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You are here: Home / The 5 Minute Mentor Newsletter / Newsletter / Clear the Decks in 7 Easy Steps

December 19, 2025 By Wendy Cole

Clear the Decks in 7 Easy Steps

Here’s your friendly end-of-year nudge to clear the decks.

I get it, when we’re a little weary, even simple organising feels like effort. But gathering that extra small burst of resolve is worth it. A clean finish helps you feel confident that everything is in order – allowing you to switch off and enjoy your break.

Here are 7 easy steps.

1/  Tie up loose ends early
Don’t leave everything to your last day. Even a few small closures help.

2/  Delete or defer unfinished to-dos
If it’s not happening, let it go. Make space for 2026.

3/  Tidy your workspace
Keep what matters. Discard the rest. Wipe down your desk and drawers. Outer order often helps you feel calmer and more in control.

4/  Clear your inbox and messages
When in doubt, delete. If helpful, here’s a short guide on using the 4 Ds to clear email: Master Your Inbox.

5/  Organise your first day back
Keep meetings light. Block time to catch up on emails (or use this out-of-office message).

6/  Turn on your out-of-office message
Then turn off work devices and give yourself permission to truly switch off.

7/  Acknowledge at least one success this year
Ideally, more than one. You’ve likely done more in 2025 than you’ve recognised. Progress is often those small, quiet wins that no one claps for. Take a moment to be proud of yourself.

Here’s to a 2026 that allows for nuance:
* Saying yes to opportunities that feel right and honour growth
* Moving forward, without sacrificing well-being and peace
* Treating focus, organisation, and energy as a real strategic advantage.

Wishing you and those close to you a fun and relaxing break.
Wendy

P.S. If you’d like support in 2026, here are three ways I can help:

  1. Coaching: a tailored reset for how you work and lead.
  2. In-house training and keynotes: practical skills that stick.
  3. Better Ways of Working (live online training): trusted by 2,000+ professionals

Filed Under: Newsletter, The 5 Minute Mentor Newsletter

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