Out With The Old… and Keep It Out!

a coffee cup on it's side spilling coffee beans on a plate set on a pink tabletop

When you wake up on the morning of January 1, how will you stick to your resolutions? New Year’s Day is the classic time for fresh starts and new beginnings, but many people get going with an enthusiasm that soon fizzles out.

A very common problem is that they’ve taken on one or more resolutions that are too tough to keep. By starting small, on the other hand, you’ll set yourself up for success. You won’t only have the new beginning that you desire, but you’ll be able to keep up the new routine throughout the year to come.

Small changes are more achievable than towering goals, and the good news is you can always add more! There are many areas in which we can first make the small changes to our lives.

Here are some simple but powerful ideas for making next year more successful and more rewarding.

Make Time for Yourself

Are you feeling stretched? It’s a common problem, especially after the holidays.

Pledge to make time for yourself this year, in whatever way works for you. That could mean having the courage to say no to the things that you don’t want to do, setting up a dream vacation, or signing up for a class that you’ve always wanted to take.

Treat yourself with some self-care in the new year – your body and mind will thank you.

Focus on Healthy Choices

We all have bad habits that affect our lives. Instead of making a proclamation that you’ll lose a certain number of pounds in the new year, try taking on smaller challenges that will create a healthier lifestyle overall.

For instance, it’s fairly easy to set a goal to spend a certain amount of time outside each day. You’ll get fresh air and exercise, without it feeling like a chore or obligation. You can also try walking to places to which you’d normally drive, or cutting back on sugar or caffeine.

girl doing yoga on a mat with the ocean view behind her

Instead of focusing on the numbers on a scale, you’ll find that you are becoming more healthy and active, without beating yourself up if your weight fluctuates.

Fix up Your Surroundings

People tend to lose focus when their environments are chaotic. A cluttered home makes it hard to accomplish meaningful goals during the year.

You do not need to overhaul your home. You can kick out the old and ring in the new without being overwhelmed.

Remove clutter to make room for items you genuinely enjoy and to highlight your favorite belongings. Donate used toys, clothing, and unwanted household items. This will clear up your spaces, which should in turn reduce your stress.

Donating through Pickup Please benefits America’s veterans and makes it incredibly easy to rid your home of clutter. We’ll gladly help you make a fresh start in the new year, giving you more space, peace of mind, and a great foundation for achieving your future goals.

Whether you are decluttering your home or stopping a bad habit, rid yourself of your ‘old’ in the New Year. And resist the temptation to let it back into your life!