with gatherings, shopping lists grow longer, and there’s a flurry of decorating, meal prepping, and tidying up before guests arrive.
It’s also the time when thoughts turn to the year ahead and the goals we’d like to achieve. But for many of us, it comes with that familiar sting of unfinished resolutions from the year that’s wrapping up...once again.
December has a way of tempting us to hit pause on the habits and actions that move us closer to our goals. It’s easy to justify stepping back with thoughts like:
“It’s only a few weeks; what difference will it make?”
“This month’s too busy, so I’ll just pick it back up in January.”
“It’s always on my New Year’s resolution list anyway – what’s the harm?”
But how do those thoughts make you feel? They’re not exactly energizing, are they? While they might seem justifiable in the moment, they often leave us feeling unmotivated and disconnected from the progress we crave.
Here’s the truth: you always have a choice. Even in the middle of the holiday whirlwind, when plans fall apart, or when the calendar feels overwhelming, you can choose to pause, ground yourself, and realign with your priorities. You can decide what matters most and take intentional steps forward.
And here’s the good news: there’s still time to make meaningful progress this month. December doesn’t have to be a wash – it can be the month you hold your ground, stay connected to your goals, and even gain momentum heading into the new year. You’ve got this!
But how do you make it happen?
For me, it starts with noticing the small signs of overwhelm creeping in – like clutter taking over my home. Suddenly, the kitchen counters are full of random items, the dishwasher needs unloading, and laundry piles up, waiting to be put away. These physical messes often mirror what’s happening in my mind. A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind, and the cycle feeds itself.
Can you relate?
The amazing thing is how quickly that cycle can shift. Taking even 10 minutes to tidy up – clearing counters, organizing a pile, or putting things in their place – brings an immediate sense of calm and control. It reconnects me to the power I have to take intentional action, whether it’s cleaning my space or making progress toward a goal.
That’s why staying committed to your habits and routines is non-negotiable, especially during busy seasons. While December is a time for celebration and connection, it’s also when over-committing and over-indulging can knock us off balance—assuming we were balanced to begin with, right?
With everything going on during the holidays, it’s easy for our minds, calendars, and spaces to become cluttered faster than usual. And as you’ve probably noticed, clutter in one area often spills over into others, amplifying stress and making it harder to focus on what really matters.
That’s why creating non-negotiable space in your day for balance is so important. Whether it’s protecting time for your health, tending to your surroundings, nurturing relationships, or staying on track with your goals, these small but intentional actions can keep you grounded and in control—even during the busiest times.
So, how will you establish and maintain boundaries this season to keep that healthy balance? To help you reduce the clutter and find more enjoyment in the weeks ahead, here are seven impactful ideas to finish the year strong:
1. Prioritize your well-being to stay focused.Your positive habits are the foundation for everything else. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, moving your body, and creating moments to reflect on your goals daily. These small but powerful actions help you stay energized and aligned, even when life feels chaotic.
2. Clear your space to clear your mind.Spend 10-15 minutes a day tidying up your environment. When your space is clutter-free, it’s easier to focus on your priorities without feeling overwhelmed. This simple habit supports mental clarity and ensures you have room—physically and mentally—for what truly matters.
3. Protect your energy by saying “no.”Over-committing leads to exhaustion and derails progress toward your goals. Remember, every “no” creates space for a more meaningful “yes” to the things that fuel you, like pursuing personal milestones, nurturing relationships, or simply recharging.
4. Use smart shortcuts to stay on track.Outsource some holiday tasks—order from a local bakery, buy pre-made appetizers, or delegate decorating to family members. This saves time and energy, leaving you with more bandwidth for goal-focused activities and self-care while reducing the risk of burnout.
5. Create meaningful, low-stress traditions.Shift away from sugar-laden traditions and embrace alternatives like crafting, meal prep, or volunteering. These options not only reduce holiday indulgence but also align with living intentionally, nurturing connections, and staying on track with health and financial goals.
6. Set limits to maintain balance.Before events, decide how much time you’ll spend and stick to it. This helps you conserve energy, avoid overindulging, and get home with enough focus to stay organized and prepared for the next day. Staying mindful of your time ensures you stay in control of your schedule, not the other way around.
7. Share the load and savor simplicity.Turn hosting into a potluck to ease your workload, save money, and keep your energy up for other priorities. Prepare one or two healthy dishes you’ll enjoy, and send leftovers home with guests to prevent a fridge filled with temptations. Sharing responsibilities keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you stay aligned with your goals.
When it comes to the holidays and your goals, there’s no need to put everything “on-hold” until after the holiday season.
Being aware of managing all the clutter that can pile up gives you the ability to proactively establish boundaries so you can keep on track with your habits and health.
It’s not always easy, but you can make it easier – and more likely to happen – by finding an accountability partner to support you in staying on track with your goals, honoring your boundaries and keeping the clutter (in all forms) in check.
If you’d like a helping hand with staying on track or figuring out where your stress is coming from and how to manage it, book a clarity session with me right here. I’d love to help you feel GOOD about how December went and start the New Year on the right foot.
You’re also invited to grab your copy of my “Jumpstart Your Dreams” workbook download. This is my gift to you that will help you reclaim your time, shift your mindset and get ready for an incredible year ahead.
Most importantly, remember to ENJOY this time of year with your friends and families, and don’t forget to show yourself that same love!
Enjoy the journey,
Julie
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