Good morning friends how are you? Did you have a nice New Years celebration? We stayed home, made a delicious pasta dinner, then read for a few hours and were in bed before the stroke of midnight. The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning closets, organizing things and getting ready to start the year off right. The week between Christmas and New Years always seems to throw me off, does it you?

I know that a lot of people like to make resolutions or grand plans for the new year but today I wanted to share five small small ways to to start the year off right that will make a big impact on your day to day life.

5 Tips to Start the New Year Right

1. Do a self-review

Take a few minutes to think about the last year, what worked in your life, your job, your routine, etc. Were you able to find a work- life balance, were you eating well, getting the right amount of sleep, taking technology breaks, were you able to achieve the goals that you set for yourself last year?  If something worked for you then keep it in your routine, if something didn’t work but you want to give it another try think about how you can make it work for you and the way you life. Just as you are asked to do self-assessments at work be honest with yourself when you do one about your life.

You might find my recent post 25 Reflection Questions for the New Year Helpful when doing this.

2. Clean Up and Clean out

It is always nice to start with a clean slate so why not start a new year by clearing out the things you no longer use? Check your closets for clothes, shoes, coats, and bags that you no longer wear or like and donate them. Clear out your desk and files of old bills and paperwork. Look through your bookcase and cabinets and do the same. We all have extraneous items just “taking up space” in our homes and this clutter can weigh you down so take the time to get rid of it. The good news is that you can donate it and give it to others that are less fortunate.

3. Set SMART Goals

Of course you can set goals for yourself anytime but the start of a new year is traditionally the time  that people decide to make a new list of things they want to do, attain, and accomplish. Make sure that your goals are:

Specific: Well defined,  and clear and unambiguous.

Measurable: With specific criteria that measures your progress towards the accomplishment of the goal.

Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve.

Realistic: Within reach, and realistic.

Timely: With a defined start and target date.

All of these qualities help make a goal easier for you to accomplish, and help you to set your self up for success!

4. Put Yourself At The Top of The List

Take care of your health, both physical and mental. See your doctor for check-ups, and make sure to get your yearly wellness exams and recommended tests, especially as you age.

Get enough sleep, a minimum of 8 hours a day.

Eat the colors of the rainbow.

Drink water, start and end the day with a glass. Most people do not get enough water and it is important for your health, and helps your skin look better too.

Move your body every day. You can walk, do yoga, run whatever you like and know that you will stick to is the best exercise that you can do.

5. Personal Development and Gratitude

Personal development is personal growth, and self-improvement, it helps you to attain your goals. It is as simple as learning a new skill, listening to a podcast, taking a class or reading a book and it is something that  should be done every day.

Gratitude: Develop and attitude of gratitude and you will feel happier, more positive and grateful for the people and things that matter most in life.

There are many tips and ways to start the New Year off on the right foot these are just 5 of the ones that I am using.

What tips, habits and ways will you be using to start the year off?

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Have a great day friends and a great start to the new year.

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