Positively Nikki

5 ways to start the new year right!

As we venture into the New Year we are all inspired to better ourselves. Let us take all the valuable things with us into the upcoming year; all that we learned and grew from in 2022. But as I say this I want to leave all those negatives that we have also accumulated. This post is all about setting yourself up to have the best possible year and get you in the right mindset to accomplish your goals. Starting with …

1. Set up your Google Calendar or Planner

Use your calendar as a tracker. Write down all life events even if it’s just hanging out with friends this way you can track long term goals. For example if one of your 2023 goals was to spend more time outside you would log in your calendar if you spent significant time outside that day.

Tips I suggest when you set up your calendar or planner would be to color coordinate. You can do this anyway that works best for you but I suggest breaking each category down and giving it a color. You want your calendar to represent yourself and become a space you enjoy. Your planner should be something you want to look at each day so make sure to take the time to really customize it. (Don’t forget to update any events or appointments that you made previously).

2. Declutter!

The New Year is the perfect time to get rid of all the unnecessary items you no longer need and have been putting off getting rid of. Let’s be honest you’re never going to wear that one t-shirt you have “just in case” you need it one day. Donate or sell the clothes you don’t wear anymore. While you’re at it the junk drawer you’ve been hoarding can probably use a clean out. There may be other places in your home that you’ve been thinking needs to be cleared out for a while. Now is the time to do it! The motivation you feel right now with the new year reset will fade so use it while you can to do those extra things you’ve been putting off all of 2022.

3. Clean Your Space

Going hand in hand with number two. Now that you have decluttered it’s time to wipe down all the mirrors, vacuum, and dust. Cleaning your space after decluttering and getting rid of all the unnecessary items you’ve been hoarding feels so rewarding. If you want to reset yourself and your mindset it starts with your space. Having a clean and clear space will transfer over to you. So make sure to dust the corners in your house, clean out the shower, and wipe down all the mirrors. The feeling of being refreshed is such a productive way to start your year in the right mindset.

4. Create Your Goals for 2023

Everyone is setting goals for themselves. Thinking of new ways to be better and feel accomplished. If you haven’t already, sit down and write at least 10 reasonable goals on a piece of paper. Yes a PIECE of PAPER. This could be a sticky note on your mirror or the front of your notebook anywhere that you will be able to see it every day. I recommend making a vision board to represent each of your goals. I personally use Canva and find that it’s very easy to create a collage of items that represent my goals. This is helpful just so you can have a visual representation of what you want to accomplish. Again set this as your phone or laptop backscreen so you can see it everyday. In addition to setting goals, make a plan on how to achieve each of those goals. For example if you want to save a specific amount of money this year set up a plan to set aside an amount each month. If you have health goals, make a plan to meal prep every Sunday so you will have readily available meals. Apply this method to each of your goals!

5. Treat Yourself to Help Accomplish Your Goals

Having a reward system in place will allow you to keep pursuing your goals. Getting excited to use new things that bring you joy will inspire you to keep working. Let’s say you wanted to drink more water in 2023, splurge on a water bottle that you’ll love. If you want to plan more, invest in a great planner that will work best for you. It’s all about personal preference and tailoring these items to yourself. Take the time to understand what you need in order to be successful and then purchase an item that fits those categories. It’s easier to accomplish goals when they don’t feel like a task but rather something you actually enjoy. 

I hope these points helped you in some shape or form to get ready for the upcoming year. Apply these points and I bet you will be increasingly more productive and able to start the year with a clear, concise mind. I wish you the best of luck in accomplishing your goals however big or small they may be. 

-Nikki Smith