Upgrade U: The 2025 Reset

Unlock the secrets to transforming your life with our year-end reset checklist, where authentic reflection meets realistic goal setting. This episode of Perfectly Chaotic invites you on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging you to highlight personal victories from the past year to build self-confidence for the year ahead. I, Jess Melly, will guide you through an introspective exercise focusing on key life areas like your career, relationships, personal growth, and health. Discover how to document at least five personal wins and the magic of creating a win jar to keep your motivation alive. It’s time to shed what no longer serves you, from outdated habits to toxic relationships, and welcome a future filled with authenticity and personal power.

In this heartfelt closing, I extend my gratitude to all our listeners for being part of our beautifully chaotic community. Crafting content that resonates with varied attention spans, including those who are neuro-spicy, is our mission. If you’ve found value in our podcast, sharing it could spark candid discussions and foster a supportive community. As we look forward to 2025, exciting topics and the introduction of new mentees await. Embrace the chaos with us and prepare for more unique insights and engaging content that challenges conventional perspectives.

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:34

Welcome back to this week's episode of Perfectly Chaotic. I'm your host, jess Melly. I'm so thrilled for you to join me for this episode because this is a year-end reset, a very simple checklist to elevate your life. You can go on YouTube, you can go on TikTok and there are a ton of girlies on there that are talking about the glow-up, elevating your life, et cetera. But the checklist is absolutely crazy. On top of everything else that we have to do, like adding those things you know, just is not feasible. So I want to simplify for you, as someone who's neuro spicy and also as someone who is Gen X like we are very realistic with what we can do. So in this episode here we're gonna talk about the end of year, how it can feel overwhelming, but then also let's be real Most checklists make you feel like you're falling behind before you even begin. So in this episode I'm gonna walk you through an authentic and simplified year-end checklist that actually works for you in real life. No pressure, no guilt, just simple steps to reflect, reset and create momentum to elevate your life for the year ahead. We're going to tackle what worked this year yes, there was more than you think what didn't serve you, without self-judgment, one small habit to focus on in the new year and your word of the year a guide to your mindset. This isn't about perfection. It's about progress. Tune in to give yourself permission to step into the new year authentically and powerfully. So the first thing that we want to talk about is why this matters right. Reflection is a very powerful tool. Most of us rush through life focusing on what we didn't accomplish. Taking time to acknowledge your wins helps you see progress. It boosts your self-confidence and sets aside a positive foundation for the year ahead. So here's a step-by-step action plan. One you're going to set the scene. Find a quiet space and give yourself 10 to 15 minutes. Grab a journal or open a blank document on your computer. Or, if you're like me and you're neuro-spicy, I have the remarkable. Two it just works wonders for that. It keeps away all the distractions, but paper works just as well for me. Play calming music or your favorite upbeat playlist if that helps you think clearly.

Speaker 1 3:03

Next, you're going to reflect on key areas. So, to guide your thinking, break your life down into categories. So, for example, career slash, business. Did you hit a goal? Get a promotion? Or take on a new project, yay, did you hit a goal, get a promotion or take on a new project? Yay, relationships Do you strengthen a friendship or establish better boundaries? Personal growth Did you read a book that inspired you, go to therapy or learn a new skill? And then health and well-being Did you stick to that fitness routine? Did you improve your sleep or take more rest days? These are key areas for you to document.

Speaker 1 3:40

Some of the questions that you're going to ask yourself are going to be what made you proud this year. When did you feel like your best self and what challenges did you overcome? After that, I want you to write down at least five wins, no matter how big or small. Write them down so examples of wins could be like. I finally started that side hustle I've been talking about for years. Good for you. I had a more intentional time with my family. I got through a tough time without giving out. So then, after this, you could also create a win jar for next year. I love this. Write down wins as they happen, fold the paper and drop it into a jar. At the end of the year you're going to read them all to see your progress Related to this, if you're going to do anything that's related to self-care or growth.

Speaker 1 4:29

I strongly encourage you to get the High Five Habit by Mel Robbins. It's a guide to celebrating yourself daily, so I really think you're going to enjoy that. It's really important that we go over these wins and we simply motivate ourselves on a day in and day out basis. The next part we're going to talk about is releasing what no longer serves you. This is so important because we have a tendency to carry negative patterns, habits or relationships into the new year and it holds us back. So acknowledging and releasing these things frees up energy and mental space for growth, and I can tell you I spent a lot of time this year releasing things that no longer serve me, whether it came to an opportunity related to work, some of my habits that did not serve me, or even past relationships. You know how you sort of kind of hang on to either a friend or you hang on to an ex that it didn't end badly, but you sort of kind of hold on All that for me was released. I mean, for my mental health and for my own boundaries, it's really important to do those things. So here's what I'm going to give you as far as a step-by-step action plan.

Speaker 1 5:48

First, reflect on what drained you. You're going to ask yourself what situations, habits or people consistently made me feel exhausted or frustrated, and take a second to think about that. Is it a co-worker that always need extra help and they're taking credit? Is it a friend that is not in a reciprocal friendship with you that you're always having to show up for, but you're that person when you need something? You look around. You ask yourself who's coming to save me? Is it possibly a relationship where you're doing the heavy lifting in it and it's not being reciprocated, or you don't feel loved, or you just feel like something is missing, but you can't put your finger on it? These are the things that I want you to ask yourself. What activities did I do out of obligation rather than joy?

Speaker 1 6:42

When you take a look at life and realize how short it is, I think that if we spent a lot of time realizing that there are a lot of things that we would not do, especially if they didn't give us joy, then I want you to make a list of energy drainers. Be specific. Some examples might include overcommitting, saying yes to everything. I'm going to raise my hand high on this one because I'm very self-aware and I'm always going to be transparent with you guys. I have a tendency to overcommit or at times, you know, want to do a lot of things out of FOMO, fear of missing out. We have to stop that Absolutely. Have to stop that absolutely Negative self-talk, so constantly criticizing yourself. When you feel one of those thoughts coming in, I want you to do this Say cancel, cancel and think of something positive, think of a joyous moment in your life to get that thought out of your head.

Speaker 1 7:37

And then toxic relationships, friendships or work relationships that sap your energy. Pick one thing to let go of, start small. Choose one thing that feels doable to release. Let me give you an example of that, because I know that can be hard. I'm going to stop checking my work email after 7 pm. I'm letting go of the guilt around saying no to social events. You see, letting it go. After that, you're going to create a release ritual Write it down on paper, physically tear it up or burn it safely, symbolizing letting it go. Visualize yourself feeling lighter without this burden and then set boundaries to support this release. If it's about time management, block out self-care hours on your calendar. If it's about relationship practice, saying no or I need space.

Speaker 1 8:27

Next, we're going into choosing one simple habit. We do not want huge end of year checklists at all. We also don't want a ton of things that we promised ourselves that we're going to do and then then we don't do it and so we're starting the year off feeling like a failure. That's not what we want. Like I told you when I started this podcast, I break my life down like a business. I have quarterly goals so that I'm able to focus specifically on what I'm focusing on that quarter. So Q1 for me is always about health.

Speaker 1 9:04

Why does choosing one simple habit matter? One? Because small, consistent habits have the power to create massive changes over time. The key is simplicity Picking one habit that's meaningful but achievable. So your step-by-step action plan for this Bra brainstorm habits that align with your goals. Ask yourself what's one small thing I can do daily that will help me feel better or move toward my goals. Examples of small habits health drink a glass of water first thing in the morning when you wake up. So some people have either one of their thermos or, you know, a bottled water or something along those lines next to their bed. So it's the first thing that they do when they wake up. Some people already have some type of flavor in it. If you don't like water but water is so important to our body Mindset Spend two minutes each morning visualizing a positive outcome for your day.

Speaker 1 10:03

For productivity, you can think about writing down a top three task to accomplish each day. That's super simple. And for self-care, taking a five-minute walk during lunch. So I'm not saying do all of those habits. I'm saying pick one and stick to it. Use the five second rule to start. When you feel hesitation, count down. This is a Mel Robbins favorite. You're going to count down five, four, three, two, one and then you're going to take action immediately and make it easy to stick with. Link it to an existing habit. You know I'm always talking about habit stacking, so make sure, like after I brush my teeth, I meditate for two minutes and then track it. You can use a simple habit tracker, a checklist app or calendar, but celebrate your streaks and don't stress if you miss a day. If you want a resource for this or anything related to habit stacking, check out Atomic Habits by James Clear. It's great for learning how to build lasting habits. It's a read at it.

Speaker 1 11:09

This year that definitely changed my mindset. Next, you're going to talk about setting your word of the year. A word of the year acts as a personal theme to guide your decisions and mindset. It's a simple but powerful way to stay aligned with your intentions. So let's go by this step-by-step action plan.

Speaker 1 11:29

One I want you to reflect on your desired feeling, or focus. Ask yourself how do I want to feel in the new year? What's one quality I want to embody more fully? Do you have an idea of what that is? You don't have to do it right now, but just take a second and think about that. Then you're going to brainstorm words that resonate about that. So it could be growth, courage, balance, trust, focus, joy, discipline or authenticity. Pick the word that feels right for you. Trust your gut, make it visible, write it on a sticky note, make it your phone wallpaper or place it on your mirror and then reflect on it weekly.

Speaker 1 12:17

Each week, you're going to ask yourself how did I embody my word this week? If you need help with that, use an app called Word Swag to create a visual reminder of your word. I want to encourage you to remember. This isn't about perfection. It's about progress. Take what works, leave what doesn't, and know that every small step counts. I want to invite you to share your wins and words of the year on social media or in your community group or with me. You can definitely leave a comment. If you're not following me already, you can follow me on TikTok at Melly Talks.

Speaker 1 12:55

Take 20 minutes today, reflect and get started, because you deserve to step into the new year feeling clear, confident and authentic. The new year feeling clear, confident and authentic. So I'm also going to encourage you to join me for the vision board class. It's on December 28th at 10 am Eastern Standard Time, and you're either going to do a digital vision board or you're going to do a vision board that is going to be a physical one, which you're going to have. A vision board that is going to be a physical one, which you're going to have magazines and whatever it is. I also encourage you for this vision board class that if you are envisioning a home or a car or whatever it might be, to go either test drive it or go find a home that's similar to the one at your dream home and take a picture inside of it as you visualize and you have more intention towards that specific item and see yourself in it, then it gives you more of a drive to work towards that.

Thank You for Listening to Chaotic

Speaker 1 13:57

So, to sum up everything, I want to keep this super simple One. Be very intentional. You have to remember that you're going to celebrate your wins every day or every week. You're going to release what no longer serves you. It does not have to be there anymore if it doesn't serve you. You're also going to choose one simple habit for 2025. You pick it and no one has to beat you up about it. It's your habit. Pick it and no one has to beat you up about it. It's your habit and then set your word for the year. Whatever your word is, you stick to that word and you make sure that you embody that all year long.

Speaker 1 14:34

I want to thank you for taking the time, as always, to listen to my podcasts.

Speaker 1 14:40

There are so many podcasts that are out there and I really appreciate you listening to mine.

Speaker 1 14:47

I try to make them intentional.

Speaker 1 14:49

I try to make them within a time frame that somebody can actually listen to, even if they are neuro-spicy and have a short attention span. I try to make them engaging so that you can take something away from it. So at no point in time do I take for granted that you spend the time with me, that you do, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If, by any chance, this podcast resonates with you or you enjoyed it, please make sure that you share it with other people and you let them know that here we have the opportunity to have these very candid discussions. So, as always, this is Perfectly Chaotic, and I will talk to you next time and we will go into more detail about 2025 and some of the amazing resources that I have and two mentees that I have selected for 2025 as well. Until then, remember that the world is chaotic, but, at the end of the day, it's your ability to see it from its chaotic view and to know that chaos is just perfect the way that it is. Have a great one.