2019 is here. It’s time to crack open the new planner and remember to start writing 2019 on your checks. Am I the only one who still writes checks?
For many, the new year signifies fresh beginnings, blank slates, and opportunities to make new habits and achieve goals. The older I get the more I want to make each year count.
However, statistics show as many as 80% of Americans quickly abandon their new year’s resolutions.
So, how can you beat the odds, especially as a mom, and kick this new year off on purpose?
The good news is, you are in the driver’s seat of your life and the start of a new year is the perfect time to decide how to course correct. No one is going to advocate for your life like you. You have to be assertive and know what matters to you.
Take some time to reflect and give thanks on the previous year. Ask yourself, what made last year great?
Take a moment and write down a list of all the things and moments you have to be thankful for. Life moves fast, but it’s important to look back and think about what ended up mattering to us. Going forward those are the things you want to focus on.
We won’t be grateful for what we get if we are not thankful for what we have.
Pick a word of the year.
Instead of a bunch of lofty new year’s resolutions, pick a word of the year. This word should embody where you want to go. Think of it as your anthem. Last year I chose gratitude. Every day I made a list of things I was grateful and at the end of 2018, I can confidently say I was more grateful because I made gratitude my focus!
Where do you want to put your focus this year? What word embodies that? Choose a word of the year and then make it visible so you don’t forget.
Reflect on your priorities and evaluate your schedule based on that.
The new year is the perfect opportunity to assess your schedule and make adjustments. We often assume that once we commit, we commit for life. Seasons come and seasons go. Are there things you are currently doing that don’t fit your life in this season? Are you too busy? What can you cut? Is there something that you need to add-in?
Don’t forget to add margin to your life for fun and impromptu opportunities.
Choose a few simple monthly goals.
What habits are you hoping to cultivate in the new year? Maybe it’s healthier phone habits or drinking more water. Choose a few, measurable goals. Don’t just say I want to get more healthy. Dig a little deeper and get specific.
Then, get after that little goal. Next month, you can tackle another goal. Little by little progress will lead you to where you want to go faster than trying to tackle everything and burning out.
Give yourself grace.
If you miss a day or you don’t meet your goal, don’t give up!
Look for opportunities to celebrate. Did you practice that habit more than you did previously? We often focus on the one thing we didn’t do or the one time we screwed up. In reality, there are millions of daily successes. Beating yourself up won’t move you forward like a good pat on the back!
You’ve Got This!
Kick off the new year on purpose. Follow these simple tips and make 2019 your best year yet!
You’ve got this, I know you do. Now, get out there and live 2019 on purpose and don’t forget to write the correct date on your check!
