3 Steps to a Happier New Year

Not a fan of traditional resolutions? Use this simple exercise to kick off the year.

One year ago, I revealed my biggest issue with making New Year's resolutions. Didn't read it? No problem. Here's the recap: I don't make them because I generally don't follow through. Sure, I'll start off strong in January. But by the time Valentine's Day rolls around, I'm back to old habits.

Last year, I threw traditional resolution-setting out the window and came up with a theme to re-invigorate my life. I broke myself out of a rut, started blogging, carved out more time for family and friends, took my first real vacation in years, began playing piano again, and after years of waiting around to finish school, I finally graduated. Did I cross off every item from my list? No, of course not. But overall, I'm very happy with where I landed.

As the year came to a close, I began contemplating how to carry that momentum into 2018. I didn't have to look very far for an answer. I was talking to a friend, who mentioned she had made a list of everything she would keep, ditch, and try in the coming year. I immediately knew it was something I had to do, and really liked the idea for three main reasons.

Give Yourself Options

First, I find that giving myself options is a great way to keep working toward my goals when I'm exhausted or stressed out, or when I'm just feeling lazy. Making a list of choices, and including the really small stuff, keeps up the momentum of success. Instead of feeling locked into a single, rigid purpose, I feel empowered when I can make daily choices that adapt to the ebbs and flows of a busy schedule. By making a list, I can pick any item - big or small - and still feel good about making incremental progress toward my goal. I don't expect to conquer everything at once. Instead, it's all about the small successes, one 24-hour block at a time.

Focus on What Really Matters

The second reason I liked this exercise is because it brought focus to some of the key areas I want to concentrate on in the coming year. Physically writing down a list of things to keep in 2018 helped me identify, and feel good about, what is already going well - writing, music, a healthy diet, vacations. What a great place to start! - it really put me in the right head-space for thinking about the future and setting new goals. And I ended up with a few surprises while brainstorming. Turns out I really like catching an early movie on the weekends with my husband - it was a small win for 2017 that consistently brought a smile to my face.

Making a ditch list was another great idea because it helped me spot daily habits that are getting in the way of a happier and healthier life. I'll often stay up late at night because my free time feels so limited, but squeezing in those few extra hours of productivity come at a cost. I always feel exhausted and even more stressed out the next day. Then I usually find myself hitting a wall and crashing at some point during the week. I think the answer is simple, but counter-intuitive: do more by committing to less. I'm more productive and act with more purpose when I've got gas in the tank, so streamlining my life and focusing on self-care became obvious gaps that emerged from this exercise.

The final step, a list of things to try, is probably what we're most familiar with when it comes to setting New Year's resolutions. But by writing that list alongside the others, it was a much more holistic experience. I even came away with a new theme for 2018. Whereas 2017 was all about tying up old loose ends and finding new things to get excited about, my theme for 2018 is to live with more energy, intention and purpose.

Keep It Simple

The last reason I liked this exercise is that it's super simple. In three steps, I acknowledged past successes, identified roadblocks, and came up with a list of new things to try in the future. Within the time it took to finish a cup of coffee, I walked away with some insight and renewed inspiration. The list is short and sweet, and gives me some direction without feeling overwhelming. I call that a success already, and I honestly can't wait to get started.

Happy New Year!

#goals #motivation #inspiration #NewYear