Clear out digital clutter
Some work tasks from 2020 might overflow to 2021, but there’s no reason why old browser tabs and unused apps from past years should still take up space.
On your mobile phone, clear any lingering SafeEntry tabs, log out of multiple social media sessions and organise any useful articles for safekeeping into bookmarks or screenshot clips so you can discard old tabs. On your computers, both for work and personal use, sort out your folders and old files to free up space.
Review your email inboxes to see what e-newsletter subscriptions and marketing emails can be removed for greater peace of mind. Tap free services such as Mailstrom to do a sweep of unwanted mailing lists. (Then consider subscribing to Challenge’s newsletter for periodic updates on useful work-related articles.)
A digital declutter, along with clearing your mind, can help boost your work resilience and productivity.
Sort out your finances
The festive year-end period is a great time for making purchases with discounts. This includes subscriptions, which may roll on past renewal dates after outliving their trial periods or usefulness.
Review all your subscriptions to see if they are worth continuing, from entertainment (e.g., Netflix, Spotify) to news outlets, software services, apps for learning and gym memberships – can you work out from home or outdoors instead?
Besides eliminating unnecessary expenses, it’s never too early to plan for retirement. Whether you’re a total newbie or have some funds already, use the Central Provident Fund Board’s CPF Planner to see how much you’ll need to save up and the steps you can take to get there. Completing all three tasks of the CPF Planner earns you a $5 e-voucher, so you’re getting paid to plan ahead.