The Power of Small Steps: How to Start Fresh in the New Year

Sitting at a laptop determining how to start fresh in the new year

“New years, new beginnings,” they say. What better time to start fresh in a new year and take a moment to reflect, refocus, and revise?

The year 2023 was tough, to say the least. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder, it did. However, what this year did was challenge me to become a better version of myself, to focus on what truly matters in life, and it forced me to grow.

Despite the difficulties of the past year, I am grateful for the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the opportunities for change. 

As I enter the new year, I am excited to restart and step into the new year with a grateful heart and a new mindset! I think everyone should give themselves a change in the new year to start fresh and on the right foot. Here are the best ways to start a new in the new year. 

WHERE TO START

Create a New Income Source

DO AN AUDIT OF YOUR LIFE

What better way to start fresh in the new year than to reflect on the last? It’s common to ask our friends how they are doing every day, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself the same question? 

When we inquire about our friends’ well-being, it is usually to catch up, strengthen our relationship, get to know them better, and sometimes see if we can help them in any way if they are not doing well. 

We have no problem asking other people how they are doing, but why don’t we take the time to do so with ourselves? Perhaps, we were never taught to prioritize ourselves.

A life audit is a full, thorough assessment of your life. You take inventory of anything that’s taking up time, space, mental energy, and physical energy.

This assessment will give you a clear picture of your life, what’s going well, and what isn’t going well. The purpose of a life audit is to be completely vulnerable with yourself so you can determine what actions you need to take next.

Doing a life audit can be hard. It’s tough getting honest with yourself about areas of your life that don’t feel fulfilled. The idea isn’t to judge yourself or compare your life to the lives of others.

Part of self-love is loving yourself enough to want more growth, joy, and meaning in your life – and that’s exactly what a life audit can do.

DEFINE PERSONAL GOALS

When navigating how to start fresh in the new year, I do not want to use the word “resolution.” I want to focus more on setting personal goals. 

Goal setting seems so obvious, however so many don’t consider taking the time to do it. How do you get where you want to go, without any navigation on how to get there?

 

The best way to set achievable goals is by using the SMART method. 

  • S – Specific (or Significant)
  • M – Measurable (or Meaningful)
  • A – Attainable (or Action-Oriented)
  • R – Relevant (or Rewarding)
  • T – Time-bound (or Trackable)

By setting goals that have all these key metrics, you are holding yourself accountable to a specific, measurable, attainable and time bound goal. This allows you to build small steps to get to your larger goals!

 

MindTool.com has a great in-depth article that is very specific for personal goal and development. They walk you through setting goals that help lay the foundation for achieving anything you desire!

 

DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME

Deep cleaning your home can help you start fresh, it has similar benefits to decluttering.

Once you have completed a thorough cleaning, it will be easier to implement a cleaning schedule. Following a schedule will significantly reduce the amount of time spent cleaning, saving you valuable time, which you can dedicate to working on your goals instead.

Here is an example of a cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks that you should complete:

DAILY TASKS:

  • Wipe Down Countertops
  • Quick Clutter Pickup
  • Wash Dishes
  • Take Out the Trash/Recycling
  • Make the Bed
  • One Load of Laundry

WEEKLY TASKS:

  • Clean Out the Fridge
  • Change Bed Linens
  • Change Towels
  • Mop the Floors
  • Wipe Down Mirrors
  • Dust
  • Clean Bathrooms
  • Water Plants

MONTHLY TASKS:

  • Clean Appliances
  • Disinfect Trash Cans
  • Clean Baseboards
  • Shred Documents
  • Clean Vehicle
  • Clean Windows & Doors
  • Clean Under Furniture

YEARLY TASKS:

  • Deep Clean Carpets
  • Wash Window Treatments
  • Clean Blinds
  • Wash Animal Bedding
  • Clean Pantry & Expired Food
  • Organize/Clean Garage
  • Clean Basement

DECLUTTER YOUR WORKSTATION

clean and organized to start fresh in the new year

One of the best ways to start fresh in the new year, is by decluttering your workstation. A clean workstation can help increase productivity and decrease stress.

Make sure your workstation is clean and clear for the day. Keep only the essential items on your desk, and everything else in a designated place. Utilizing trays, boxes, and folders will help you know where things are and maximize efficiency. 

Try to make it a habit to tidy your desk periodically throughout your day to prevent clutter from building up again. Shred, or throw away items that are just taking up extra space.

By following these simple steps, you can create a more organized and efficient workspace that will help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.

CREATE TIME TO PLAN & ORGANIZE

white planner used to start fresh in the new year

One of the most effective ways to start fresh in the new year, is to manage your daily life by planning and organizing your time By doing so, you can prioritize your tasks and make sure that you have enough time to complete them. Here are some tips to help you create time to plan and organize your daily life:

  1. Set aside time each day to plan: Take a few minutes each day to plan out your schedule for the next day. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Use a planner or calendar: Keep a planner or calendar handy to jot down important dates, appointments, and deadlines. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when.
  3. Prioritize your tasks: Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete, and then prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus on the most important tasks first.
  4. Break larger tasks into smaller ones: If you have a large task to complete, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to stay focused and motivated.
  5. Avoid distractions: Try to eliminate distractions as much as possible while you work. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
Remember, planning and organizing your time is a skill that takes practice. Be patient with yourself and keep trying new strategies until you find what works best for you.

I cannot emphasize the importance of making sleep a main priority, and a great way to start fresh in the new year. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of getting enough rest each night. However, sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. 

When we sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate, our minds process and consolidate information, and our emotions and moods are regulated. 

Without enough sleep, we can experience a range of negative effects, including fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even serious health problems. 

Therefore, as we move into a new year, it is crucial that you prioritize sleep and ensure you are getting enough rest to tackle your goals.

PURGE & ORGANIZE WARDROBE

Cleaning and purging your wardrobe is an important task that should be done regularly. It not only helps you get rid of things you no longer need or wear, but it also helps you make space for new items that you may actually use. Plus, it can be a great way to reorganize and streamline your closet, making it easier to find what you need and reducing clutter.

When you’re cleaning out your wardrobe, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you actually wear and what you don’t. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go. You can donate items that are still in good condition, or recycle them if they’re no longer usable.

Another tip is to organize your clothes by category or color, which will make it easier to find what you need. You can also invest in some space-saving hangers, shelves, or storage containers to maximize your closet space.

Overall, cleaning and purging your wardrobe can be a satisfying and rewarding task that will help you simplify your life and reduce stress. So why not give it a try?

ORGANIZE YOUR LAPTOP & PHONE

When it comes to organizing your laptop and phone, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything is easy to find and accessible. Here are some tips:

1. Create folders: On both your laptop and phone, create folders to group similar items together. For example, you can create a folder for work-related documents, one for personal photos, and another for music.

2. Delete unnecessary files: Take some time to go through your files and delete anything you no longer need. This will free up space on your laptop and phone and make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

3. Use cloud storage: Consider using a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox to store files you don’t need to access frequently. This will also free up space on your devices.

4. Use apps to stay organized: There are many apps available that can help you stay organized, like Evernote or Trello. These apps can help you keep track of tasks, notes, and to-do lists.

5. Customize your home screen: On your phone, you can customize your home screen to make frequently used apps more easily accessible. You can also group similar apps together in folders.

Overall, taking some time to organize your laptop and phone can make a big difference in your productivity and ease of use.

DRINK MORE WATER

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good health. 

Water makes up a large portion of our body and is involved in many important functions, such as regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, aiding in digestion, and removing waste and toxins. 

When we don’t drink enough water, our bodies can become dehydrated, which can lead to a variety of health problems like headaches, fatigue, constipation, and even kidney stones. 

Drinking enough water can help with memory and cognitive function, and aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and boosting overall metabolism. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body functioning at its best!

MAKE A PLAN TO MOVE MORE

Kick off the new year with a healthier lifestyle. One simple way to do that is by making a commitment to move more.

It’s not always easy to stay active, but the benefits are undeniable: increased energy, improved mood, and better overall health. So why not start small? 

Take a walk around your neighborhood, try a new workout routine, or do some stretches in the comfort of your own home. Whatever you choose, know that you’re taking an important step towards a healthier, happier you. 

Make this year the year you prioritize yourself and your well-being and start moving more!

FIND A NEW PODCAST OR BOOK

As the new year approaches, it’s always a good time to start something new and exciting. A great way to start fresh in the new year is with a new podcast or book! 

If you’re looking for a fresh start, why not try starting a new podcast or book? There are so many great options out there to choose from. You can learn something, escape from something, stretch your imagination… the options are endless.

If you’re into podcasts, you might want to check out some of my favorites listed below.

PODCASTS:

  •  Heavyweight
  • Reply All
  • Unbothered
  • On Purpose
  • Feel Better, Live More
  • Call Her Daddy
  • Crime Junkie
  • The Daily
  • This American Life

BOOKS:

  • Live for a Living
  • Fourth Wing
  • The Midnight Library
  • Weyward
  • The Secret Keeper
  • Buy Back Your Time
  • The Echo of Old Books
  • The Housemaid’s Secret
  • On Our Best Behavior

There’s real value in escaping for a little while into your imagination and into the pages of a book. If you’re more of a book person, you might want to check out some of my favorites, and some I wish to read soon! 

Whatever you choose, starting a new podcast or book, either can be a great way to kick off the new year and open yourself up to new ideas and experiences.

Happy listening and reading!

MAKE A PLAN TO CONNECT WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY

Connecting with friends and family is a wonderful way to kick off the new year. It provides an opportunity to catch up on the latest news, share experiences, and create new memories. 

Whether it’s a quick call or a lengthy video chat, reaching out to loved ones can help strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being. 

So, why not consider making it a priority to stay in touch with those who matter most to you this year? It’s a small step that can make a big impact on your happiness and the happiness of those around you.

In order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, it is essential to prioritize joy. 

The new year is the perfect time to start making joy a priority in your life. To do this, you must first take the time to identify the things that truly make you happy. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a new hobby, or simply taking a few moments each day to do something that makes you happy. 

By prioritizing joy, we can improve our overall well-being and find greater satisfaction in our lives. So, let’s make a commitment to ourselves to prioritize joy in the new year and make it a habit that lasts a lifetime.

As we embark on a new year, it’s essential to make sure your finances and investments are on the right track to achieving your financial goals. 

A great way to do this is to begin analyzing your monthly budget, and try to identify areas where you can cut back on expenses. This could mean dining out less or canceling subscriptions that you no longer use.

Next, review your savings and investment accounts to ensure they align with your long-term goals. It’s wise to partner with a financial advisor to help you create a diversified investment portfolio that balances risk and reward.

work on your investment and financial strategies to start fresh in the new year

You must also review your retirement accounts and confirm that you’re contributing enough to meet your future needs. Consider boosting your contributions to capitalize on tax benefits and the power of compounding interest.

By taking the time to review your finances in the new year, you can make sure you’re positioning yourself for financial success and peace of mind in the years ahead. 

It’s always a good idea to explore new ways of generating income, especially as we begin a new year. Diversifying your income streams can be a great way to achieve this.

By doing so, you can reduce your dependence on a single source of income and potentially increase your overall earnings.

When considering new income streams, it’s important to take into account your skills and interests and to conduct thorough research before committing your time or money to any new venture. There are various ways to diversify your income streams, such as starting a side hustle, investing in stocks or real estate, offering freelance services, or creating and selling digital products.

By driving more income, you have the potential to pay off debts, provide more financial stability, and therefore reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life!

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