Wrapping Up The Year Powerfully: Your EA End of Year Game-Plan

As the year winds down, it’s easy to slip into reactive mode, just keeping up with end-of-year chaos. But the EAs who stand out are the ones who finish strong. They use this window between November and December to tidy, reflect, and set themselves up to hit January running.

Here’s a week-by-week roadmap to close out your year with confidence and clarity.

Week 1–2 (4–15 November): Clear the Clutter

Goal: Get organised before the December rush.

1. 1. Inbox reset: Archive or delete anything older than 60 days that’s not action-related. Create one folder called Follow-Up Before Christmas and move any lingering threads there.
   2. File clean-up: Review shared drives and folders. Delete duplicates, rename files clearly, and archive projects that are complete.
   3. 2026 calendar audit: Block out time for deep work, annual reviews, and personal leave. Add reminders for key 2026 planning milestones.
   4. Project snapshot: Make a short list of active projects and note what needs finishing before year-end.

Week 3–4 (18–29 November): Reflect and Reset

Goal: Review the year’s wins and lessons.

1. 1. Performance reflection: Note your key achievements and challenges this year. What did you learn about yourself, your exec, or your organisation?
   2. Gather feedback: Ask your exec for a short 1:1 chat. Use questions like, “What did you find most helpful about my support this year?” and “Where could I add more value next year?”
   3. Document your impact: Create a one-page summary of your 2025 contribution; projects led, improvements made, skills learned.
   4. Systems audit: Review what slowed you down this year manual reporting, poor meeting flow, lack of templates and decide what to fix or automate.

Week 5–6 (2–13 December): Prepare and Plan

Goal: Set yourself and your exec up for a smooth January.

1. Create a handover doc: Even if you’re not going away, write a quick status summary of all key projects, deadlines, and stakeholders.
2. Book key meetings: Schedule January catch-ups, board preps, or planning sessions now before calendars fill.
3. Organise your workspace: Refresh your desk and digital setup. Declutter, label, and make it feel fresh for the new year.
4. Personal goals: Choose one skill or development focus for Q1 next year. It could be AI tools, communication, or leadership development.

Week 7 (16–20 December): Close with Gratitude and Celebration

Goal: End the year connected and proud.

1. Thank your people: Write a few genuine notes to colleagues, your exec, or vendors who supported you.
2. Celebrate wins: Share a wrap-up message with your team; what went well, what you’re grateful for, and what you’re excited about next year.
3. Reflect personally: Take an hour to journal or think through how you’ve grown, what you’ve achieved, and how you want to show up differently next year.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait until January for a fresh start. Start now. Small steps each week create space, clarity, and confidence for the year ahead. When others are slowing down, this is your time to rise above the noise, finish powerfully, and step into next year already ahead.