3 Things to Do Before the New Year to Set Yourself Up for Success in 2025

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December 4, 2024

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The New Year is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve got your bubbly on standby and a mental list of all the goals you’re hoping to crush in 2025. But before you dive headfirst into January, there are a few easy, actionable things you can do to set yourself (and your business) up for success—without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are three attainable steps to help you kick off 2025 feeling focused, prepared, and ready to thrive:

 

01. Refresh Your Brand and Website

Your brand and website are often the first impressions people have of your business, so let’s make sure they’re working for you, not against you. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does my website reflect where my business is now and where I want it to go?
  • Is my messaging clear and focused on my ideal clients?
  • Are my visuals aligned with the vibe I want my brand to have in 2025?

If you’re a DIYer, start small by updating your photos, tweaking your copy, or revisiting your color palette. (Psst—if you’re not sure where to start, check out my DIY Brand Audit for Business Owners for a step-by-step guide to assessing what’s working and what’s not.)

And if your website needs more than just a quick refresh, now’s the time to explore new templates. My Showit Template Shop has easy-to-use designs that make updating your site a breeze—no coding required. (Bonus tip: grab one before the New Year to start 2025 with a fresh online presence!)

 

02. Reflect, Celebrate, and Set Intentions

Before you start planning for 2025, take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished this year. Grab a notebook (or that chic planner you’ve been saving for January) and write down:

  • Wins you’re proud of (big or small—celebrate them all!)
  • Challenges you’ve overcome
  • Lessons you’ve learned

Once you’ve taken stock, set intentions for the New Year. Instead of just listing goals, think about how you want to feel in 2025—whether it’s more balanced, more confident, or more excited about your work. These intentions will help guide your decisions and keep you focused on what really matters.

 

03. Organize Your Systems for a Stress-Free Start

The end of the year is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and streamline. Take an afternoon to:

  • Clear out your inbox (set up folders for 2025 while you’re at it!)
  • Organize your files—both physical and digital
  • Revisit any systems you use for scheduling, invoicing, or client communication and see if they need updating

If this feels like a lot, start small. Even organizing just one area—like your client onboarding process—can make a huge difference in how smooth your 2025 starts. And if you’re dreaming of a new, more professional workflow or need help navigating tech solutions, I highly recommend reaching out to our member Sara Sovie. She’s an expert in tech services and can help you streamline your systems like a pro.

 

Bonus Tip: Grab Your Free Canva Color Palette Kit

If your brand feels a little stale, a new color palette might be just the refresh you need. Download my Free Canva Color Palette Kit to get inspired and create a fresh look for your business before 2025 begins. It’s an easy (and fun!) way to make sure your visuals feel on point heading into the New Year.

 

A little prep now can go a long way in setting you up for success. Whether you’re fine-tuning your website, celebrating your wins, or finally organizing that Dropbox folder, these small steps will help you enter 2025 feeling confident and ready to shine.

Cheers to a year of growth, success, and maybe even a little more champagne! 🥂

Written by board member Jordan Chan.

 

Ready to take things to the next level?

Explore my Showit templates or dive into my DIY Brand Audit to start the New Year with a polished, professional brand that feels so you.