As we enter a new year, thoughts of starting fresh tend to float about in our heads. January often signals new beginnings and a time to reflect on the year that’s passed. It’s also an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our lives, shaping our trajectory in whatever direction we’d like.
As the old saying goes, the world is your oyster, so what better time to map out your goals and aspirations than right now? It can be hard to sustain continued growth once the high of a new year wears off, so here are a few ways you can get ahead this year and avoid burnout.
1. Shift Your Perspective
New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to map out your goals, but they can also be incredibly stressful. While they give you something tangible to work towards, there may be obstacles that derail your progress. Shift your perspective away from grand resolutions to smaller, more intentional goals. For example, one of the most common resolutions is to eat healthier, but that alone is vague and decreases your overall likelihood of success. Instead, try being more specific, like allocating time at the end of each week to plan healthy meals. This is much more detailed, leaving you with a strong plan of action.
2. Take Time to Reflect
It can be easy to overlook your achievements, especially if this past year has been challenging. Take some time to look back at the moments you felt really good about yourself or your accomplishments. This new year, celebrate all that you have accomplished and all you can achieve in the months ahead. Ask yourself questions like ‘what are you most proud of?’ and ‘what obstacles were you able to overcome?’ as thought starters. Write it all down and honour all of your wins this year, no matter how small.
3. Declutter Your Space and Mind
A messy and cluttered space is hardly ever conducive to productivity, so this year, why not make an effort to clean your space? Take note of what can be donated and what can be tossed in the bin. Letting go of the extra stuff you own will help to freshen up your space and leave you feeling lighter. Remember to set time aside to organize and declutter your mind. Accomplishing any goal, big or small, requires focus and determination — something a cluttered mind will not allow. Focusing on one task at a time, limiting time spent on social media and practicing meditation are all habits you can adopt to free up some mental space.
4. Put a Plan in Place
Now that you have your goals in mind, it’s important to create a plan of action in order to stay on track. Break down your goals into little steps and schedule them out. Whether it’s the calendar app on your phone, an agenda or the classic pen and paper — writing out your action plan will keep you accountable. While hard work and determination is the key to accomplishing any goal, don’t forget to include some down time for yourself as well. New goals are exciting, but it’s also important to take time to pause, rest and relax throughout the year as well.
Interested in reading about some other tips and tricks that can help you avoid burnout in the new year? Check out the little changes you can make to improve the health of you and your space.