Another year, another holiday season. Soon to follow, the New Year!
Even if the holidays may still look a little different than you're used to, given the COVID-19 pandemic is still upon us, we still can begin to shift our focus to the New Year. Every year, I work with people facing the challenge of setting resolutions, new goals, and trying to go into the new year with an optimistic and prepared mindset.
Although it's not always as easy as it sounds, there are ways to make it a smoother process.
I know someone famous (bonus points if you know who) who once said “preparation is the key to success!” and I completely agree, so I've put together 5 easy hacks to help you prepare to face 2022 with confidence!
1 - Self-Reflection:
Start out with some good old fashion self-reflection. Reflect on your year, as crazy as 2021 may have been. Ask yourself questions like “what was good, what did you accomplish, what do you want to work on, are there new things I want to do?” This is a great first step to get your focus shifting to what WAS and focus on what COULD BE!
2 - Out With The Old, In With The New:
Clearing our emotional and physical space allows us to open up our minds and space for the new and improved material that we need and want for the new year. This can look different for everyone but a few good examples are cleaning out your closet, setting healthier/firmer boundaries, or donating old books. These tasks can allow us the room to create a new wardrobe that feels more like you, develop healthier relationships, and learn new things! Don't sleep on this hack, it’s very cleansing!
3 - Set Intentions:
Something I have found to be helpful in the past is setting intentions vs resolutions. An intention is more of an idea, a concept you want to manifest into existence. A resolution usually consists of more hard-pressed plans to make big changes, often unrealistically.
Setting an intention to be “healthier” in 2022 is something you can work on all year long vs setting a resolution to “workout 3x a week” which could likely get “broken” early into the year. So take a minute, explore what interests you and create solid intentions to start the new year right.
4 - Get Organized:
For those of you who like things a little more literal, you can take those intentions and break them down into a more organized and tangible fashion. Setting “SMART goals” (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely) is a great way to prevent us from allowing our goals to get lost in translation with our busy lives and schedules.
Make your intentions realistic and able to fit into YOUR routine, setting yourself up for success. Planners, journals, lists, and calendars are all great resources to help you stay organized with your New Year's intentions.
5 - Get Started:
Don’t wait until January or February to begin implementing the changes you have planned for yourself. Start now. Maybe start small or take baby steps, but the sooner you start working towards your goals, the more accomplished you will feel. It also gives you the opportunity to tailor any of your goals that may not be working quite right, giving you more time to adequately prepare to start the New Year off just right!
I know the holidays can sometimes be overwhelming, but they are also a time for us to reflect, rejuvenate, appreciate all we have, and all we are capable of. These hacks help us better utilize our time and energy, preparing for 2022 with ease and confidence.
If you or someone you know wants help navigating the holidays and preparing for a productive and successful transition into the new year, therapy is an amazing resource to guide you through this process.
Call Jamie Ratowski, LMFT today for your complimentary phone consultation at 954-391-5305 and get your therapy journey started.
I offer online counseling via telehealth across the state of Florida and in person counseling at our beautiful Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs offices. I look forward to speaking with you!
Happy New Year!
