4 Tips for Starting Off the New Year

The start of the New Year is often a time to reflect on the past year and refocus on what you want for yourself in the year to come. Whether or not you make New Year’s resolutions, here are a few tips to help you reset and boost your motivation.

1. Take time to focus on yourself

Honor your body and listen to what it needs. Slow down and find time to rest and reset. Drink water, find healthier eating habits you love, and get enough sleep to allow your body to heal and recharge for the next day. Prioritize yourself along with the people, projects, and activities that matter most. Then take time to notice what you are doing well and enjoy moments in life as they are happening. Stop and celebrate the positives in a given situation or day.

2. Involve yourself in activities you enjoy

When it comes to activities and physical fitness, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Take the time to try new activities to find what fits best for you and where you are this year. Focus on your strengths. Invite a friend to try new activities with you, whether it may be traveling, volunteering, trying a new physical activity, exploring new hobbies, or joining a book club. Once you find an activity you love, embrace the unexpected joy that may come from repeat experiences.

3. Write down your goals

Be specific and realistic about what you can accomplish. Start small, with a daily intention each morning that feels manageable and motivating. Then set small goals that are more easily attainable and can be accomplished in a reasonable timeframe. Finally, add in some long-term stretch goals that will help you to push yourself. Consider sharing your goals with your family and friends or finding ways to involve them in some of your goals. This may help you to feel more accountable in achieving these goals. Then celebrate your achievements by planning small rewards for when you reach your goals.

4. Give yourself time

New routines don’t just become habits overnight. On average, it takes 66 days to form a new habit.¹ This means you need to be patient with yourself and give yourself time. If you miss a few days, it doesn’t mean it will impact the habit-forming process. Just keep working at your goal and eventually, it can become second nature.

Whatever you do, take the time to focus on and celebrate you. We wish you a happy start to the New Year.

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