10 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for the New Year

We’re still snuggled up at the cabin but I wanted to pop in quickly today to share 10 things you can do now to prepare for the New Year.

I know this week can be a hectic one as we all tie up loose ends.

But I’m hoping you’ll have a few moments to dream about all the exciting things coming your way in 2022!

I don’t know about you but just thinking about having an entire year of fresh starts makes me super excited.

Here are a few things you can do now to get ready for the New Year…

Confirm Plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

One of the easiest ways to prepare for the New Year is to confirm your plans now. That way, it will give you something to look forward to especially if you’re bummed Christmas is over.

I love to hear how people ring in the New Year because there are so many different ways to celebrate from parties in Times Square to quiet dinners at home.

Choose a Word of the Year

Each year almost everyone in my family chooses a special word that helps to keep them motivated. I know so many of you choose a word too.

It doesn’t have to be anything big or elaborate just a word that is meaningful for you. In fact, you don’t have to choose a single word. You can choose a word for every quarter of the year if you like!

The easiest way to stay motivated throughout the year is to keep your word front and center. Consider featuring it as your screensaver, create a vision or Pinterest board, hang a sign around your home, or have a bracelet inscribed with your word of the year.

If you feel stuck trying to decide what your word should be, you can read last year’s Word of the Year post here.

Find a Calendar System You’ll Actually Use

Another easy way to prepare for the New Year is to find a calendar system you’ll actually use!

I’m definitely a pen and paper calendar kind of girl so I’m positively giddy when I get to pick a new calendar out each year.

There are a TON of different options out there though which can feel overwhelming at times.

The truth is even if you buy the prettiest calendar you can find, but it doesn’t meet all of your needs, it’s pretty useless.

Finding a calendar system that works for you may take a little time. The effort is totally worth it because, in the end, it will keep you organized and efficient all year.

Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals will help you be clear on what you actually want, it will provide motivation, it will help you stop procrastinating and it will give you a reason to celebrate your progress throughout the year.

They can be home goals, business goals, health, and weight loss goals, or personal goals. The simple act of writing them down and making your goals visible will be a clear and constant reminder of what you want to achieve this year.

It’s another super simple way to prepare now for the New Year!

Make a Plan for Your Goals 

Writing your goals down is just the first step. You need to create a solid plan of action to reach those goals too!

Your plan needs to be clear, concise, and include measurable, achievable, action-oriented steps on how you will work toward each goal.

The steps should also include a deadline to help keep you accountable and on track, so you can reach the long-term vision you have for your future.

Be sure to keep your plan of action doable by making each task bite-size! It’s so much easier to stay motivated and avoid being overwhelmed that way.

Start Practicing Your Morning and Nightly Routines

If you want to start a morning or night routine now is a great time to start practicing!

Most people who set a goal for the New Year are already off the wagon by week 2 or 3. By starting now you’ll already be ahead of the game as you prepare for the New Year.

You’ll also have time to work out any kinks in your system because you’ll know what is working well and what things you need to let go of.

Kickstart a Healthy Meal Plan

I don’t know about you but it’s way too easy for me to enjoy holiday goodies guilt-free. I’ve definitely indulged a lot more than I thought I would and it’s actually been happening since Thanksgiving!

That said, I don’t wait until January 1^st to start eating healthy. My plan is to get back on track and start meal planning healthy options today.

Bonus, we don’t have to decide, “What’s for dinner?” each week because we’ll be prepared.

If you struggle with planning your meals, check out our simple meal planning solution here.

Commit to a Workout Schedule 

No matter if you’re in the midst of training for another 15K or just want your body to feel stronger commit to a workout schedule now.

Is it hard?

Yeah, sometimes I just want to eat donuts and hang in the mornings drinking my coffee scrolling through Insta. But I feel a million times better after those first 2 miles are finished and I know you will feel better once you commit to a workout schedule too.

Get a Cleaning Schedule that Serves Your Needs 

Cleaning schedules are kind of like clothes – one size fits doesn’t fit all.

If you feel overwhelmed just by saying the words, “I’m going to clean the house today,” consider doing a little bit each day like bathrooms on Mondays, floors on Tuesdays, laundry on Wednesdays…you get the idea.

On the other hand, if knowing you have to clean every day even for just a few minutes gives you sweaty palms, set aside one day each week to tidy your home.

No matter what system you choose, the best thing you can do for yourself and your home is to be consistent so start preparing now for the New Year!

Start a Victory or Gratitude Journal 

I’ve heard SO many people say this year was such a hard year and we can definitely relate.

It would be super easy to get stuck in the, “I can’t believe this happened to me” and the, “Why me’s?” but you guys, we cannot let ourselves get stuck in that mindset.

Let’s all start off the New Year with a mindset of victory and kick defeat to the curb, ok?

The simple act of writing down even one thing you’re grateful for or feel victorious about each day will set you on your way to living a life with meaning and purpose.

I hope these ideas have helped! Let us know what you’re doing now to prepare for the New Year! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo