Self Improvement

5 Ways To Prepare For The New Year

posted on December 26, 2017 | by Sam Brown

During the last few weeks of the year, we’re usually focused on what’s to come – all the new habits we’re going to create and the goals we’re going to achieve and the workouts we’re going to do in the new year. But I always find that doing a few simple things to prepare myself for the new year gets me off to a better start! So below I’ve created a list of 5 ways that you can prep for the new year. I hope you find it helpful!

1. Create a list of your accomplishments

It’s human nature to always have your sights set on what’s next, but if you don’t appreciate what you’ve done then you’ll never appreciate what you do! Create a list of all of your accomplishments from the past year, big and small. Really take your time here. Think through each month and list everything out. If needed, have a look through your planner or social media to see what you were up to each month.

2. Create a list of the biggest lessons you’ve learned

A great way to prepare for the new year is to create a list of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from the year that’s been. Think back on the year and create a list of all of the lessons you want to take with you into the new year. Again, look at your planner or social media accounts to refresh your memory if needed! And make sure that you don’t create any lessons that will tempt you to hold yourself back or keep yourself small. You can make anything of the year that you want – make sure it will serve you!

3. Book outstanding appointments

If there are any appointments you’ve been procrastinating on (like a car service, doctor’s check up or dentist visit) now is the time to make them so they’ll definitely happen in the new year. Don’t let outstanding appointments keep hanging over you! Figure out when you can do them and book them in. Also accept there might never be a ‘good time’ to go, you might just need to bite the bullet and be inconvenienced for a day. But it’ll be worth it! And if you struggle to follow through with your plans, make sure you read my post about the real reasons you can’t stick to your planner).

4. Clean out your wardrobe

Set a day aside to declutter your wardrobe. Take every item out of your wardrobe, give it a good clean or turn right, and only put back the things you love wearing or have a practical purpose. Store seasonal clothes. Donate and sell the rest! And if you need some inspiration, you can watch me clean out my wardrobe here.

Warning: Don’t leave yourself with so few clothes that you feel the need to rush out and buy new ones, as impulse purchases will likely leave you feeling dissatisfied in the long run. If you’ve fallen out of love with your current selection, identify the pieces you want to replace, do your research and replace them when you have the money. Lately, I’ve been loving this blog to help me find my personal style and create a wardrobe I’ll love.

5. Upgrade your surroundings

Sometimes we’re not very practical and we forgo spending money on the things we use daily to buy something pretty we’ll only use every once in awhile. Take a look at the things you see and use on a daily basis and replace them if needed. Simple things like a new pillow, a desk plant, a comfortable desk chair, pretty underwear or a decent hairdryer can have a huge impact on how you feel about your life!

What will you be doing to prep for the new year? Let me know in the comments!

And just so you know, I write more blog posts like this on my blog Smart Twenties.