"The more we can claim and own our wins, the more we’re able to create even more success. It’s about shifting our mindset and letting ourselves celebrate, even the small ones." — Amy Ahlers
If you’re ready to step into 2025 with a clear mind and an open heart, let me introduce you to one of the most transformative exercises I do every year: The Year-End Completion Ritual.
I discovered this process over 10 years ago from the incredible Amy Ahlers, and it completely changed how I approach the end of the year. Back in 2019, I had the honor of interviewing Amy about this ritual, and I’ve been practicing it ever since—always on the solstice.
Why the solstice? For me, it’s a powerful time to pause, reflect, and create space for what’s next. This ritual shifts my mindset and helps me feel grounded as I ease into the slow, intentional planning for the year ahead—a process that unfolds over the next six weeks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to try it for yourself.
Step 1: Take Inventory of the Past Year
Start by looking back on the year that’s wrapping up. Use your calendar or journal to jog your memory and make two lists:
- Wins, Accomplishments, and Completions: What are you proud of? What did you complete or accomplish? Even surviving a tough season can count as a win.
- Losses, Failures, and Incompletions: What didn’t go as planned? What felt heavy or unfinished?
Some things might show up in both lists, and that’s okay. For example, a challenging life transition might feel like both a loss and an accomplishment.
Step 2: Celebrate Your Wins
Now, take those wins and go deeper. Ask yourself:
- What strengths or skills did I develop?
- Who have I become because of these experiences?
This step is all about honoring your growth. As women, we’re often so quick to skip over our successes. But this is your chance to pause, reflect, and truly celebrate yourself.
Step 3: Process Losses and Failures
This part can feel heavy, but it’s so freeing. Amy introduced me to the Perspective Scale, a tool to process emotions and reframe our mindset.
Here’s how it works:
- Rate each loss or failure on a scale from 1 (despair) to 11 (joy).
- Focus on moving up the scale one step at a time. If you’re at a 3 (anger), what thought or action could bring you to a 4 (worry)?
The goal isn’t to force positivity—it’s to create authentic shifts in perspective.
Step 4: Identify Your Lessons
Reflect on what this year taught you. Write down 3-5 lessons in a way that feels empowering.
Instead of: “I never trust my gut instinct and it gets me in trouble,” try:
“When I trust my gut instinct, I make better decisions.”
This small shift reframes your lesson as an opportunity for growth rather than self-criticism.
Step 5: Complete the Year
The final step is a simple but powerful ritual to close out the year:
- I release… (What are you letting go of?)
- I celebrate… (What are you proud of?)
- I will remember… (What lessons will guide you into the new year?)
Write it down, read it out loud, and feel the weight of unfinished business lift off your shoulders.
Why This Ritual Matters
Every year, I walk into this process feeling a little overwhelmed and walk out with a sense of clarity, peace, and readiness for what’s next.
This isn’t about rushing to set resolutions or forcing yourself into the “new year, new you” mindset by January 1. It’s about honoring where you’ve been so you can step into the future with intention.
Want the Planning Pages?
If this resonates with you, I’ve got you covered! Email us at support@plasimple.com, if you just want these pages. If you want the whole 2025 planning book that is for sale on Amazon for $12, go grab it and start designing your best year yet!
Let’s make this the year we step into our goals with clarity and ease.
