It’s not even Christmas yet but it’s never too soon to start preparing for the New Year! Each year around this time, I really work hard to find some time to begin preparing for the next year. This requires some planning and at times making some intentional decisions with what to do with the remaining time in this year. Here are a few things I would suggest for you to get the most out the remaining part of this year and to help you prepare for the New Year.

• Schedule down time to evaluate.

If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not likely to happen. Blocking off a few hours (and if you can a whole day) to evaluate each previous month will do much in helping prepare for next year. This process will show you some highs and lows for the year and give you a little more clarity on what you want to see happen next year. Evaluate what was meaningful, not just the events took place. Look through your pics and videos and remember what happened. Consider what was planned and what was spontaneous. Determine what you want more of next year and then plan accordingly.

• Make a list and check it twice…well, make two lists and check them twice.

We are all familiar with “to-do lists”. I would suggest using this time to calendar and block off time for the things you really want to see happen next year i.e. Vacations, trips, family visits, etc. Moreover, make a “to-don’t list” which is comprised of the things you obviously don’t want to do, don’t need to do because someone else can, or don’t need to do because you no longer find time or value in it. This is a difficult list because if you’re like me, it can be hard to let go or to say “no”. Since we only get a certain amount of time, it needs to be well spent.

• Commit to personal growth.

One of the best things to do in preparing for the new year us to commit to personal growth. What I mean is go ahead and select some of the books, podcasts, disciplines you want to engage with next year. One of the keys to success is starting on time. Having some goals and direction before the new year begins will help you start the new year on the new year. Take some time over the next couple of weeks and decide what Bible reading plans, what fitness/well-being plan, what saving money plan, etc is going to work best for you next year. You know the old adage, right: “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail”. Start preparing now so you can succeed then!

George Lockhart, Jr. Lead Pastor New Vision Church