Welcome to 2023! It’s not only a brand new year, fresh out of the box but it’s also the 5th anniversary of my blog and my brand. Wow, that feels so surreal to say. I can’t believe how far I’ve come and how much I’ve achieved in that time.
I feel the journey is only just beginning and there is still so much I want to do. I find that every year, rather than making strict New Year’s resolutions, I make a list of things I would like to achieve and work from that.
Some of it pans out and some of it, naturally, doesn’t. But I find having a foundation to work from is a good place to start.
So here we go, here’s 9 ways to make 2023 a successful year.
SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF
Having something to work towards can be a great source of motivation and excitement. Set specific, achievable goals. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish in the year.
Make a list of your goals and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
I’ve written down some personal and professional goals, which I won’t share but the list enabled me to gain a clear focus on the future.
BE FLEXIBLE
While it’s important to have a plan, be prepared for the unexpected. Be open to adjusting your plan as needed and be willing to adapt to changes in your circumstances.
Sometimes I can be really hard on myself. I’m sure you are too. But I will keep reminding myself that it’s OK if things go off track. Just tweak the plan to suit but never take your eye off the prize.
GET ORGANISED
Starting the new year with a clean and organised space can help you feel energised and ready to tackle the year ahead.
Consider decluttering your home or office and creating a system to keep things in order. I’ve already worked on this over the Christmas break.
GET ACTIVE
Exercise boosts mood and energy levels, so consider starting a new fitness routine or trying a new type of physical activity.
I have been working out on and off for a few years but I’ve never kept going at it consistently. I achieve my goals in the short-term and then a busy life takes over. And then, as I’ve said above, I beat myself up over it.
So this year, I plan to create a regime that will work all year around without seeming like an unachievable chore.
TRAVEL
Exploring new places and trying new things can be a great way to feel excited and alive. Consider planning a trip or even just a day trip to a nearby destination.
I’m lucky to have been able to travel abroad five times last year, both with friends and with family. And of course, I had the press trip to Antalya too.
I hope to travel just as much this year because I love discovering new places. There are so many destinations on my bucket list that I just haven’t seen. Some of these are in the UK too, so it’s not always about overseas travel.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Whether it’s a new hobby, a language, or a skill, learning something new can be a great way to feel excited and engaged.
I plan to take an art class with my friends in the spring. It was actually a birthday gift from a loved one. I’m not a painter at all but I’m excited to try something new and out of my comfort zone.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
This is such an important one for me. Being around people who lift you up and support you can be a great source of joy and inspiration.
Consider building or strengthening relationships with positive and supportive individuals. Stay away from people who drain your energy or force you to have negative thoughts.
If they’re not adding joy to your life, then move on. You can read more about this in a previous post about managing relationships.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Focusing on the things that you’re grateful for can help you to feel more positive and excited about the future.
Consider starting a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to think about the things that you’re thankful for. My kids bought me the Daily Journal by Vex King and Kaushal for Christmas.
It has daily gratitude and positive affirmations, therapy-led exercises, monthly self-reflections and mind, body and spirit check-ins.
I plan to use it every day and am excited to start it for the first time today.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is important for feeling your best. Consider setting aside time for self-care activities such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, I went for daily walks, even just for half-an-hour. It always helped to clear my mind and just get some fresh air. I let that routine slide last year but I plan to get back on track with my walks in 2023.
I have regular massages and have lots of me-time, which I schedule into my hectic life. That will continue, as I always feel so much better for it.
But it isn’t just about treatments. It’s more important to look after your mental health. Take some down time, check in with yourself. As I said before, journaling is a good way to keep in touch with your feelings.
Put your phone away for longer periods. Focus on getting better sleep, stay hydrated, eat regularly. These are all small but such important steps for self-care.
So there you go; how you can make 2023 a successful year. Wishing you all heaps of luck and good vibes. Here’s to a happy and healthy year!
While you’re here, why not check out my post on positive words to help improve your day.
