Every year around this time, I start to feel a little down. It’s a mix of exhaustion, holiday chaos, and—honestly—this weird sense that I haven’t accomplished anything. The year’s almost over, and yet it feels like I’ve just been spinning my wheels. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that this feeling is normal. And more importantly, it’s not the truth.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets stuck in this mindset, especially when it feels like there’s so much more to do and not enough time to do it all. So, I wanted to share a few things that help me get through those "end-of-year blues"—and hopefully, they’ll help you, too.
Rest Is Non-Negotiable
Let’s start with the basics: exhaustion. I don’t care who you are, how much coffee you drink, or how well you think you’re handling everything—there’s only so much you can give before you burn out. And the holidays? They’re exhausting in their own way. There’s family to see, work to finish, and, of course, that ever-growing to-do list that never quite stops.
For me, I’ve learned that the best way to reset is by taking a real break. I try to step away for a few weeks between Christmas and mid-January. It’s a chance to read by the fire, do absolutely nothing that needs doing, and just enjoy the slower pace. Trust me, if you’re feeling run down, a few days (or weeks) of doing *nothing* is the best gift you can give yourself.
Holiday "Obligations" Are Just Opportunities
Then there’s the whole holiday “obligation” thing. I’ll be honest, I tend to resist the urge to just hide away and avoid all the social stuff. While I love my own company (a little too much sometimes), I’ve learned that disconnecting too much isn’t always the best for me. It’s easy to think that I’m obligated to attend every event or fulfill every expectation, but the truth is, I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do.
What I’ve started to realize is that these “obligations” aren’t really obligations at all. They’re opportunities to connect with people I care about, share some laughs, and just enjoy being with others. So, even though my introvert self sometimes wants to hide out, I push through and remind myself that being around others is a good thing.
The “I’ve Done Nothing” Feeling Is a Lie
And then there’s the killer of all good moods: the feeling that you’ve accomplished nothing. The year’s winding down, and all those grand plans you had at the beginning seem like distant dreams. I know that feeling all too well. But here’s what I’ve come to understand: that feeling is just that—a feeling. Not reality.
If I take a moment to step back and really look at what I’ve done, learned, and experienced this year, I’m always amazed. It’s easy to get caught up in the things still on my list, but when I actually reflect, I realize that I’ve done so much—often in ways I didn’t even expect. That’s the funny thing about growth: it doesn’t always show up in the ways you thought it would, but it’s happening.
The Power of Putting Pen to Paper
So, how do I push past that feeling of having “done nothing”? Well, one of the biggest game-changers for me has been simply writing things down. I know it sounds simple, but I keep a journal every night, where I either jot down how I’m feeling or recap my day. Nothing fancy—just a quick note of what happened and what I did. Sometimes it’s just a list: “met a friend for coffee, finished that project, made a new connection.” It doesn’t have to be a long, deep reflection—just something that reminds me that, yes, I’ve done things. Even the little things matter.
I also write everything down in a physical calendar (yes, even though I have a digital one). Something about putting things in ink—appointments, work hours, markets—makes the day feel more tangible. When I look at it all, I can see exactly how my time is spent, and it helps me realize that I’m not just floating through my days. There’s purpose in there, even if it’s not always obvious.
Progress Over Perfection
Here’s the thing: my to-do list is always longer than what I can realistically accomplish. That’s just the nature of it. But that doesn’t mean I’m not growing. It doesn’t mean I’m not making progress. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that the little victories—like getting through a tough week, finishing a project, or just taking care of yourself—are wins, too.
So, when I feel like I’ve accomplished “nothing,” I shake off the blues, look at my journal, glance at my calendar, and remind myself: I’m moving forward. Slowly, but surely. And that’s enough.
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If you're feeling the holiday blues, or just down on yourself because it feels like you haven't done enough this year, take a deep breath. You’ve made progress, whether you can see it or not. Give yourself the space to rest, to connect, and to reflect on all that you've done. Growth is a journey, and sometimes it’s the quiet, small steps that add up to something big.
And hey, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a time to beat yourself up. It’s a time to look back, see what you’ve achieved, and move forward with new energy—and a little more self-compassion.