And just like that.. a new year has begun! New years seems like such a momentous occasion and ultimately it is no different to any other day. Yet the start of a new year brings hope for a lot of people. I’d love to hear how you saw in the start of 2025? Who doesn’t love the energy a new year brings? If I could pocket it and sell it, I’d be loaded! Whilst the new year can be a celebration, it can also be a bit daunting. So how do you make the most out of a new year? First things first, let’s make the most out of January by reflecting and planning! Here is the ultimate list of things to do in January for a successful new year!
Step One: Reflection
It’s a good idea to look back at what you invested your time in last year. What did you achieve or what were you proud of? What comes to mind? Because that is what you should continue in the new year! Continue things that better you and make you happy. Anything that doesn’t has got to go.
Make a list of all those good habits that you want to continue in 2025, along with those things that you didn’t enjoy, brought you down or made you stressed. Find ways to continue the positive things and ways to either avoid or change the negatives.
Step Two: Review Your Finances
Anyone else find spending money too easy? Because I do! It’s for that reason that I like to keep a close eye on how I spend my money. There’s no better time than at the start of a new year to look at your spending habits.
It sounds like a big task but the best way to look at your spending habits is to get a hold of your bank statements. You can directly access them from your bank or via your mobile/online banking apps. Separate all of your transactions in your bank statements into different categories. For example, bills, savings, food, holidays, clothes, day trips etc.. You can then total up exactly how much money you have spent over the last 12 months. The easiest way to produce this list is on excel, using a spreadsheet.
You might be shocked at how you’ve spent your money, but that’s not a bad thing! You can find areas where you can to make cutbacks. It might give you ideas on how you can save money. It’s the first step budgeting your money.
Step Three: Set Yourself New Goals
Once you’ve reflected on the past year, it’s time to evaluate what new goals you want to work towards. Cue New Year resolutions!
Unbelievably New Years Resolutions date back almost 4000 years, to the Ancient Babylonians. The Ancient Babylonians made their resolutions during a 12-day festival of Akitu. It was believed that the Gods favoured those that kept to their resolutions and it would lead to prosperity and good fortune. Obviously New Year Resolutions have evolved over the years, however the principle is the same. They are a great way to set yourself some new goals and can be as big or as small as you like.
If you’re struggling for some ideas then don’t worry I’ve got you covered. And more importantly, check out my blog post on how to actually stick to them.
Step Four: Create a Plan
Holding yourself accountable can be the toughest part. In the US, 44% of New Year Resolutions last only 2 to 3 months. In the UK, 17% of people give up within the first month.
I highly recommend finding ways to keep yourself motivated and accountable. That may include writing in a planner, weekly/monthly check-ins or working with someone (like having a gym partner). I’m currently using the productivity planner by Grace Beverley. This is a very comprehensive daily planner to keep you working towards mondain tasks and bigger goals.
Step Five: Organise and Clean
Who doesn’t love to feel on top, organised and ready to tackle the new year? Organising your home, mind and day-to-day life is one of the most important things to do in January.
There are two types of people; those who take their Christmas decorations down before the 1st of Jan or after. Which one are you? Don’t get me wrong I love seeing the decorations up, but there’s something really therapeutic about taking it all down and cleaning the house.
It’s time to make room for the new year, new adventures, new memories.. So it’s out with the old and in with the new. Take the time to take down your Christmas decorations, de-clutter your space, clear out your wardrobe, sort out your paperwork.
Go into the new year ready!
Step Six: Plan Activities To Look Forward To
There’s no wonder many people dread January! The festivities are over, the weather is very bleak and there’s a large credit card bill looming. January is also the month of Blue Monday– also known as the most depressing day of the year! That’s enough negativity from me though.. So what I want to ask is how can we avoid it?
Keeping yourself busy and having things to look forward to, has never been more important. I try to have at least one ‘feel-good’ activity per week throughout January. Sometimes my socialising efforts are quite depleted after the festive holidays, so here’s a mixture of activities to do solo or with your loved ones.
FINAL THOUGHTS..
Now it’s just time to get started.. The best thing we can all do is to look back, learn from our mistakes, continue our successes and keep growing. This year is no different. Now you’ve completed these six key things to do in January, it’s time to get motivated and make the most out of a new year. Keep telling yourself you can do it.
I wish you a happy and healthy 2025.
