Let’s look back at 2018 with the warmest of memories and embrace 2019 with open arms. Happy New Year.
Over the past two weeks, I have taken a break from producing all kinds of content and enjoyed the festive season with family and friends. Now I’m back from my break, back to work and slipping back into training, and I feel refreshed. Though after a relaxing break, it can be difficult to start the year off a bang.
Something that I am known for is my drive and placing high standards in everything that I do, so finding motivation has never been a problem for me. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for everybody. I’ve been wracking my brain how I would start the first post of the year. I could have gone for the cliché ‘set your goals’, ‘leave something behind in 2018’ posts that have probably saturated your social media feeds these last few days (guilty as charged), but I wanted to provide you with something meaningful.
Initially I had planned to write my blog posts for the first two weeks of January during my last working week. That was not realistic planning at all on my part. If you have made it this far, thank you. Here I am typing away during my last day before work starts up again with methods I believe that will help you start 2019 the best way that you can.
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Don’t Give Yourself Too Much To Do At Once
When I was writing down my intentions for the year, I had to stop myself from writing lists and lists of intentions. I realised that I was setting myself up for failure. I use the word ‘intentions’ strongly as I believe that using the word ‘resolutions’ does not initiate an action. By writing down my ‘intentions’, I know that these are things that I intend to achieve by the end of the year. How am I going to do that? By working at the each of the goals every day or every week.
Whenever you write out your goals for the year, the month or even the day, I recommend being realistic and prioritising each of the necessary steps.
2. Support
Do you feel alone in the pursuit towards the planning of the year? Trust me, you are not the only one. Having a support system, talking to a friend, and even voicing out your struggles can make a huge difference. I share my struggles in life, my victories, my concerns with close friends, my coach, and my Instagram platform. Someone else is probably going through or has been through a similar situation. This helps me to plan the next steps to move on and it will definitely help you start out your year stronger.
3. Appreciate The Small Things
Focusing on accomplishing the big victories are always amazing and empowering but it’s the little things that add up to those accomplishments. One way that I do this is by journaling. Each night before I go to bed, I write down three things that I am grateful for, a highlight, and lastly, three affirmations from that day. I spend no more than 15 minutes a night doing this. I find that it keeps me grounded and aware of small things that I would usually ignore.
4. Embrace Self-Care
Being productive all the time is the latest hype. When you work yourself too hard and for too long, you’ll feel burned out, frustrated and that you have failed (which you haven’t). Learn to take time for yourself and take care of your well-being. Plan a couple of hours to a day a week where you pamper yourself. Make a cup of tea, watch a movie, get a manicure and/or a pedicure (men you too), read a book, take a nap. When you are ready, start up again with renewed energy.
It’s worth investing in these four ways to start your year off with a bang!
Until next time,
Folakemi Olamide 💓
