UXL Blog

3…2…1…Happy New Year!

Are you ready? It’s hard to believe the New Year is only two days away, but here it comes, ready or not! In my experience, there are two types of people: those who make New Year’s resolutions, and those who view the New Year as just another day and don’t bother.

If you’ve tried, and failed, to make resolutions in the past, I can understand the inclination to avoid making another resolution. It feels a little false—just another promise you’re not prepared to keep. However, I don’t think it has to be that way.

Instead of obsessing over resolutions, reframe your thinking about the New Year. Think of this time of year as a clean slate, a fresh start. There is power in that symbolism. If you see yourself at the beginning of something new, you tend to feel energized and refreshed. True, no one has waved a magic wand and fixed all your problems, but there is still something empowering about stepping into the New Year. It’s a time that feels ripe with possibilities. You have 365 days ahead of you this year—365 chances to make a difference.

When thinking about the New Year as a clean slate, you might inevitably make resolutions. BUT you don’t necessarily have to think of them as promises. Instead, think of them as ways to put your best foot forward, to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Be kind to yourself and ease into any changes you make. Understand that you’re not perfect and that you will likely not always put your best foot forward, and that’s okay!

Too often, people fall off the resolutions wagon because they set expectations that are much too lofty. Instead, try incremental change. Visualize where you’d like to go and then make a plan to get there. Instead of planning for the entire year, try making a three-month plan. Taking small steps is much more sustainable than giant leaps.

You might also try looking at each quarter as a clean slate. If you don’t accomplish everything you wanted to get done in Q1, there’s always Q2. Reframe your goals, make a new plan, and try again! Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it, or call upon an accountability partner to keep you on track.

In sum: If resolutions are unappealing to you, try adopting a “clean slate mentality.” You might be amazed by how energized and empowered you feel.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.

Tags: clean slate mentality, keep your new years resolution, make your new years plan, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, new year resolutions 2022, planning for the new year, reframe new year thinking