Closing the year with purpose and setting Intentions

Nov 12

As the end of the year approaches, it’s natural to start reflecting on the months gone by and think about how we want to close out the year. For many of us, the end of the year brings long to-do lists—at home, at work, and in life. Beyond the usual December tasks, it’s also a time to assess what’s working (and what’s not), set new goals, add a few things, let go of others, or simply clarify what truly matters. But what if we approached it a little differently? What if, instead of setting rigid goals or overwhelming to-do lists, we focused on setting intentional, purposeful intentions instead? This time of year used to leave me pushing too hard and burning out. I don’t want that for you, and trust me, it doesn’t have to be that way!

The key is to keep things simple and aligned with what truly resonates with you. Here’s a look at how you can approach setting end-of-year intentions in a way that feels easy, mindful, and meaningful.

1. Reconnect with Your Core Values

Before setting any intentions, it’s important to check in with yourself. What truly matters to you right now? At this time of year, we can sometimes lose sight of what’s most important amidst the hustle and bustle. This is the perfect moment to reconnect with your core values—those things that make you feel grounded and aligned with your best self, your home and your life.

Ask yourself: What do I want to nurture in my life as the year wraps up? Is it family time, self-care, creativity, learning, growing, or maybe create more peace for the end of the year?

By reconnecting with your intentions and values, you create a clear roadmap that helps you align with what matters most, allowing you to tune out distractions and focus on your priorities

2. Keep Your Intentions Flexible

Setting goals can sometimes feel like a trap—an endless checklist of things to tick off, leaving little room for the unexpected or the organic flow of life. Instead of locking yourself into a rigid plan, consider your intentions as areas of focus or guiding themes, rather than specific, measurable outcomes. This way, you create space for flexibility and growth, allowing yourself to adapt as life shifts (as it always does).

For example, instead of setting a goal like "Read 10 books by the end of the year," try setting an intention like "Make space for more reading and learning." This approach lets you explore without the pressure of hitting a particular target, giving yourself the freedom to go at your own pace—kinder and softer.

3. Refine What Matters Most

There’s no better time than the end of the year to simplify—physically and mentally. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but rather clearing away the clutter that’s been holding you back from what truly matters. Maybe it’s sorting through your closet, organising your digital files, or tidying up your workspace as you wrap up the year. Or perhaps it’s letting go of commitments that no longer serve you. The act of refining is both freeing and clarifying.

We all have a to-do list, but when you make space by clearing away distractions, you create room for what truly energises and inspires you. And this process doesn’t just apply to your physical space—it can extend to your mental space too. Let go of unnecessary stress, overthinking, and negative self-talk. Clear your space, clear your calendar, clear your mind, and create room for more peace.

When you refine and prioritise what matters most, you open up space for clarity and calm—and that’s when real transformation can happen..

4. Focus on the Present Moment

It’s so easy to get caught up in planning for what’s next that we forget to simply be here, now. I know this because I’ve been there—always looking ahead, chasing the next goal, or trying to perfect what’s yet to come. And in doing so, I’ve missed moments that truly mattered. Setting intentions isn’t just about what we hope to achieve; it’s about how we want to live—right here, right now.

If we’re always focused on the future, we rob ourselves of the beauty that’s unfolding in the present. Instead, consider setting intentions that help you stay grounded and mindful. Maybe it’s carving out time for daily gratitude, taking a few deep breaths when things feel overwhelming, praying or meditating, or allowing yourself the gift of slowing down. (Put down your phone, pick up that book, or sit with a warm drink and actually enjoy it.)

And here’s the thing: your house doesn’t need to be perfect for Christmas. Truly, who are you trying to please? It’s a tough question, I know, but answering it honestly is freeing.

The goal isn’t to rush toward some finish line, checking boxes along the way. It’s to be present—to embrace the little moments, the messy moments, and even the quiet ones. That’s where true joy happens.

5. Celebrate Progress Over Perfection

Remember: it’s not about achieving perfection—it’s about celebrating progress. (Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!) For example, when it comes to designing or decorating your home, focus on what makes you feel good—on how you want your space to look and feel, for both your family and your guests. It’s so easy to get caught up in doing everything “just right” or chasing some ideal end goal, but the beauty of setting intentions and staying true to who you are is that they can evolve with you over time.

So, celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Progress is what truly matters, and the growth you experience along the way is worth acknowledging. It's not about the perfect final result—it's about enjoying the journey and letting your space (and your life) unfold in a way that feels authentic to you.

If you’ve set intentions earlier in the year, take some time to reflect on what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown, even if you haven’t ticked off every box. The intention is about becoming the person you want to be, the home you want to create and the life you want to live.

6. Visualise Your Future Self

A great way to set meaningful intentions is by visualising where you want to be by the end of the year. But this isn’t about setting traditional goals—it’s about imagining how you want to feel. How do you want to show up for yourself and others as the year unfolds? What kind of energy do you want to bring to your work, your home, your relationships, and your health?

Visualising your future self is such a powerful way to clarify your intentions and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. I know that might sound a little intense, but it's true. When you can picture how you want to feel and the person you want to become, the steps to get there feel so much clearer. So, take a moment to really envision yourself. Who do you want to be? It all starts there.

7. Be Compassionate with Yourself

Finally, my friend, remember that setting intentions is a journey, not a destination. There’s no need for self-criticism or guilt if you don’t hit every single mark. Life has a way of surprising us, and we’re all constantly evolving. So, be kind to yourself through the process and embrace the natural ebb and flow of progress.

If you happen to fall off track or get distracted, don’t see it as failure. Simply return to your intentions with an open heart and a little self-compassion. The most important thing is that you’re consciously choosing how to show up for yourself and what you want to cultivate in your home and life.

This isn’t about adding more pressure to your already full plate; it’s about finding clarity, simplicity, and alignment with what truly matters to you. And that will look different for everyone. By reconnecting with your values, embracing flexibility, and staying mindful in the present, you can end the year with purpose, peace, and maybe even a little self-care before 2025.

Remember: intentions are there to guide you, not to constrain you. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate the small steps forward. As you move into the new year, you’ll feel more grounded and aligned with your true self. And above all—enjoy the holiday season for exactly what it is, my friend!