Hope you are all having a fabulous start to the new year! If you ask me, this past year, and even decade, was great. Sure, it had its ups and downs, but overall, I accomplished so much and experienced so many milestones that I am so grateful for. However, when all is said and done, I am ready to make this year even better.
Every year I hear people say “oh, this year is going to be MY year”, but then they don’t really do anything to change their current state.
I decided I wanted to offer up 10 tips to help you make the most of the new year, and actually make this year YOUR year.
These tips range from all types of things from finance to health and wellbeing. So even if there are a few that you think may not apply to you, there are likely others that you find you may be able to benefit from.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Get Your Finances In Order
I’m beginning with this tip, because it is better to do this sooner than later. If you organize your finances in the beginning of the year, you will likely feel much better about your money and finances throughout the rest of the year.
Many banks offer a spending report for the past 12-18 months. You can normally find it online. These spending reports are great to see an itemized break down of all the things you spent money on in the past year. This will help you to be able to track down and identify the areas that you may have spent a bit too much and where you may be able to cut back. Therefore, helping you to save a bit of money in places that you would have otherwise looked over.
Set Aside Money To Save
This second tip can tie in with the first, but this is the process of actually saving money. How you ask? Well, there are a few different ways you can do it. But a suggestion I can make is to take a look at your average paycheck amount, and divide it up. Take what you need for your monthly bills, and divide what is left over into money you can spend and money you can save.
It’s best to take the same amount or same percentage out of each check to save in order to discipline yourself. For example, take $100 each check and set it aside in a savings account or if you want to go old school, set it aside in a box. (However, I suggest a savings account because it takes more effort to get it out of the account, which in turn will help you to actually save the money).
Keep A Planner
This is something I do every year. Maybe because I’m very particular, ha! But to me, keeping a planner is a great way to stay organized, stay on top of upcoming events and appointments, and even a way to help you reach your goals.
Not only do I write down all of the upcoming things I have going on in my planner, but if I have a certain goal that I want to reach, I will set a day that is my deadline, write down the goal on that day and then set benchmarks for myself leading up to that day. Overall, it is a great way to hold yourself accountable for things.
The way I look at it, if something as simple as keeping a planner helps you with accountability, then why not do it!
Purge Your Belongings
As Marie Kondo would say, “does it spark joy?” Every so often I try to purge my belongings, whether it be clothes, papers, electronics, etc. The new year is a great time to get rid of things that you no longer want or need, and to make room for new things that you may receive throughout the upcoming year.
If you look at an item and can’t remember the last time you used it, and can’t think of the next time you will use it, then does it really need to take up space in your house?
Once you are done purging and getting rid of the things you don’t need, then it is great to go through what you do have and organize it in a way that will help with time efficiency and looks tidy.
Pick Up Healthier Habits
I know this is such a cliche tip for all of those people that set a “new years resolution” each year, but it is one that so many people don’t always hold themselves accountable for.
Picking up healthier habits doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to go to the gym 5 times a week, but it can be something as simple as drinking more water, starting to meditate, or learning some new healthier recipes.
It’s important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
Try And Learn A New Skill
No matter how old we are, or how wise we may think we are, we truly never stop learning. It’s a great rule of thumb to try and teach yourself something new every so often.
Whether it be something completely new, like perhaps you want to start a hobby in photography, or something only a little new, like a new photo taking technique. It is always great to expand your horizons and try new things.
Set Aside Time To Relax
This is definitely something I am currently working on, and I’m sure so many others can relate. And I think this needs to be said… JUST BECAUSE YOU SPEND SOME TIME RELAXING DOESN’T MEAN YOU ARE LAZY!
If you’re like me, you may beat yourself up over not having as productive of a day as you wish you did, but sometimes that is okay! I truly believe there is a big difference between finding time to relax and being lazy.
Write Things Down
This is something so simple, anyone can pick up this habit! It is to write things down, whatever they may be! I find that some of my best ideas come while I’m lying in bed at night, which is why when they come to me I always write them down, whether it be in a notebook or even just the notepad app on my phone.
If you are forgetful like I am, it’s great to write things down to help you remember, whether it be an idea or just your grocery list! Sometimes writing things down can even help you have a better appreciation of some things.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
As I’m sure you have heard many times, sometimes it takes small steps to take big leaps. This is something I tell myself constantly when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone.
Even doing something as small as wearing some new lipstick may have a hugely positive result. This can apply to so many different areas of life. And at the end of the day, you never know what opportunities may arise from stepping outside of your comfort zone!
Wake Up Earlier
If you ask me, this may seem like the simplest task but truly it can be the hardest. However, it can be SO worth it.
Days that I wake up early I feel like I am able to accomplish so much more. You would think that the more sleep you get the better, but for me, the later I sleep in, the more sluggish I feel, which in turn hurts my productivity for the day.
So, even if it’s just waking up a half hour to an hour earlier, you have no idea what more you can accomplish in that short period of time!
Also, you don’t have to suddenly wake up an hour earlier in one day. Set your alarm for five minutes earlier each day and you’ll be easing yourself into your new sleep schedule!
These are all tips that I have either implemented into my own life, or I am currently working on. And so far, they have helped me out immensely. Truly, whether it is January 1st or July 1st, I don’t think it is ever too late to start living a happier, healthier and more productive life!
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