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Do you ever think that January starts something new or that you can start something over? Well, you can do that anytime during the year. I believe January is the easiest time to do it because most of us are hibernating after the holidays. This is a perfect time to focus on you and what you want to accomplish!
I want you to think of January as being productive, not starting over. If you are productive and take small steps to reach your goals then those small steps are better than trying something and failing. Take the time to plan out and research what you want to do. That way you can see the small steps to be productive towards your goal.
Check out these things to do to help you have a great new year!
Look Back and Audit
Look back into your previous year and take note of things that didn’t go how you wanted or things that went great. This will show you certain strengths that have come from your last year but also show you areas in which you can improve for the upcoming year. This can be in social situations, with family, work or your mental health.
Set Personal Expectations
Figure out what you want to accomplish in the new year. It can be big or something small. You want to be able to improve or even go farther when it comes to meeting the expectation. This must be something that you can challenge yourself but as well as make it attainable.
Focus on Yourself
Take the time this year to schedule your self care. Use the time to go for a walk alone, sit in silence, journal, or do a face mask or your nails. Do something that makes you feel better.
Break Bad Habits
When you look back on the previous year, do you notice anything that you don’t want to do anymore? Look into those habits and see how small steps can help you move forward from them.
Implement Morning and Night Routines
This may seem like a huge step to make in your daily life but there are small things you can do each day that will ease your life day-to-day. Wake up 15 minutes earlier so you can journal or meditate, check out my post about how I started waking up at 5AM to better my days. You could set a bedtime, not to go to sleep but to head to your room and wash your face, shower, pick out clothes for the next day, or read. Anything you can do each day that will benefit you.
Explore Meal Planning and your Eating Habits
Another way to simplify your life is to start meal planning. Whether you plan weekly, biweekly, or monthly, starting a meal plan routine will help you when deciding each day as well as help your grocery budget. Look at your eating habits for eating out, and the quality of food you eat too.
Self Care
This is a huge one and I should’ve put it at the first spot. You need to take time for yourself. Everyone needs to be able to give themselves some self-care even if it is only 20 minutes. There are so many different options for self-care and how it looks to each person. I love to read, so having uninterrupted reading time is awesome. I also love to do face masks or paint my nails. My husband loves to golf and that is his happy place and self-care. My sister has 5 kids and she loves to just sit in silence for 20-30 minutes. Find what makes you happy and make sure you give yourself time this year to enjoy it.
Prioritize Sleep
I know I need at least 7 hours of sleep to be my normal self. I can function on 6 hours of sleep but I am tired and may be crabby. I wake up at 5 during the week and plan out what time I need to be in bed and sleep in order to get my sleep. I also know that no matter what time I go to bed whether early or late, my child will be up at the same time every morning.
Organize
Wow, this just helps everything in life flow better. If I can’t find something where it’s supposed to be then I get frustrated trying to figure out where it is. If there is a spot for everything and you clean up clutter then you are able to move through your day easier. There are so many options to help organize your life. I read through Marie Kondo’s book and took away some great organizing tips.
Try a New Hobby
Grow yourself this year and try a new hobby. The idea of starting a new hobby may seem daunting at first but the more you understand it and practice it, I am sure you can succeed. When I started my sourdough journey I researched it for 3 months before I took the leap to start my own starter and bake my bread. My first loaf did not turn out well at all but now I love when it’s time to bake! I have also tried a few other recipes with my starter that have turned out great as well. It’s something I enjoy and am happy I continued with it.
As you head into the new year, remember that productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with intention and focus. By setting clear goals, prioritizing your well-being, and creating habits that align with your vision, you’ll set yourself up for success not just in January, but for the entire year ahead. Whether you choose to organize your space, review your finances, or develop a new skill, taking small, deliberate steps will lead to big results. Start strong, stay consistent, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Here’s to a productive, fulfilling January—and beyond!
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