New Year, Who Dis?
New Year, Who Dis?
I don’t know, it sounded catchy and clever at the time…
Who doesn’t love this time of year? Maybe it’s all the bad-a lady podcasts, or inspirational books and quotes, but I am a huge fan of new years. Not the out-all-night-had-too-much-champagne new years. But, the reflection and gratitude for the past year, while setting goals and intentions for the new one, seriously Fires.Me.Up. Can I get some praise hands!?
There is so much excitement, empowerment, inspiration, and unknown that fills this time between Christmas and New Years. Then, pretty much the whole month of January is rockin’ because everyone around you is kicking butt, and setting goals, and living their best life.
But, somewhere around the first week of February the blues start to kick in. We lose that zest for the plans we made a few weeks earlier. We get tired. It’s freaking cold outside. We miss the holidays. We just want to put on stretchy pants, and eat pie. People! Bring that over-caffeinated, happy, weirdo back! He/she is still in there. You just need a little jump start. Put on some Lizzo, set down the pie, and go crush those goals!
I am certainly guilty of losing my momentum shortly after the new year begins. This is why I create visual reminders to help get me back on track. My vision board lives just above my desk so I can see it any time I sit down at my computer, or go to the battery drawer (because, kids’ toys). I make a to-do list at the end of the year, and even though the tasks may be completed, I still paste it next to my vision board. It’s the perfect reminder of that mindset I was in at the start of January. Just looking at my cute, colorful note is a good kick in the pants. I also use other tools, like Pinterest, and chatting with my hubby, or my tribe, to keep me excited about my plans and goals.
The new year isn’t about setting unrealistic expectations, or unattainable goals. It is a time for reflection, and excitement. Create a focus word, set intentions, make a list of goals, commit to regular self care. These are all simple acts that will have a positive impact on your life, and your relationships with those around you.
Here are my top 5 ‘to-do’s’ before the new year:
1) Create a Vision Board - see my earlier post for details.
2) Goal Setting - Think of 2-3 goals you’d like to accomplish this year and write them down. The sky is the limit here. Have an amazing idea you’ve been sitting on? Goal #1 - take the first step towards making that idea a reality. Have you been dying to get your kitchen drawers organized? Make that your goal, and see it through.
3) Planner Prep - I’m a planner junkie, and if you don’t use one yet, you should go get one. My favorite is the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley, but there are about a million to choose from. Just make sure you have it either before January 1st, or at least at the beginning of the month. Go through each month’s calendar page and write down important appointments, holidays, birthdays, etc. It may take a chunk of time, but you will feel much more organized when those months roll around.
4) Self Care - This should be part of the normal routine anyways, but be sure to dedicate some time at the start of the year, too. My favorite forms of self care range from listening to an inspirational podcast, to getting a manicure, to writing, to enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Nothing too fancy here, but it gives me a chance to do something for myself, and to recenter. Get yourself in the right mindset before January 1st so you are ready to take on the new year with the eye of the tiger.
5) Gratitude/Reflection - Let’s not forget about all the lessons from the year before. Whether you’re saying, “Bye, Felicia,” or “Damn, that was a good one,” be sure to take time to reflect on the moments that brought you here. Think about what you want from 2020, and give thanks to 2019 for giving you the opportunity to do so.
Hopefully these things will not only inspire you, but will also help get you organized before this new year begins. There is nothing better than starting the year with a go get ‘em attitude, and a list of goals to crush.