How To Prepare For The New Year
This post is all about how to prepare for the new year.
The end of the year is upon us and you may be in a reflective mood thinking about this past year and all that will entail for next year. December is the perfect time for unplugging, tying up loose ends, reflection and planning. I think it’s easy to want to rush ahead and make our big goals. But if you’re not taking stock of the past year, you might miss some things. I think New Year’s resolutions gets a bad wrap because we expect perfection. But I believe that each new year is a fresh start and clean slate to do something different! This post will focus on how to prepare for the new year.
1. Reflect on The Past Year
The power of reflection is what it fuels in us and what it moves us to (and through). Spend time in this section reflecting on the good things AND the bad habits that you formed this year. How did it shape you? Remember this is just for you and get as honest as you like!
Journal Prompts:
- What did you achieve this year?
- What lessons did you learn?
- What habits need to go?
- What new hobby did you pick up?
- What positive changes did you implement this year?
2. Set Realistic & Actionable Goals
I will be the first to admit that I can get caught up in setting goals but the action behind it is lacking. Especially when you hear the whole big dream mantras plastered all over social media. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but clear goals are needed for the bigger picture. And if we don’t write specific goals it just hangs out in our minds (or journals) year after year. Remember you can chase new goals but be SMART about it. Wink Wink :O)
SMART GOALS
Smart goals was introduced to the world by George T. Duran and its purpose it to have a clear pathway to writing and achieve goals. Less fluff and more of an action plan. A great practice to include with SMART goals is incorporating a vision board as you ideate. Visuals are a great way to SEE your goals before they happen.
Here’s a simple table for SMART goals with examples:
| SMART Goal Element | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | Clearly define what you want to achieve. | Create a self-care routine that includes journaling and 15 minutes of mindfulness daily. |
| Measurable | Quantify your goal to track progress. | Track completion of your daily self-care routine in a planner for 30 days. |
| Achievable | Ensure the goal is realistic and attainable. | Start with 15 minutes a day and gradually increase as it fits into your schedule. |
| Relevant | Align the goal with your broader vision or objectives. | Building a consistent self-care routine will improve mental clarity and emotional well-being. |
| Time-bound | Set a deadline to create urgency and maintain focus. | Establish the routine by December 31 and reflect on its impact. |
3. Declutter for a Clean Slate
There is something about a decluttered space that can crowd your mind. Clearing out our physical spaces and mental spaces aids in reducing stress levels. It is the reminder that the mind-body connection is REAL. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the upcoming year and tie up loose ends and doing away with what you no longer need!
Here is a quick decluttering checklist for the holiday season:
| Category | Task |
|---|---|
| Home | – Declutter one room at a time, starting with the most used space. – Donate or discard items you haven’t used in the past year. – Organize closets, drawers, and storage spaces. – Deep clean surfaces and refresh home décor. |
| Digital | – Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and newsletters. – Delete unused apps from your phone or computer. – Organize your digital files into folders. – Backup important documents and photos. |
| Mental | – Write down any lingering worries or unresolved tasks. – Use a journal to reflect on your biggest wins and challenges. – Create a daily routine that incorporates rest and mindfulness. |
| Financial | – Review your bank statements and highlight areas to cut back. – Create a budget for the New Year. – Organize bills and payment due dates. – Set up automatic savings or investment plans. |
| Relationships | – Clear out old contacts or connections that no longer serve you. – Write a gratitude note to someone important in your life. – Reconnect with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to. |
4. Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
How will you plan on making yourself a priority in this new year? It’s important to reflect on this year and where you saw gaps. Then make a plan on what you can improve on and build upon. Let healthy habits be of utmost importance this year!
Example:
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Build Out a Mindfulness Practice | This can be built into your morning routines, such as incorporating prayer, morning stillness, and affirmations. |
| Enhance Your Daily Routines | Consider changing up your workout routines or starting a new one to bring variety and motivation to your daily habits. |
| Nutrition and Eating Habits | Take an assessment of how food impacts your body. Reflect on questions like: How do certain foods make you feel? Has weight loss been hard? Include these insights in your goals. |
5. Build Out a Financial Plan for The Upcoming Year
This will forever be on my goal list, I continue to learn about finances and how I can do better. In reference to financial planning, a good way to start is by setting a monthly budgets with weekly checkins. Setting a concrete plan isn’t about perfection, but planning for your future. Let the old habits go and let’s embrace the new!
TOOLS:
Here are three reputable resources for financial planning and budgeting:
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| YNAB (You Need A Budget) | A budgeting app that uses a zero-based budgeting approach to help users allocate every dollar effectively. It offers features like bank syncing, spending tracking, and financial goal setting. | YNAB |
| NerdWallet | A comprehensive personal finance website offering tools and advice on budgeting, credit cards, loans, and more. It provides articles, calculators, and reviews to assist users in making informed financial decisions. | NerdWallet |
| The Balance | A personal finance website that simplifies complex financial topics, offering articles and resources on budgeting, saving, investing, and more. It aims to help users make informed financial decisions. | TheBalance |
6. Reconnect & Strengthen Relationship
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the right people and nurture relationships that truly matter. In a time often filled with busyness, intentionally building and strengthening these bonds can bring warmth and fulfillment. Plan small gatherings that create space for genuine connection—whether it’s an intimate dinner, a cozy coffee date, or a festive holiday activity. These moments, no matter how simple, can help you stay grounded and connected.
Another meaningful way to show care is through acts of gratitude. Write heartfelt notes to those who’ve made a difference in your life this year. Expressing appreciation through good deeds not only strengthens relationships but also brings joy to both giver and receiver. As the year winds down, focus on the connections that uplift you, and use the holiday season as a time to nurture these bonds.
7. End the Year with Rest and Renewal
As we approach the end of the year, it’s essential to embrace the power of rest. Setting aside time to recharge allows you to step into the next season feeling refreshed and ready for positive changes. Start by creating a weekly schedule or daily routine that incorporates intentional downtime. Whether it’s a peaceful morning to sip tea, a relaxing evening bath, or simply an hour to unplug, these small moments of care can make a big difference.
Remember, ending the rest of the year on the right foot begins with prioritizing yourself. Rest is not a pause from progress; it’s an essential part of renewal. By taking the time to recharge, you set yourself up for a strong start in the new year, ready to embrace new opportunities and goals with clarity and energy.
Conclusion: Stepping Into the New Year
As we close out this chapter and look toward the upcoming year, take a moment to embrace the bigger picture of what’s ahead. This is your chance to set clear goals, build a solid foundation, and truly step into your best life. Every small step you take today can set the tone for the year you’ve been dreaming of.
Together, we’ll continue creating space for growth, reflection, and the intentional living that helps make every year your best yet. Let’s step boldly into the year ahead—because it’s yours to make extraordinary!
All my love,
Des
I am a proud holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Health, where my focus was primarily on Community Health. My academic and professional journey has been deeply enriched by research in the field of Stress Management. This has not only broadened my understanding but also deeply influenced the insights and perspectives I share here. This blog is a testament to that journey, offering resources and guidance tailored to your personal journey of faith, wellness and self-care.
