As 2025 approaches its final weeks, Nigerians across the country are seeking meaningful ways to conclude the year with purpose and preparation for what lies ahead. Guardian Life Saturday Magazine, in its November 22, 2025 edition, featured an extensive guide by Oluwagbemisola Sadare outlining twenty-five practical steps to maximize this transitional period.
Reflective Practices for Personal Growth
The article emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional preparation as fundamental to ending the year productively. Among the key recommendations is conducting an honest mental health check-in, which allows individuals to assess their emotional state after navigating the year's challenges. This practice helps identify areas needing attention and establishes the foundation for healthier habits in the coming year.
Writing down personal achievements forms another crucial reflective exercise. Documenting both major and minor victories serves to boost morale and provide tangible evidence of progress, regardless of how challenging the year might have been. This practice builds confidence and reinforces resilience as one prepares to step into new beginnings.
Practical Organizational Strategies
The guide provides numerous actionable steps for physical and digital organization. Decluttering living spaces stands out as a primary recommendation, since organized environments directly influence mood, focus, and energy levels. The process involves sorting through belongings, donating usable items, discarding unnecessary ones, and systematically organizing what remains.
Digital organization receives equal attention, with specific advice to clean mobile phones by deleting unused applications, old screenshots, and unnecessary conversations. Backing up important files and photographs ensures the preservation of cherished memories and critical documents. These digital maintenance tasks protect against potential data loss while creating more efficient digital workflows.
Forward-Looking Preparations
Several activities focus specifically on preparing for the year ahead. Updating professional documents like CVs and portfolios ensures career achievements remain current and ready for unexpected opportunities. Financial reviews help analyze spending patterns and savings habits, enabling more realistic goal-setting for the coming year.
The article also recommends purchasing needed items in advance, such as gym equipment for fitness goals or books for educational pursuits. This proactive approach reduces barriers to starting new initiatives when January arrives. Similarly, establishing non-negotiable personal standards for the new year creates protective boundaries that safeguard wellbeing and maintain alignment with core values.
Selecting a guiding word for the upcoming year—such as peace, discipline, joy, or growth—provides a thematic compass for decision-making. This simple practice helps maintain focus on overarching intentions throughout the year's journey.
Self-Care and Community Engagement
Personal nourishment features prominently in the recommendations. Solo dates, whether involving restaurant visits, cinema trips, or quiet meals at home, build self-trust and independence while providing emotional refreshment. Trying new recipes offers creative expression and culinary adventure, while intentional rest periods provide necessary mental and physical recovery from the year's demands.
Community-oriented activities include reconnecting with valued relationships through simple messages or planned outings. Meaningful giving through donations, volunteering, or supportive acts strengthens community bonds and expands personal purpose. Exploring unfamiliar locations within one's city renews appreciation for local environments and sparks fresh inspiration.
The comprehensive list balances practical productivity with emotional wellbeing, offering Nigerians diverse pathways to conclude the year meaningfully while establishing solid foundations for the new year ahead.
