Setting New Year Resolutions Without Guilt

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Let’s face it, the idea of New Year resolutions can feel a little cliché. Social Media wants us to believe traditions are corny now. Well, I’m here to say fuck social media babe. Do you. Here’s the thing, every year, a lot of us set these lofty goals, only for us to abandon them by February. But here’s the truth: there’s nothing wrong with wanting a fresh start at the top of the year. The symbolism of a new year offers a unique opportunity to reflect, reset, and realign your life with your intentions. Let’s stop rolling our eyes at resolutions and start embracing them with a more intentional approach.

Why Starting Over Matters

Life gets messy. Schedules fill up, priorities shift, money gets funny and sometimes we lose sight of the goals we set months ago. The New Year is a natural pause, a time to take heed of where you’ve been and where you’re headed. It’s like opening a new chapter in a book, with blank pages waiting for you to fill them with your story.

Instead of seeing resolutions as a trend, view them as a chance to recalibrate. There’s power in saying, “I’m ready to try again.” No shame, no guilt, just a fresh start.

Tips for Organizing Your Intentions

If you’re ready to approach your New Year’s resolutions with renewed energy, here are some tips to help you stay focused and organized:

1. Reflect Before You Plan

Take time to evaluate the past year. Focus on what worked and what didn’t. Be honest with yourself about your wins and lessons learned. Reflection creates a solid foundation for setting meaningful goals.

2. Set SMART Goals

I learned this method from my Business Management Professor. Make your resolutions Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” try, “I will work out three times a week for 30 minutes each session.” SMART goals give you clarity and direction.

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable steps. If your goal is to start a business, focus on one milestone at a time, like creating a business plan in January or setting up a website by March.

4. Refresh Your Schedule

Your daily routine plays a huge role in achieving your resolutions. Take a close look at your schedule and identify opportunities to make space for your goals. Consider:

  • Blocking out time for specific activities.
  • Streamlining tasks that take up unnecessary time.
  • Incorporating self-care to maintain balance.

5. Prioritize What Matters

Not all resolutions are created equal. Focus on goals that align with your values and bring you closer to the life you want. This might mean letting go of goals that sound good on paper but don’t resonate deeply with you.

6. Track Your Progress

Keep a journal, use an app, or create a vision board to monitor your journey. Regular check-ins help you stay accountable and celebrate small wins along the way. I stay re-evaluating myself… some may say I do it a little too much.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Resolutions aren’t about perfection. Life will throw curveballs, and that’s okay. If you stumble, pick yourself up and keep going. Progress, not perfection, is the ultimate goal.

Refreshing Your Priorities

A new year is also a great time to reimagine what truly matters. Here are a few ways to refresh your priorities:

  • Declutter Your Space: A clean and organized environment can do wonders for your mindset. I’ve been trying to tackle all of the rooms in my house before this week is over.
  • Reassess Relationships: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Remember what I say, protect your peace.
  • Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
  • Pursue Joy: Make time for hobbies and activities that light you up. Joy fuels motivation. This one’s big too. Don’t act too busy for your people, it’s not cute and shows lack of balance babe. Instead, surround yourself with the ones who move on a similar wave as you.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to wait for January 1st to start fresh, but if the New Year inspires you, lean into it. Give yourself permission to dream big, start small, and embrace the journey. Resolutions are just a tool, it’s the intention behind them that matters.

So, here’s to hitting restart, refreshing your schedule, and stepping into the New Year with clarity and confidence.

Xoxo, Drea


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