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The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of where you are and set yourself up for success in the months ahead. Re-evaluating the current year is an important first step. Take some quiet time to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Identify accomplishments you’re proud of, and be honest about areas that felt draining or unproductive. It’s okay to admit when something isn’t working and to let it go. t’s also during this time when things are more clearer. Whatever your goals may be, you can clearly look back and give yourself transparent feedback on really mattered and what didn’t. You can also pinpoint distractions that you might have allowed to get in the way of you achieving some of your goals. This is usually where a commitment to oneself comes in, promising yourself what you will not allow in your life and in your space that can hinder you next time.
Planning For A Fresh Start
Starting fresh doesn’t mean failure; it’s an opportunity to realign with what truly matters to you. Planning for a fresh start goes hand-in-hand with the re-evaluating process. Think about it, this is the time for you to actually “relax” and take a well needed rest, because you have just about gotten through this entire year. Whether it’s been rough or enjoyable, you’re still here and you can now take a little break. When you’re in a relaxed state, it’s usually those things you enjoy most that you allow to take a seat in your mind. These are the things you not only want to pay close attention to because they bring you joy, but they are also the things that you want to do more of. Your fresh start can consist of many different things, such as a new color scheme in your home, a new hobby, a different way of working you business or your job, a better way of taking care of yourself, and the list goes on. This is personal and only you can determine where in your life you want your fresh start to happen.
Get A New Planner
One practical way to prepare for the new year is by investing in a good planner or calendar system. Choose one that suits your style, whether it’s digital or physical, with features like goal-setting pages, habit trackers, or daily time blocks. Use it to outline your priorities and map out important dates. Begin by transferring key events or commitments from last year to ensure nothing is overlooked. As you plan, carve out time for self-care and relaxation because your well-being should be a top priority, and I mean that. If you can’t find a planner or system that works for your lifestyle, create one. Canva is where I personally like to personalize things to my liking, and there are so many templates to choose from that you can edit in any way that you like. It is so important to have a planner layout that works for you. I, for one, cannot keep my schedule straight without mine, or there will definitely be missed appointments and deadlines. You don’t have to use these, but here are some of the main categories that I keep in my planner:
- Monthly and Weekly Calendar
- Bills Due
- Workout and Water Intake
- Doctor Appointment Questions & Answers
- Brain Dump
- Notes
- Content Creation (for content creators only)
- Inventory
I wanted to share that so that you can see how different my personal planner is, because it is personalized to my lifestyle. Just think of the areas in your life that you need to make sure you have in order and line of your planner according to your needs.
Declutter
To ensure a smooth start, declutter your space. Clear out old papers, clothes, expired items, and things that no longer serve a purpose. Organize your workspace or home to create a fresh, inspiring environment. Similarly, declutter your mental space by setting boundaries, saying no to unnecessary obligations, and committing to things that truly bring you joy. Let me repeat that last part…COMMITTING TO THINGS THAT TRULY BRING YOU JOY! Looking around you and not seeing the clutter of last year surely welcomes a refreshing start to a new year. Move around the furniture, change the colors, add in some fresh or real-looking flowers, grab some drawer organizers, hang some photos, clear out the junk food and replace it with some healthy snack, just REFRESH! There’s not much time left in this year, so start now, even if it’s one drawer, it’s a start. You might not even finish by the time the new year begins, but at least you’ve already started and your new year is beginning with a decluttered mindset and space.
Set Achievable Goals
Setting achievable goals is another way to embrace a new beginning. Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get healthy,” commit to specific habits like meal prepping on Sundays or taking a daily 15-minute walk. It’s these small, consistent actions that build momentum and lead to lasting change. I love the book called The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, because it teaches you to do just that and you can definitely see your goals achieved along the way. If you don’t have this book, I do suggest adding it to your personal library.
Each New Year Is A Gift
Lastly, remind yourself that starting over is a gift, not a setback. Life is a series of seasons, and each year offers a fresh chance to grow and improve. Furthermore, you never know and you can’t control some of life’s events that can happen at any given point in your life. You’re not tied to past mistakes or missteps; you have the power to write a new chapter. Approach the new year with grace and positivity, knowing that progress is more important than perfection. As a matter of fact, just aim to be “better” in whatever it is that you desire to do in your new year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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