From health and relationships to finance and careers, experts suggest looking back on the last year before moving forward to 2022.<\/b>
\nNEW YORK (CBSNewYork) \u2014 Experts suggest taking stock of where things stand when 2021 wraps up before making any resolutions for the New Year. Though this is the season for not having enough hours in the day, they say find a moment to look back before moving forward. \u201cThe end of year check-in is really important and vital and useful and helpful, especially now, at giving you a direction, a good positive direction to move in for the new year,\u201d family and relationship therapist Dr. Jane Greer told CBS2\u2019s Mary Calvi. Greer is one of four experts we asked for advice for an end of year check-in. She said priority number one should be taking care of yourself. \u201cI think a lot people, I know myself included, have let my annual doctors\u2019 appointments lapse,\u201d she said. She said it\u2019s never too late to make the call for doctor visits, dental and eye exams, mammograms and other vital check-ups. \u201cPut them on your calendar so that you leave this year with health care, with attention on yourself and really getting ready for the new year ahead,\u201d she said. \u201cNow more than ever, it\u2019s important to pay attention to our relationships,\u201d psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere added. Gardere reminds us this is not only the perfect time of year to focus on family, but to check in with ourselves, too. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t waste the experiences that we\u2019ve had and that we\u2019ve learned as we go through this pandemic,\u201d he said. \u201cHave a conversation with yourself as to where you find that you have had more joy, more stability, and more of the successes. Then write those things down.\u201d A financial check-in is always important, too. This time of year, it\u2019s easy for things to get out of hand, but a look back can help you reign in expenses. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to go crazy. Just look through all of your expenses,\u201d said New York Magazine columnist Charlotte Cowles, with The Cut. \u201cI personally am always super embarrassed when I look at what I\u2019m spending money on, but it\u2019s the best way to know where your money is actually going.\u201d Cowles also reminds us to not let flex spending plans lapse. These funds can be used for things like new glasses and drugstore purchase. She also adds check in on savings plans, like your 401K. \u201cSee if you can maybe up that a little bit this year, even just by a percentage point. That can make a huge difference,\u201d she said. The end of the year is also the perfect time to take stock of professional goals. \u201cYou want to make sure you acknowledge the things that you have succeeded with over the past year. So that could be preparing a raise, it could be a promotion. That could be something smaller, like starting a project or networking more,\u201d Insider leadership editor Brandon T. Harden said. \u201cThen you want to look forward to the next year, use those things that you did well, build upon them for the next year.\u201d He said to make sure to always use your vacation days \u2014 valuable \u201cyou time\u201d you don\u2019t want to lose.<\/p>\n