A Better You for a Year Anew

It’s a season of reflection and goal-setting. How did you experience 2022? What do you hope for in the year ahead? 

While New Year’s resolutions typically revolve around losing some weight, stopping a bad habit, or vowing to get more exercise, there are other ways to look back at the dawning of a new year. While change can happen anytime you are ready, the new calendar year always seems to bring about a good chance for self-reflection. 

Let’s walk through a quick process for setting yourself up for a successful new year.

Consider 2022 Struggles

Before you set your sights on 2023, take a look back on the last 12 months. How were they for you? For your partner? For your family? For your job? What went well? What didn’t go so well?

Consider grabbing a notebook and jotting down your thoughts. Focusing on some of the things that were “not quite what you’d hoped for” can allow you to pinpoint the parts of your life that you want to improve.

Were your finances a bit too tight? Did your quality time with the family suffer with busy schedules? Have you gained more weight than you’d hoped or noticed a shift in your annual physical health statistics? 

Narrowing down the list can help you to truly focus on what bothered you most in the past year. You can take a realistic assessment of the areas of life you really want to make better. Additionally, it can be a great way to determine what changes can make the biggest impact on a better you.

Ditch the Guilt

While focusing on the negative can help you find areas to improve, don’t dwell on these challenges. No one is perfect, and no one should expect you to be, either. Especially you! Instead, decide what matters most to you, and focus your efforts on improvement.

Nothing can be done about the past. The past is over. But tomorrow is a new day, and you can take the new year’s opportunity to start anew. Even if things didn’t work out in the past, you owe it to yourself (and those you love and who love you) to give yourself another chance.

Set Realistic Goals

While it is always great to shoot for the stars, don’t set yourself up for failure. Change happens slowly, over time, with much effort. None of us woke up on January 1st, 2023 magically transformed. 

A great way to pace your change (and manage your expectations) is to make mini goals to work your way up to the big picture. For example, if you aspire to spend more time with the family, consider adding just a few minutes each week. Add time with each passing week. Work your way up to the change in schedule, and don’t beat yourself up if there’s an occasional bump in the road, forcing you to reschedule. 

The best way to succeed is to fail and still have the wherewithal to get back up and try again.

It’s OK To Ask For Help

In the end, there is no reason anyone has tackle their goals alone. We can all benefit from some support. From the support of family and friends, to the vast amount of programs available in your community, there is always a helping hand out there. You just have to have the courage to ask.

Some goals may best be served with the help of a professional. From counselors and therapists, to medical professionals, there is an entire network of assistance available. Here in Southern Minnesota, our communities are made up of countless experts in their field that can help you reach your 2023 goals. 

If you struggle with finances, our team at Gretchen Rehm Financial approaches everything with zero judgment and maximum compassion. We want to set up your finances for success in 2023 all the way through your retirement! Start here with a consultation. 

No matter what 2023 has in store, we are cheering you on!