New Year, New You: Let's Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet Embrace the New Year with Fresh Habits & Renewed Energy
Hi Lovely ladies,
As we step into 2025, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you. Reflecting on the past year, there were highs and lows, breakthroughs and setbacks moments that shaped who we are today. And through it all, your journey, resilience, and dreams have been nothing short of inspiring.
January is a time for fresh beginnings. It’s like standing at a gateway (yes, I’ve been thinking about Janus, the Roman god of beginnings!) where you can look back and appreciate how far you’ve come, while stepping forward into the future you’re ready to build. Let’s channel that energy into a truly transformational year.
Here’s the plan: we’re focusing on building momentum through small, actionable steps. I’m talking about simple yet powerful habits that will fuel your growth and help you feel more energized, fulfilled, and aligned. Let’s explore some key ideas:
Habit Stacking: Build on What You Already Do
This concept from James Clear’s Atomic Habits has been a game-changer for me, and I think it will be for you too. The idea is to anchor new habits to existing ones, making change feel natural and seamless. For example:
- Morning Movement: Stack a 5-minute stretch routine onto your coffee-making ritual.
- Gratitude Practice: Add writing down one thing you’re grateful for after brushing your teeth.
- Hydration Boost: Drink a glass of water every time you check your phone in the morning.
These small shifts might seem insignificant, but compounded over time, they’re monumental. It’s all about creating wins that motivate you to keep going.
Use the planner to help keep track of your self care
See the planner page
Let’s Move More: Tips for Everyday Activity
Movement doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing gym commitment. This year, let’s embrace movement in ways that fit naturally into your life:
- Walk and Talk: Take phone calls while walking around your home or neighborhood.
- Sneaky Strength: Incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats or push-ups during TV commercial breaks.
- Dance Breaks: Put on your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching. Trust me, it’s therapeutic!
Making time for movement isn’t just about physical health. It’s about clearing your mind, boosting your mood, and nurturing a sense of accomplishment. Let’s work towards building these moments of joy into your daily routine.
The Power of Reflection: A Personal Note
This season has been one of reflection for me. I’ve been thinking about my own goals and how I can show up better for myself, my loved ones, and for you. Some of my focuses this year include better balance (hello, more walks and fewer doom-scrolls), deepening my connections, and finding joy in the little things, like a perfectly steeped cup of tea on a quiet morning.
Reflecting on your past achievements and challenges is equally important. What worked well last year? What could you tweak? Understanding your patterns helps set a strong foundation for your goals this year.
Small Wins Create Big Results
Let’s take a closer look at how those small wins can transform your day-to-day. Start by identifying areas where you’re already successful. For example:
- Are you consistent with your morning coffee routine? Add a mindful moment or a 2-minute journal reflection.
- Do you already prepare meals for the week? Consider adding a small prep step for a healthier snack.
Layering habits onto existing routines makes them feel seamless. And once you see those small wins stack up, you’ll feel motivated to keep going.
Building Connection: Sharing the Journey
One of the most impactful parts of transformation is sharing your journey. Whether it’s with a friend, a community, or through journaling, expressing your goals and progress makes them feel more real. It also gives you an accountability boost. Here are some ideas:
- Find a Goal Buddy: Partner with someone who has similar aspirations.
- Track Your Progress: Use a planner, app, or notebook to log your wins.
- Celebrate Milestones: Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a quiet moment of gratitude, acknowledge your achievements.
Sharing your journey can also provide unexpected inspiration to others. You never know who might be motivated by your progress.
Renewed Energy for the Year Ahead
This year, let’s prioritize not just what you do but how you feel. Renewed energy comes from aligning your actions with your purpose. When you’re clear on your “why,” everything else falls into place. A good way to influence your subconscious mind is affirmations.
Here are some additional tips to foster that energy:
- Mindful Mornings: Dedicate 5 minutes to deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
- Weekly Reset: Set aside 15 minutes each Sunday to plan your week.
- Digital Detox: Take one day or even a few hours each week to unplug and recharge.
Strategies for Long-Term Transformation
If the New Year has taught us anything, it’s that sustainable change comes from commitment, not perfection. Start by identifying your big-picture goals and breaking them into manageable pieces. Let’s say you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Break it down:
- Step 1: Swap out sugary snacks for healthier alternatives.
- Step 2: Add a 10-minute walk to your daily routine.
- Step 3: Focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep consistently.
These micro-goals add up and create a sense of momentum that fuels bigger changes.
Fuel Your Growth with Knowledge
Beyond habits, learning is a key part of transformation. Consider these tips to fuel your personal growth:
- Read a New Book: Commit to reading at least one book a month that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s self-development, fiction, or biographies, reading expands your perspective.
- Take a Course: Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or even YouTube offer opportunities to learn new skills, from cooking to coding.
- Journal Your Insights: Capture the lessons you’re learning along the way. Journaling is a powerful way to track growth.
A Personal Challenge: Try This Today:
As we move forward, I’d love for you to take this challenge: identify one habit you’d like to add to your routine. Start small. Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water before your morning coffee or taking a deep breath before opening your inbox.
Write it down. Commit to it for the next 7 days. And if you’re up for it, hit reply and share your goal with me. I’d love to cheer you on! Additionally, make this an experiment in self-awareness. Pay attention to how it feels when you honor this new habit. Is it giving you a sense of accomplishment? Are you feeling a small boost in your mood or energy? Tracking these feelings can be just as rewarding as tracking progress.
Consider also expanding your challenge to include someone else. Invite a friend or family member to take on a similar habit. Together, you can share encouragement and celebrate small wins, deepening your connection along the way.
Let’s Celebrate the Journey
Lastly, remember to celebrate yourself. Each step you take, no matter how small, is worth acknowledging. Life is about progress, not perfection, and you’re already on your way to an incredible year. Reflect on how far you’ve come and envision where you’re headed.
Celebrating your journey doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as treating yourself to a relaxing evening, writing a gratitude letter to yourself, or spending quality time doing something you love. Recognizing your efforts builds confidence and motivation, helping you stay committed to your path.
And remember, transformation is not a solo endeavor. Share your wins with those around you. Your joy and success can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys. Let’s embrace the beauty of growth together.
Thank you for being part of this community. You’re not just a subscriber; you’re a vital part of this journey. I’m here to support, cheer you on, and celebrate every step of your transformation. Let’s make 2025 remarkable, together.
With gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,
Sharon North Pohl πΈπ
P.S: If you’re looking for more inspiration, keep an eye out for next week’s newsletter. I’ll be sharing actionable tips for improving your energy and focus in just 10 minutes a day!
