The start of a new year is always full of possibilities! For many of us, it means setting resolutions, dreaming up big goals, or choosing a word or intention for the year. Personally, I love the fresh start January brings—a blank slate ready for whatever we decide to create.
That said, some years I’m ready to hit the ground running on January 1st, and other years I feel a little sluggish shaking off the holiday haze. If you’re feeling the same, don’t worry! I’ve put together a checklist to help close out the year that’s passed and set yourself up for success in the one ahead. Let’s dive in!
10 Things I Do to Kick Off the New Year With Intention
My New Year’s Checklist
1. Set Up My Calendar
I always start by blocking off personal days, vacations, and big life events first—those are non-negotiable! Then, I fill in the days I’ll take weddings and senior sessions, as well as upcoming launches and other important work milestones. This approach helps me stay intentional about my time and ensures I maintain a healthy balance between work and life throughout the year.
2. Update My Net Worth Statement
A Net Worth Statement gives you a clear picture of your financial health, and there’s no better time to update it than the start of a new year! If you don’t have one yet, now’s the perfect time to start. A quick search online will give you plenty of examples, or you can grab my Net Worth Template from my online shop! My personal goal? Make our net worth “more positive” each year!
3. Refresh Personal Budget
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like a chore! I prefer to call it a “spending plan” because it’s all about telling your money where to go based on what you value. For me, that means budgeting for things like travel, Christmas, and Fridays off. If you’re new to budgeting or need a refresh, check out my blog post on how to budget.
10 Things I Do to Kick Off the New Year With Intention
4. Determine My Personal Salary for 2025
One of the perks of running my own business is the flexibility to set my own salary! First, I look at my husband’s income to see how much that will cover. Then, I figure out what else we need to meet our monthly expenses, maintain our lifestyle, and add a little cushion for extras. Bonuses throughout the year cover things like paying down our mortgage or upcoming vacations. Once our personal budget is laid out, we finalize my salary for the year—an important step before setting business goals!
5. Create a Business Budget
Creating a business budget is a total game-changer! It gives me a clear picture of how much I need to earn and spend, which helps me set achievable sales goals, assess my offerings, and spot opportunities for growth. If you’re looking to create your own business budget, my Creative Pricing Guide in the shop is a great resource to get you started!
6. Update My Block Schedule
At the start of the year, I take time to refresh my block schedule! I map out what my days and weeks will look like, creating intentional space for both work and personal time. I also outline my morning and evening rhythms, including tasks like laundry, making the bed, and tidying up the kitchen and bathroom. Having this structure in place keeps me organized and helps my days run more smoothly!
7. Plan My Reading List
There’s nothing quite like flipping through the pages of a good book—I’ll always choose reading over listening to an audiobook! I aim to read 12 books a year (one per month), mixing a healthy blend of business and fiction to keep things interesting. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out The 5 Books Every Creative Should Have On Their Bookshelf—it’s a great place to start building your own reading list!
8. Write Out Goals
Setting goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming! I love using the Cultivate What Matters Powersheets to map out my goals and break them into actionable, achievable steps. It makes the whole process so much more manageable! If goal-setting has felt daunting for you in the past, I’d recommend grabbing your own powersheets! (Not sponsored: I just adore this planner!).
9. Choose a Word of the Year
This is one of my favorite traditions! Your word (or phrase) sets the tone and intention for the year. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep your focus aligned with what matters most. I’ll be sharing what mine is on the journal next week!
10. Close the Books on 2024
Time to channel my inner accountant! “Closing the books” means making sure all my financial records are accurate and ready for tax season. For me, this involves reconciling everything in QuickBooks—I handle it myself and make it a priority to reconcile each month. If you outsource your bookkeeping, your bookkeeper should take care of this for you, but if you’re like me and prefer to do it yourself, it’s a satisfying way to wrap up the year!
Intentions for Any Time of Year
While the start of a new year is a natural time for reflection and planning, I truly believe any day is a good day to begin living with intention. Whether you’re tackling this checklist on January 1st or sometime later, these steps can help you close out the past and step into the future with clarity and purpose.
And speaking of goals, I’ll be sharing my personal goals for 2025 on the blog next week! Stay tuned for a little behind-the-scenes look at what I’m dreaming up for the year ahead. Here’s to making 2025 your best year yet!
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