Resolutions Don't Have to Begin and End with the New Year

You're not behind, you're preparing.

Despite my best intentions, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've made concrete New Year’s resolutions for myself on January 1st. I'm talking all-in, blogger style, bullet journal, vision board, sexy new set of pens ALL-IN. I always intend to create a new vision board by December 31st, but alas, here I am in early February, vision-board-less and potentially stressed about it.

How did I get here?

Between coming down off Christmas highs, and ramping up for New Year's Eve plans, it becomes easy to let go of control and soak in the moment. All said and done, my perfect planning plans (mmmm alliteration) took an all-too-normal backseat to enjoying time with family, friends, and taking some sorely needed end-of-the-year naps.

So why am I not stressing?

It's already the start of the second month of the year and I didn't consciously change a habit or start a new routine already?! Well, I'm not stressing because I am practicing graciousness with myself and those around me. It’s not like I’m the only one who has had a doozy of a year. I’m reminding myself that this symbolic starting–over of a new year doesn't have to coincide with some grand reset of my life. I can set my vision and goals for 2022 today just as easily as I could have on January 1st or January 12th. I didn't miss the boat on preparing. That said, we HAVE TO start any new task on a Monday, amirite? That's just a no-brainer. ;)

When I'm feeling overwhelmed with starting a new year off flawlessly (or not), it helps me to stop what I'm doing, have a bath, and enjoy an episode of Shitt's Creek to reset my mind and refocus my attention. I take the time to remind myself that I don’t have to always focus on what can happen in a month, 6 months, or in a year. I can focus on the 24 hours ahead of me. To question what I can do in that time to become better, and come closer to, alignment with the person I want to be. It’s like the absolute banger from Frozen 2 says… “just do the next right thing”. For me, it’s these little ‘next right things’ that add up to a productive day, a healthier week, a month of growth, and a year of transformation.

My advice to myself?

Just show up, give it some effort, and you are making it your best year. You are not behind, you are preparing.

Some easy ways I’ve found to set some goals that don’t require a lengthy time commitment are as follows:

• Making a note in my phone titled “2022” and taking a little bit of time to write down some ideas and goals.

• Using a journal or phone note to write down simple words or phrases. These words describe the vibe I want to create for my year. (example from my note titled “2020” – pray, passion, trust, listen, read, write, love, you are enough, have fun)

• Using an app (I like this one called Nichi) or even just Instagram stories to make a digital vision board and make it the background of your phone screen so you see it every day. Here's mine from last year -

I'd love to hear how you like to step into a new year. What helps you feel content and focus on what's most important? How you go about feeling like your best self? Oh and Happy New Year, you’re amazing. :)

xoxo,

Trishae