It’s the day after Christmas, you might have a house like ours; a bit disheveled and in disarray from a day celebrating Christmas with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior! The feeling of wanting to put everything away and clean could be a bit overwhelming, but alas, today is a day off and we’re going to make the best use of our time; divide it up to organizing, cleaning and then find time to set your eyes on the New Year. The New Year is a time of renewal and fresh starts. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and to set goals for the year ahead. For many of us, the new year is a time to make resolutions, whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or learning a new skill. However I’m not a fan of “resolutions,” they never last and most people (statistically speaking) find themselves abandoning those resolutions just 1 -2 months into the New Year. Working on a “goal” and incorporating “life changes” are a different story. If we take a step back and focus on ourselves for just a few minutes today and every day after, you’ll find yourself on a path to success in no time.
One of the best things about the New Year is that it gives us a chance to start over and to make positive change in our lives and the lives of other people. Whether that’s something small, like making an effort to be more organized, or something bigger, such as pursuing a new career, the new year is a time to set our sights on what we want to achieve and to take steps towards making it happen. Be sure not to overwhelm yourself by focusing on numerous goals at one time. Set your sights on 1 major goal and build an outline that will help you achieve your goal – be intentional.
Here are a few tips I recommend to help you get started:
- Make a list of goals – Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish in the next year. Make a list of goals that are meaningful to you, and then break them down into smaller, achievable steps.
- Take a step back – Start by reflecting on the past year. What went well? What could have gone better? Did you encounter a major life change? What do your finances look like? Bottom line, celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.
- Set aside time for self-care – Taking care of yourself is essential for improving your overall wellbeing and achieving your goals. Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy, whether that’s reading a book, taking a walk, exercising, or talking to a friend.
- Examine your habits – Take a look at the habits that are holding you back. Maybe you procrastinate too often, or are too hard on yourself. Maybe your morning routine needs an overhaul, or perhaps it doesn’t even exist. (A great idea for another blog post). I have personally found that waking up at 5 or 5:30 gives me just the right amount of time for “me time” before the day gets started; bible study, coffee, yoga, journaling etc. Regardless of your habits, Identify those that you want to change and start working on them.
- Surround yourself with positivity – Surround yourself with people and things that bring out the best in you. Read inspiring books, listen to uplifting music, and spend time with people who make you feel good. Try cutting out the negativity on social media and blocking / unfollowing those who provide a constant negative outlook on life. Re-evaluate the way you speak, it’ll change your perspective on how you listen to others.
Thinking about self-improvement? It’s one of the most common “resolutions” and/or “goals” that people make heading into the New Year, also one of the most important. Focusing on yourself should be a #1 priority – you can’t be the best, most intentional person in this world if you’re not re-evaluating your life, your routine and your health on a continual basis. Why not give yourself a bit of an audit? Whether you want to become a better person, build new skills, or just focus on self-care, it matters and I’m hoping this post finds you taking the right steps to fulfillment.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, people all around the world celebrate with parties, fireworks, and other festivities. For some, the new year is a time to spend with friends and loved ones, while for others it’s a time to be alone and reflect on the year that has passed.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the new year, it’s a time to look forward and to embrace new opportunities and challenges. It’s a time to be hopeful and to believe in a better future, the year ahead. As the New Year approaches, take a moment to think about what you want to accomplish in the coming year. Set some goals and make a plan to achieve them. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the fresh start that the New Year brings.
Let’s make 2023 the best year yet. Good luck and remember, Stay Humble, Work Hard, Be Kind!