New Year, Same Me
If I had to guess, your inbox and social feeds are already shouting the same thing-
“2025 Reset!”
“New Year, New You!”
Blah, blah, blah…Fuck. Off.
It’s like the whole world collectively decided that January is the time to finally get our shit together—as if flipping the calendar is some kind of magic wand for whatever didn’t happen last year.
But let’s be honest, we’re friends here…does anyone actually wake up on January 1st with their life sorted and a foolproof plan to conquer the year? (Seriously though, if that’s you- teach me your ways!)
For me, January is less about diving headfirst into big, bold changes and more about catching my breath.
After the chaos of the holidays, I’m usually in full-on hibernation mode—thick socks, cozy blankets, and an “I’ll start tomorrow” mindset.
Instead of piling on pressure to overhaul my life, I’ve learned to treat January as a season of quiet reflection and gentle prep. Think of it as stretching before the big game—we’re teeing things up for what’s to come.
So, if you’re raring to go and riding that January motivation wave, go for it!
But if you’re not with the shits, take a deep breath and relax, babes.
You’re not behind, and you’re definitely not alone.
Here are a few things I try to do in January to gently ease into the changes I want to make for the year ahead—no pressure, just the energy of intention and clarity.
1. Check In With Yourself
As the new year begins, take a moment to step back and really check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Excited? Anxious? Maybe you’re checked out?
Whatever it is, give yourself the space to acknowledge it. You don’t have to have all the answers right now—just tune into where you’re at.
Perhaps you know exactly why you’re feeling this way, or maybe it’s one big question mark. Either way, you don’t need to fix it or force anything.
Right now, it’s simply about noticing your current energy and asking yourself: Is this the vibe I want to carry forward?
If the answer is no, and you’re not ready for major action just yet, that’s okay. Start small.
Think about the easy wins—those little things that make you feel just a bit better in the moment.
For me, I’m floating between two extremes right now.
Some days I feel like I’m on the brink of a breakthrough, like everything is finally falling into place. And then there are days where I’m stuck in the “why bother?” spiral, convinced I don’t have what it takes to make my dreams happen.
Sound familiar?
When I’m in that funk, small acts of self-care and attention go a long way. Painting my nails in a bold, beautiful color. Throwing on a jacket that makes me feel sharp and confident. Styling my hair, even if I’m not leaving the house.
These little things remind me that I can feel good, even when my brain says otherwise.
And, of course, food is my love language. Cooking myself a comforting, home-cooked meal (or treating myself to something special) always lifts my spirits.
Find your “thing”—whether it’s music, movement, a favorite outfit, or a ritual you love—and lean into it. Do it a lot. Because sometimes, those little joys are exactly what you need to start shifting the energy in your favor.
2. Take Inventory of Your Space and Habits
It’s also good to check in on your home and your daily routines.
Are there things in your space or habits in your life that aren’t pulling their weight? Maybe it’s a cluttered countertop, that neglected gadget gathering dust, or a routine that feels more draining than supportive.
This is your chance to realign. Keep what works, let go of what doesn’t, and start 2025 with a clear head and a space that feels functional and fresh.
3. Find Some Quiet Time for Reflection
Take 15 minutes to sit with your thoughts—no distractions, no to-do lists, just a moment to breathe and focus. Ask yourself- How do I want my home and life to feel in the new year? Energized? Calm? Inviting?
Let those answers guide you as you set your priorities for 2025. The clearer you are on how you want to live, the easier it is to create a space and lifestyle that supports it.
4. Invest in What Makes Life Easier
I used to get really annoyed when a boss would say, “Work smarter, not harder.” It felt like a backhanded way of saying I was an idiot.
But, as much as I hate to admit it, they weren’t wrong.
So, let’s take a closer look at the tools, systems, and setups in your home and life. Could upgrading your storage, meal prep tools, or kitchen organization save you time and stress?
Maybe it’s finally investing in that knife set you’ve been eyeing or tackling a pantry overhaul to make cooking feel less chaotic. Or perhaps it’s time to rethink some processes in your daily routine to make life—and work—a little easier.
The goal isn’t to have all the answers right now. We’re just channeling our inner Nancy Drew, looking for clues about what we could shift or improve in 2025. Small changes can lead to big results, so take your time and let the ideas simmer.
5. Set Your Standards and Vision for 2025
What are you leaving behind in 2024? Maybe it’s clutter, toxic people, unnecessary stress, or that chair that’s seen better days.
Now flip the script- What do you want to call into your home and life next year? Write down what you want to surround yourself with—whether it’s more time in nature, finding friends you actually like, or spaces that make you feel inspired. A little clarity now will make it easier to make intentional choices all year long.
6. Reflect on the Wins (Big and Small)
Take a moment to reflect on the progress you made last year. Maybe you finally tackled that pantry organization, started a project you’ve been putting off, or created a better flow in your kitchen. Maybe you finally finished reading Dune or found a few new go-to recipes that made dinner so much easier.
Whatever it is, celebrate those wins!
Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth acknowledging. Every step forward counts, no matter how small it might seem.
Snapping a quick “before and after” photo, jotting down what worked for you, or just taking a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating—and a great reminder that you’re always moving in the right direction.
🎊Bonus: Toast to a Fresh Start and Give Yourself Room to Grow
Give yourself credit for showing up for you.
Light a candle, make your favorite snack, go out with the girls, or watch that stupid movie that you secretly love. And remember, that nothing is set in stone- give yourself room to change, grow, and discover what you really want out of this new year. And when you’re ready, 2025 is all yours…
Here’s to giving it another go at making it the best year yet🥂
