December 2024 Writing Challenge
Saying Goodbye to the Writer You Were in 2024
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on who you’ve been, both as a person and as a writer, over the past 12 months. December offers a rare opportunity to pause and take stock of your journey, honoring the successes, learning from the challenges, and gently letting go of anything that no longer serves you. It’s not just about closing a chapter; it’s about preparing yourself for the next one with intention and purpose.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Start by looking back at 2024 with an open and honest mindset. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Did you finish a draft? Write consistently for the first time? Perhaps you submitted your work to a contest or tackled a genre you’ve always been afraid to try. Celebrate these wins—you earned them!
But reflection isn’t just about the good parts. It’s also about recognizing what didn’t go as planned. Did procrastination hold you back? Were there moments of self-doubt that derailed your progress? Be kind to yourself as you review these areas, and remember that each stumble is a stepping stone toward growth.
To guide your reflection, download the **Year in Review Worksheet**, which includes questions like:
- What were my proudest moments in 2024 as a writer?
- What challenges did I face, and how did I respond?
- What writing habits helped or hindered my progress?
- How has my writing voice evolved over the past year?
Saying Goodbye to Who You Were
Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to release. Saying goodbye to the writer you were in 2024 doesn’t mean rejecting that version of yourself—it means acknowledging how far you’ve come and making space for who you’re becoming.
Visualize this process as closing a book. Imagine putting your 2024 self on a shelf with love and gratitude. You can even write a letter to yourself, expressing pride in your achievements and compassion for the struggles. End the letter with a farewell, signaling that you’re ready to move forward.
Use the **Farewell Letter Worksheet** to help craft your message. This exercise is not only therapeutic but also empowering, as it helps you consciously leave behind self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or unproductive habits.
Looking Ahead to 2025
After you’ve said goodbye to the writer you were, it’s time to dream about who you want to become. Who is the writer waiting to emerge in 2025? What goals, habits, and attitudes will define this new version of you?
Consider creating a vision for the new year that goes beyond word counts or finished drafts. Think about the kind of writer you want to be. Do you want to write with more joy? Take creative risks? Build a community of supportive peers? Write these intentions down and keep them somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
Download the **Vision for 2025 Worksheet** to clarify your goals and map out actionable steps to achieve them. This worksheet includes prompts such as:
- What kind of writer do I want to be in 2025?
- What new habits will help me reach my goals?
- How can I prioritize creativity and consistency in my writing life?
Why This Process Matters
Growth as a writer isn’t just about skill; it’s about mindset. Taking the time to reflect, release, and realign ensures you’re not carrying unnecessary baggage into the new year. By letting go of who you were in 2024, you create space for a fresh perspective and renewed energy—the kind that fuels meaningful progress.
Your Next Steps
1. Download the Year in Review Worksheet, Farewell Letter Worksheet, and Vision for 2025 Worksheet (linked below).
2. Schedule an hour or two to complete these exercises without distractions.
3. Use what you’ve uncovered to set a clear and inspiring tone for your writing journey in 2025.
4. If you haven’t purchased the 2025 Writing Planner yet, you can get one here.
This December, take a moment to honor your past and welcome your future. You’re not just saying goodbye to 2024; you’re embracing the writer you’re meant to be. Here’s to an amazing year ahead!
