Making Each Moment Abroad Count: How to End 2024 on a High Note

Even with a couple months left, you can still make 2024 count by focusing on clarity, momentum, confidence and our secret ingredient - Mindset. Gain clarity, embrace small wins, track progress with journaling, and maintain a positive mindset to end the year strong and set the stage for a successful 2025.

Gal Szmelcman Sela

Monday, September 09, 2024

Smoozitive Magazine/Just Living/Making Each Moment Abroad Count: How to End 2024 on a High Note

As we find ourselves in the heart of Q4 — there’s no better time to pause, reflect, and intentionally reset. Whether this year has been one of your best yet or it feels like it flew by in a blink, these last few months offer a unique chance to wrap up 2024 with purpose.

For expats, Q4 can be an especially important time. Many of you have relocated this summer and are just now settling into your new homes, adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, and finding your rhythm abroad. Others are gearing up for a big move in 2025, and some of you have been living abroad for a while, feeling like 2024 has slipped away before you could fully embrace it.

No matter where you are in your journey, there’s still time to make the rest of the year truly count.
Let’s talk about how to finish 2024 strong by focusing on clarity, momentum, confidence, and a (not so) secret ingredient — all while embracing the joys and challenges of life abroad.

Clarity: A Guiding Light in Your Expat Journey

The first step to making the most of Q4 is gaining clarity, especially when you’re living abroad.

Relocating comes with so much excitement, but also a whirlwind of new experiences. It’s easy to feel lost or unsure of where to direct your energy as you juggle settling into a new country, learning new customs, and adapting to the lifestyle.

Ask yourself:

'What do I want to accomplish by the end of 2024?'

If this question seems too simple for you, dig deeper and ask yourself, ‘Why do I want to accomplish ____ by the end of 2024?’ This follow-up question will help you uncover your true motivations, providing even more clarity.

Whether it’s feeling more at home in your new city, building connections with locals, or finding balance between your personal and professional life, clarity will help you stay grounded. Reflect on what’s been working and what hasn’t.

Bonus tip: Reframing “failure” and “success” to “did it work or not” allows for adjustments and growth.

Write down your top three priorities for the remainder of the year.
Having these goals in mind will give you direction in your new environment.

If you’re looking for a tool to help you regain focus, try our Gratitude Journal. It’s designed to bring positivity into your daily life as an expat. Whether you choose our version for women, men, kids, or digital nomads, the simple act of writing down three things you're grateful for each evening can help you connect with yourself and your surroundings, making you feel more present, even in a foreign land.

Momentum: Small Wins, Big Impact

Once you have clarity, the next step is to build momentum. Momentum is the driving force that propels us forward, the energy that keeps us moving.

Think of it like riding a bicycle. At first, the pedaling might feel a bit awkward and off-balance, with minimal progress. But as you continue pedaling, adding more strokes, you begin to build momentum. Suddenly, you’re cruising effortlessly, going faster and faster with less effort per pedal.

Now, let’s apply this to your journey.

For expats, small victories are the building blocks of momentum. Celebrate each success—whether it’s navigating the local public transport, making a new local connection (not friend just yet, but still amazing!), or finding your favorite spot to grab coffee. These seemingly minor achievements may not seem significant at first, but they accumulate into a strong sense of accomplishment and belonging.

A great way to track your progress is through daily journaling. Whether you call it a ‘brain dump’ or ‘intentional freewriting,’ the goal is to put pen to paper and release your emotions, wins, and thoughts. Journaling not only helps you process your experiences but also builds momentum. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the more you benefit.

We even created a special Fall Edition Inspirational Journal designed to accompany you on this journey. It’s filled with empowering quotes and affirmations that can offer encouragement and help you stay motivated as you pedal toward your goals.

Momentum isn’t just about achieving big goals;
it’s about accumulating small wins to create something greater.
Each day, focus on a few small actions that help you feel more at home, more connected, and more comfortable in your new life abroad.

Confidence: Building Self-Assurance in Your Expat Life​

Relocating can shake our confidence, leaving us feeling out of place. However, confidence grows through progress and reflection. Every time you achieve something, no matter how small, you reinforce your ability to thrive in your new environment.

Reflect on how far you’ve come since your move or, if you’re planning to relocate in 2025, envision yourself a year from now. By the end of 2024, it would be rewarding to look back knowing you made the most of these last few months.

Building confidence comes from consistent action and recognizing your progress. This newfound confidence will radiate into all aspects of your life—whether adapting to a new culture, making friends, or pursuing personal goals.

One way to boost your confidence is by taking consistent action and observing the results. This process builds self-assurance and demonstrates your ability to achieve your goals. This confidence transcends into every area of your life, enhancing your overall experience abroad.​

Mindset: Embracing a Positive Perspective​

The final piece of the puzzle is mindset. Your approach to and reaction to situations profoundly impact your expat experience. A positive mindset helps you navigate challenges and adapt more effectively.

To cultivate a positive mindset, focus on how you approach each day and the situations you encounter. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and practice gratitude regularly to shift your perspective.

The SYLA app can help you with that, by offering expert-led content on various aspects of expat life and mindset.

If you're unsure where to start, try our short SYLA quiz. It provides tailored recommendations based on your unique situation, helping you navigate the complexities of life abroad one step at a time. 

Why Finishing the Year Strong Matters

It’s easy to let the last few months of the year pass by, especially when adjusting to a new life in a foreign country. However, how you finish 2024 can set the tone for the new year. By focusing on what truly matters, building momentum through small wins, boosting your confidence, and adopting a positive mindset, you’re not only ending the year on a high note but also setting yourself up for success in 2025.

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of living abroad, preparing for an upcoming move, or reflecting on your experiences, Q4 is your opportunity to hit the reset button and refocus on your priorities.

In the end, Q4 isn’t just about wrapping up the year. It’s about laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and successful 2025, wherever your expat journey takes you.

So, what will you do with the rest of 2024?

Written by Gal Sela-Szmelcman

Founder of Smoozitive and creator of SYLA app - the #1 app for those living abroad. Gal is a positive psychology coach, expert in cultivating a positive mindset and uplifting others. She has been an expat since a young age, and relocated over 8 times. Her most recent move to France in 2020 provided an opportunity to focus her work on those living abroad, as she understands the challenges they face.

Enjoyed This? How About Checking Out These?

customer1 png

Hi, I Am Jane Doe

CEO Of Best Blog Ever

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias,numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt,recusandae.

1 png

Get Our Best Selling Product!

You just read about this...

Super excited about this product? We are, too! We just wrote this whole blog post that mentions it.

Ready to buy it? Get access to the Product here:

Exciting News:

Our Magazine is Now Available on the SYLA Mobile App!

Exciting News:

Our Magazine is Now Available on the SYLA Mobile App!

Smoozitive White Logo Png

Get our weekly newsletter

© 2024 Smoozitive SAS. All rights reserved