I understand that year’s end is a natural time for stock-taking, reflection, and goal-setting, and I’m OK with all of them. I engage with all of them myself.

What I find myself wanting to add is that these needn’t be, shouldn’t be, once-a-year pastimes. This is the end of the calendar year, yes, but the academic year begins in September, the fiscal year begins in July, and there are plenty of other permutations.

The fact is, we begin a new year every day, even if it’s only tomorrow that we start writing the wrong year on our checks. The fact is, we can introspect often, and when we recognize an improvement, we can resolve to address it immediately.

Why postpone the benefits you will accrue from the change you want to see?

Definitely, celebrate today if you want. But then celebrate tomorrow, and the next day, for the gifts they are as well. That’s what I try to do.