They say time is an illusion. Well, it’s actually not merely a hearsay, as it has been proven numerous times. Yet, every time, we never fail to welcome the new year brimming with ambitions and visions of success dance in our minds. We even ask ourselves: How do we start the new year right?

Even if you’re not a huge believer of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’, there’s something universally compelling about this time of year. It’s not just about a date on the calendar; it’s about the prospect of transformation and growth.

Indeed, the beginning of 2024 impels us to have a fresh start; a new year done right.

No matter the season or your age, there’s an art to making every day count. So, if you’re ready to skyrocket your personal development, here’s a list of what to do at the beginning of the year. 

1. Set intentions

Set your intentions for this year, and the ways to achieve them. 

So many goals come to mind once we think about what we want to do at the beginning of the year. With so many ideas and aspirations, crafting a vision board or a to-do list becomes instrumental in organizing and refining our seemingly boundless pursuits.

Consequently, to transform these aspirations into reality, it’s essential to devise a strategic plan. This could be as simple as establishing a morning routine or constructing a daily/weekly planner delineating the little steps or changes to incorporate into our lifestyle.

Tip: We often overestimate our capacity, leading to an overwhelming list of tasks. Consider reducing your to-do list by half; this can prevent the discouragement caused by unmet goals.

Consistency in pursuing these small steps is the key to attaining significant milestones. Before we know it, by the year’s end, we might have effortlessly checked off everything on our list without even realizing it.

ALSO READ: WHATALIFE! LIFESTYLE GUIDE ARTICLES

2. Make space

Make space and get rid of things that no longer serve you. 

If you’ve hesitated and haven’t completely decluttered or left behind everything you were supposed to from last year or the past few years, consider this a persistent reminder to do so. The baggage we carry might have felt like a part of us, but that’s all they are—baggage. Undeniably, it is best to start the year right without carrying mistakes of the past.

Ultimately, if your commitment lies in meeting the next level of yourself in the coming years, it’s time to let go of those things. Chances are, they let go of you long ago and aren’t holding you back as much as you believe.

Staying in a place where you’re not reciprocated is painful. It’s far better to reside where you feel loved and appreciated. However, you’ll never reach that place if you carry your baggage with you—old habits, thoughts, mindsets, relationships, everything. Initially, change can be daunting, but once you embrace that change is the only constant in this world, life becomes lighter.

Reminder: Transformation and growth won’t occur if you remain in the same place for years. It’s essential to acknowledge that change is inevitable for progress.

3. Move

Whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, movement holds great importance.

Studies consistently demonstrate the benefits of exercise or dance on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a well-established fact that engaging in physical activities like exercise or dance contributes to improved cognitive abilities and cardiovascular health. Moreover, it acts as a mood booster and fosters social interaction.

Consider integrating movement into your daily routine; it’s a way to stretch those muscles and sway to lively tunes, ensuring better blood circulation. Besides, it’s a far better way to start the year moving, rather than rotting in bed (we’ve all been guilty of that).

4. Cultivate a new habit that enhances your lifestyle

A new habit doesn’t have to be extravagant.

It can be as simple as aiming to read a few books, eliminating one unhealthy item from your diet, reducing your screen time on social media, or making a habit of being kinder to the people around you.

Such a small change can foster a wealth of positivity among those around you. In more ways than one, and often without your awareness, you might not only be improving your life but also enhancing the lives of others. And hopefully, this new thing you do at the beginning of the year will be something you choose to do all throughout the year.

5. Cultivate your Peace

Love yourself more than you love the drama. 

Prioritizing your peace over overindulging in emotions isn’t about dismissing or invalidating your feelings. Instead, it’s about recognizing that you have the power to control your emotions rather than letting them control you.

Emotions aren’t permanent, even though in the moment, they may feel eternal. The truth is, they’re fleeting. It’s concerning how often we allow our decisions to be swayed by emotions that are often unreliable. To navigate our emotions healthily, we must acknowledge, observe, and learn from them.

Through this process, we elevate ourselves in every situation we encounter, but the most significant reward isn’t just that. It’s the ability to actively choose our peace. Peace transcends mere happiness; it’s consciously loving yourself above all else.

In essence, the start of a new year offers us the chance to approach things right and in the best possible way. Here’s to living the life we truly deserve in this new year!

Sources: (1)

---

Also Read: Chinese Zodiac Predictions for the Year 2024