Do you know the feeling as well? The end of the year is upon us. Just a few weeks ago, the end of the year seemed so far away. Didn’t summer just end? It seems as if the hands of the clock are turning faster and time is passing twice as fast. Towards the end of the year, everyone is getting more and more hectic. There’s still so much to do. Projects and tasks need to be completed. The people around me race through the day like there’s no tomorrow. And certainly not a new year.

No stress at the end of the year

But does it really make sense to rush like this at the end of the year, I ask myself? I don’t think so – and I don’t understand why my colleagues are so frantic. They stress themselves every day. I, on the other hand, simply pause for a moment and reflect about the projects on my desk. Yes, there’s a lot of projects that need my full attention. I too have deadlines to meet. This requires me to be well organised and have good self-discipline to ensure that nothing that seems important gets lost on the home stretch.

At the same time, however, I allow myself to take some time at the end of a year to look back on what has been achieved so far. What was important this year? What experiences have stuck in my memory? Which events were not so positive? What changes have shaped my life? Which projects have I been able to implement? Which encounters and conversations have enriched my everyday life? What insights did I gain from this? And most of all, which one of these will I be taking with me into the new year?

I’m sure you’re wondering if I can answer all these questions to my satisfaction. The answer is yes and no. And when I look back on the year coming to an end, I can say for myself: Yes, there have been changes – a great many of them and far-reaching ones as well. Yes, there have been positive and negative events that at times have turned my life into a bit of a roller coaster ride. Yes, there have been many nice encounters and motivational conversations that have enriched my everyday life. Some of it I could have done without. But some of it I wouldn’t want to miss.

Finishing on a positive note – and welcoming what’s new

I have no idea today what insights and plans I will be able to derive from this for the new year. One thing is certain though: Plans change, as does life itself. That makes me feel positive and gives me courage. Courage to try something new. To implement planned projects. To develop new ideas and let my creativity run free. I look forward to the new year. It will certainly bring many challenges – professional as well as private. I can finish the old year on a positive note – including my projects. They are on schedule – somehow.

Now it is time to take a breather and welcome the new year with positive thoughts. After all, what we ultimately make of it is usually in our own hands. With this in mind, I wish us all a stress-free turn of the year. And believe me, the open projects of the old year will still be around in the new year.