It’s that time of the year again – when social media becomes a highlight reel of “my 2024 in a nutshell” and “my 2024 achievements.”
Your family is probably even planning to have a “2024 resolutions checklist” meeting on Boxing Day, and that has your anxiety doing backflips.
And why wouldn’t it? Everywhere you look, everyone seems to be winning. Your bestie got promoted, another jetted off to their dream destination, your younger sister got married, and your frenemy cousin just closed on their new apartment.
Meanwhile, the only thing you seemed to achieve in 354 days was adding your already stacked-up love handles.
Girl, stop. Let’s not do this to ourselves.
So, maybe you didn’t tick every box on your 2024 vision board. But let’s not forget: you showed up for yourself in ways that aren’t on anyone’s checklist. You kept going on days when giving up felt easier. You stood your ground when the world seemed like it was against you.
You weathered a Kamala Harris loss, survived the most devastating wave of femicide, and walked away from that toxic relationship. You made it to December, and that’s not just something – that’s everything.
Now, if you’re ready to keep showing up for yourself before the year ends, here are 25 simple ways to finish 2024 feeling proud, powerful, and perfectly aligned with your journey.
25 Ways To End The Year Strong And Proud
Money Moves
1. Purge out unused apps and cancel those subscriptions you forgot about
It might seem small, but you might end up saving yourself hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars due to sneaky price hikes and automatic renewals.
2. Channel your grown woman energy and set up automatic payments for at least one bill
It’s a game-changer, trust me. No more stress, no more late fees, and you might even pocket some savings.
3. Go cash-only this holiday
As we close out 2024, set yourself up for financial success by switching to cash—whether for drinks, gifts, groceries, or trips.
Try carrying only what you need, disabling your card and money apps for an hour, and watch how far that cash can stretch. It’s a mindset shift that could transform your money habits for the better.
4. Give to a cause that matters
Even if it’s just $50, donating to a cause you care about can help shift your 2024. Beyond tax benefits, it’s a meaningful way to uplift communities and create real impact.
5. Review your insurance policies and negotiate better rates before renewal
This often-overlooked move can save you money—insurance rates are competitive, and paying too much (or too little) could affect everything from your wallet to your mortgage.
6. Practice money gratitude affirmations
No matter what this year has thrown at you, you still have an income. A little gratitude for what you have can shift your mindset and attract more abundance. Call it the Quantum Law.
Career & Hustle
7. Create a “done” list
If you didn’t hit every goal in 2024, that’s okay – you haven’t failed. Don’t get stuck in the “I didn’t do enough” mindset.
Instead, take a moment to celebrate what you accomplished, even the small wins. They all count.
8. Do a life edit
Holidays are the perfect time to reflect. So, grab your journal and jot down the projects that brought you joy this year (you know, your little “work glimmers).
Then, take note of what didn’t spark joy and use that insight to map out a more intentional 2025.
9. Hit easy apply on 10 dream jobs on LinkedIn
The worst they could say is no, right? So, take this opportunity to “date” other employers if you’re looking to make a move in 2025.
You never know. You might land that engineering gig or AI marketing role at your dream company.
10. Take up a free course to level up
Now that you’ve applied for that dream job, it’s time to get ahead.
The best way to outshine the competition is by leveling up with a free course from platforms like Coursera, Google, Skillshare, Harvard, and even local colleges.
Top Tip: Harvard is offering free AI courses in 2025, so be sure to check them out. It could be the key to unlocking those $$$.
11. Set up coffee dates or virtual catchups with people who inspire you
Sometimes, all it takes to unlock new opportunities is a quick chat. So, before 2024 ends, make sure to schedule a coffee or a virtual meetup with someone from your old school, previous jobs, or current network.
You never know. These chats can lead to high-paying freelance gigs, fresh job opportunities, or new connections that could change the game for 2025. It’s all about building your network and learning from others!
Related: Cash Up, Sis! How To Creatively Earn An Extra $1,000 As A Black Woman In 2024
12. Write down why you deserve a raise
Yes, it’s time. List out the wins you’ve crushed in 2024 – whether that’s smashing sales targets, closing deals, bringing in top talents, or transforming processes.
Gather those receipts, take them to your next one-on-one, and confidently ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are locked in.
13. Instead of quiet quitting, write down your exit plan
If you’re feeling drained and undervalued at your current job, don’t just coast by. Instead of settling for mediocrity, try the better boss move by quitting with a real plan. Okrrr?
Yeah, revenge quitting doesn’t work here, either.
Love, Friendship, & Romance
14. Write letters
Break out your favorite stationery this holiday and pen a few love letters to the people who showed up for you in 2024. It’s a chance to tap into gratitude while feeling like you’re in a Bridgerton episode, which is totally good for the soul.
Bonus: Write a letter to yourself. I love penning letters to my past and future self and saving them as drafts in my email.
When I’m feeling down, I pull them up for a quick dose of self-love and a reminder of my own awesomeness. It’s the perfect boost to help you become your highest, best self in 2025.
15. Take a step outside your regular dating routine
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean falling into a dating rut.
Ditch the tired dinner-and-movie combo and spice things up with your partner. You could even try something new on the dating scene.
Related: 4 Reasons Why “Dating Up” Is In Your Best Interest As A Black Woman
16. Say yes
You’ve probably said no a lot this year, and that’s great for setting boundaries. But don’t forget the power of saying yes.
This season, say yes to your partner’s quirky date ideas, your friends’ hangouts, and your mom’s plans. You might be surprised by how much fun it can be.
17. Pray together with your loved ones
You and your partner (or family) made it through 2024, so take a moment to thank God for that.
During the holiday season, make time to pray together, express gratitude, and ask for guidance for the year to come.
18. Have an end-of-year relationship check-up
My boyfriend absolutely hates this. But trust me, it’s a worthwhile endeavor. So, as you close out 2024, take a moment to check in with each other on a deeper level.
One of my favorite questions this year was, “What do you need from me that you feel you don’t get enough of?” or “How can we show up for each other better spiritually and emotionally in 2025?”
It really gets you thinking outside the box and helps strengthen the bond, so try it. ????
19. Invest in premium dating apps
The dating pool in 2024 might feel drier than Silk the Shocker’s lines, but have you tried premium?
A one-month trial could be all it takes to meet someone amazing. Give it a shot, and let me know how it goes.
Related: These 6 Black Girl Dating Profile Dos & Don’ts Can Help You Finally Attract The Right Match
Self-Care & Wellness
20. Create a joy jar
For the next 11 days, jot down one positive memory from 2024 on a piece of paper and drop it in a jar.
Then on December 31st, open the jar and savor all the joy snacks this year served you.
21. Refresh your travel docs
Why not manifest your dream getaway by updating your travel documents?
Whether it’s renewing your passport or double-checking your visas, this small prep step sets the stage for adventure in 2025. Plus, you’ll be ready if bae surprises you with a spontaneous vacation.
22. Go heart hunting
Transform how you see the world with this heartwarming practice.
On your next walk or drive, keep an eye out for “hearts” – anything that sparks joy – a child’s drawing, a butterfly/ladybug, a quirky note at a café, or even graffiti with soul.
It’s a playful way to tap into wonder and shift your perspective in the most magical ways
23. Invest in one luxury beauty or wellness product
This was trending on TikTok in 2024, especially for the babes hitting their 40s.
There’s just something so powerful about not giving into every fad and sticking to the stuff that truly works for you – especially when packed with top-notch ingredients.
Find your holy grail, splurge a little, and set it on auto-renew. Your future self will thank you!
Related: 5 Luxury Items The ECT Team Uses To Elevate Their Weekdays
24. Fire that therapist and try another
Therapy should always feel like a safe space and not like an extra work shift spent educating someone on microaggressions. So, if your current therapist doesn’t vibe with your lived experiences or lacks cultural competency, it’s time to move on.
If you don’t know where to start, check out directories focused on Black women therapists or tap into trusted recommendations. The right fit is out there, and you deserve better.
25. Reconsider complicated wellness rituals
Betterment burnout is so last year. As 2024 winds down, lean into slow living, savor more rest, and par down your morning and evening routines.
Reconnect with the “why” behind your habits, ditch the “I shoulds,” and redefine self-care on your own terms.
Related: 26 Ways To Romanticize Your Life This Winter As A Black Girl
There you have it.
And remember, you don’t have to do everything on this list. Take on three out of the 25 and focus on that for the remainder of 2024, or do half of them. Either way, this is just to help you show up yourself as the year ends.
