As you always prepare for a new day, use the beginning of this year to contemplate what you’ve accomplished in life so far, and start thinking about how you can make the new year the best year you’ve ever had. Plan to get started on new things feeling revived and focused, and welcome the new year with a sense of calm and preparedness so you can easily get back to your routine.
I’ve come up with a few tips on how to prepare and reset for a fulfilling and happier new year.
REFLECT:
Look back over the year that just ended and ask yourself a few questions:
- Did I achieve the things I wanted to?
- What are some of the things that didn’t go the way I wanted to?
- What lessons can I learn from my mistakes and how can I do better?
- What specific things would I like to change and how can I grow into a wiser, better person?
At the beginning of a new year, reach out to people you owe an apology and make things right with them.
PLAN
- Listen to your needs and senses. Create and approach your next year’s goals from big to small. Start with big goals for the year; then divide the year in quarters and create quarterly goals, then monthly goals. Finally, decide what you are going to do on a weekly and daily basis. Commit to do what you say you are going to do.
- Schedule more time with your family.
- Be more mindful of your thoughts and your words. Think and talk more about solutions and possibilities instead of setbacks and hardships. Focus on your future successes, on kindness, and positivity.
- Spend more time with people who have kind hearts.
- Prioritize people and commitments that are truly important to you, and let go of bad habits and people that are causing you more stress.
- Be kinder to yourself, amp up the self care, and give yourself credit for everything you accomplish.
- Declutter, simplify, and organize your life: your desktop, pantry, car, closet, fridge.
- Plan on spending more time with your friends. Get in touch with them more often, send cards throughout the year or little gifts. Life is short.
Now it is time to let go of the crap that is holding you back. Get rid of any commitment, goal, or relationship that is not aligned with who you are or where you want to go in the future. Let go of resentment, anger, guilt, or embarrassment – anything that no longer serves you.
Focus on your well-being and find ways to mend your dreams. Embrace love, serenity, and forgiveness. See the world as a place full of amazing people, opportunities, and magical, extraordinary circumstances.
Live for today, but look ahead and be prepared – it’s going to be a great year!
And don’t forget, whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!
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Great post Ana! I’m trying to roll with the season and just enjoy it. That’s hard for me because I perpetually think I need to be doing or planning something. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday! Is your parents here?
Ana, I’ve emailed this post to myself so I can read it several more times and work on it. Thank you. I’ll let you know how it goes!
You are always so refreshing Ana and this was just what I needed today. Thank you. Wishing you a beautiful 2017 filled with the sunshine you always share with everyone else.
“Spend more time with people who have kind hearts.” Brilliant! Happy New Year to you too!!
Thank you for the eloquent reminder to be more mindful and kind in the new year. This is something we all need!