4 Ways to Reset at the Beginning of a New Year

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The new year is here, and you still wonder if you have given your best to close out last year. But if you want some advice, don’t think about last year. Don’t think about all the things you didn’t do. It is better to think about how you can start your new year off right. And it’s never too late to start!

» » » » » » » » » » » » »  RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Guide to January  « « « « « « « « « « « « «

In the new year, I try not to give in to the fad of sudden motivation. It takes time. It takes effort. And it takes some planning to begin a new routine. Here are four main things I always do at the beginning of the year that help me feel refreshed and organized.

Declutter the House

Because we just opened so many new gifts from the holidays, it’s time to declutter areas of the home to make room for the new items. This is my absolute favorite because the house has more flow and you know where everything is again.

I like to start in the master bedroom closet–getting rid of the older clothes that I keep telling myself I will fit into again. Then my dressers and bedside table. Next, moving into the bathrooms. Throwing away old products that are shoved in the back. Next, the kid’s bedrooms. I tackle the closet, toy chest, and dressers. And even though my kids want to keep certain items, in the end, they enjoy their new clean bedrooms. Next, the kitchen. Cleaning out the fridge and kitchen cabinets. And finally, I enjoy moving the living room around. Again, I like a newly refreshed home.

Reconcile My Budget Book

I began my budget book last year in January but stopped around October. I wanted to finish my budget book because it would give more insight into my spending for each month and then the whole year. This is also a boost for me to think about my financial savings for the new year. And starting this year, I plan to save up for a family vacation. And of course I like to save for those just-in-case situations.

Four Ways to Reset at the Beginning of a New YearCreating Time for Self-Care

As a mom, full-time college student, and employee, the beginning of the new year feels like a lot of “work.”  But right now, I believe self-care is what gives me grace. Having the stress of the holidays and making sure everyone is happy can become too much as a mama. But you get it done no matter what! So, at the beginning of each year, I take time for myself. This doesn’t include manicures or pedicures. For me, it includes washing and cleaning out my car, curling my hair just because, baking because I didn’t do any during the holidays, and spending time with my kids by playing with their new gifts from Christmas.

Starting Small on My Goals

As the new year begins, we all think about our resolutions and new year goals. As I too wish I could join the gym or go out and have fun with friends, I keep my goals small and doable. Starting with drinking more water, taking more daily steps, and making time to exercise every day.

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I also realize that not every day will be the same. And just because I don’t meet my goal for the day, I can’t give up. I write my goals in a notebook on my bedside table. This works for me, but it may not work for anyone else. I take it day by day. Creating small habits is my daily goal.

With these four new year routines for myself, I can seize each day and plan for tomorrow. But also, I remind myself to take breaks and give myself grace for what I have accomplished and plan to achieve next.

And remember, it’s never too late to start.



The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.