Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

As we approach the final stretch of 2024, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on all you’ve accomplished this year. Whether big or small, every step forward matters. Celebrate your wins, but don’t settle in your comfort zone just yet—there’s still work to be done, and these last 28 days are a golden opportunity to finish the year strong.

Let’s dive into how you can maximize this time to achieve your remaining goals, reset your mindset, and position yourself for success as we step into 2025.

1. Reassess Your Priorities

As the year winds down, clarity is key. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that goal-setting works best when it’s specific and realistic. Look back at your original goals for the year. Which ones are most important to you now? Prioritize them and break them into actionable steps.
Action Tip: Create a short list of 1-3 goals and assign deadlines within the remaining 28 days. Keep it simple and attainable.

2. Build Structure Into Your Days

Harvard Business Review found that time-blocking—a method of scheduling your day with dedicated periods for focused tasks—can significantly boost productivity. With the busyness of the holiday season, it’s easy to let time slip away. Use a calendar to schedule your priorities and protect that time from distractions.
Action Tip: Choose one or two tasks to focus on each day and allocate specific time blocks to complete them.

3. Foster a Resilient Mindset

Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset emphasizes the power of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. The end of the year often brings stress, but it’s also a time to prove to yourself how much you’re capable of. Reframe setbacks as lessons and use them to fuel your progress.
Action Tip: Reflect on what you’ve learned this year and use those insights to strengthen your approach.

When You Feel Stuck, Ask for Help

If you’re finding it hard to break through mental barriers or stay on track, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Life coaches can help you create actionable plans and stay accountable, while licensed psychologists can support you in overcoming deeper emotional or mental roadblocks.

If this feels like the right time to seek professional guidance, I’d love to help. You can connect with me through my Psychology Today profile. Together, we can identify the strategies you need to finish this year strong and build momentum for the next.

About Dr. Darnell A. Durrah Jr.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals transform their lives through cognitive restructuring, emotional resilience, and goal-focused strategies. With a background in law enforcement, military service, and working with diverse communities, I bring a unique understanding to the challenges faced by leaders, fathers, husbands, and individuals striving to live with purpose. I specialize in helping clients find their “why,” build empathy, and overcome barriers to personal and professional growth.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

1. What’s one accomplishment from 2024 that you’re most proud of?
2. Which goal feels the most urgent to achieve before the year ends?
3. How do you plan to keep your focus and motivation strong through December?