I bet your inbox is full of emails telling you to set new goals, try new things and hit the ground running as we enter 2024. No, I am not psychic, I know that because mine is too. But I am here to tell you that you that January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions.
You don’t have to believe all the hype or be in a rush to achieve your 2024 goals in January!
Underneath it all, humans are primal creatures, and for many of us, this dark winter month is the time we want to curl up and forget about starting anew.
And that is perfectly okay.
I sincerely believe that January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions.
And this is why…
I am sure, that like me, you have been running around like a headless chicken throughout December.
The festive season, with all its indulgences, parties, presents, and family gatherings can be exhausting!
Whatever makes us think that we can just switch off and gear up for the new year overnight from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day?
Why do we put this pressure on ourselves?
Many resolutions fail simply because people try too hard to start them at the beginning of a new year, but January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions.
The cold temperatures, dark mornings and evenings, and stormy weather (and boy, have we had some storms this month!), make us feel tired, craving warmth and our creature comforts.
However, if you change your focus slightly to reflect on the previous year’s achievements, giving yourself time to celebrate your successes while resting and recharging, you will be ready to forge ahead once February hits and there is a hint of spring in the air!
If you are feeling run down, worn out and singularly lacking in inspiration this month, please don’t be too hard on yourself!
January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions but is the perfect time to reflect, rest and replenish, building up those crucial mental and physical energy reserves for the challenges ahead.
January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions
I treat January as a transition period.
A time when I try to let go of the demands and social whirlwind of the festive period.
A time to reflect, take stock, rest, recharge and replenish my physical and mental energy.
I thought I would put together a list of some of the things I like to do in January, so I feel ready to set my SMART goals for Spero Solutions and identify areas where I can improve my online business manager service for clients.
This means that as February arrives, I have the resolve, commitment and renewed energy to take Spero Solutions online business manager service to even greater heights, helping more business owners than ever to realise their dreams.
Have you tried a digital detox?
Consider taking a break from social media or excessive screen time.
Sometimes it is a good idea to just switch off from all the ‘noise’ and create some headspace for more meaningful activities, such as spending time with loved ones, walking the dog or picking up that reading matter that you just haven’t had time for these last few months!
Not only that, scientists tell us that ‘bluescreen’ light is not good for restful sleep, and this time of year is when we really need to get some quality sleep. (In fact, I am going to contradict myself here and say that January is the perfect time to try to establish a good sleep routine!)
Outdoor activities
Whether it is walking the dog, getting off the bus one stop early, visiting a local park or going for a mountain hike, breathing in some fresh air and taking in local countryside views (if you have them), is very restorative.
Being outside on those cold sunny days also helps to boost our vitamin D intake.
According to the NHS, we should be able to make all the vitamin D we need from sunlight from late March to the end of September, but for the rest of the year, they recommend taking vitamin D supplements.
So, it is important to top it up when the weather allows!
Mindfulness/meditation/journaling
We also need to take care of our mental wellbeing.
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we forget that our minds need replenishing, too.
Running your own business can feel overwhelming so as well as getting practical help from a Spero Solutions online business manager, it is a good idea to practise mindfulness or some form of mediation to put an end to the constant whirr of thoughts in your head.
Journaling thoughts and feelings can also help, calming the mind and bringing clarity while helping to identify damaging patterns of thought or behaviour.
A gratitude journal is a good way of acknowledging and appreciating the positive and rewarding parts of your life and realising what really matters.
You could even treat yourself (and a loved one!) to a spa day to restore both mind and body at the same time.
Learning/creativity
I did mention earlier that this time of year is a good time to take a look at the pile of books on the bedside table that you just haven’t got around to yet.
Learning something new can be mentally stimulating and give you a fresh perspective.
Alternatively, try doing something creative.
There are evening classes for all kinds of things, or you could write, draw, paint, craft, or even play a musical instrument.
Having something different to focus on will bring new clarity to thoughts and plans for your business for the year ahead.
I hope that this blog has helped you to realise that you don’t have to do it all, and certainly not do it all in January!
Business owners can feel under too much pressure to hit the ground running as the new year starts, and this can lead to burnout (as detailed in my last blog post, ‘Why a small business annual review is necessary’.)
Believe me, January is not the best time for New Year’s Resolutions! However, when you have taken stock, rested body and mind and are ready to formulate plans for the rest of the year, why not contact Elaine at Spero Solutions? Discover how our online business manager service can give you time back to spend growing your business, helping you to reach your business goals and achieve the work/life balance you have long dreamed of.