There are only a few months left of 2018, which can only mean one thing: the new year is drawing closer, so it’s time to start planning for the year ahead.
It may seem daunting to consider your goals for next year before this one has reached its peak. However, starting early has its benefits. With the right preparation and mindset, you can end this year with all your loose ends tied up and start the new year off right. This way, you can save money, move towards your goals, and prepare yourself mentally and physically for a new chapter in your life.
If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are three tips to help you plan for the upcoming year.
Book a winter holiday
First things first, you will need some breathing space before you can even attempt to tackle your New Year goals. It may seem strange to book a holiday now when summer has only just wrapped up, but you will thank yourself come January. The cold, dark, gloomy months of winter can get you down – especially once the festivities of Christmas are over – so why not treat yourself to a spot of winter sun?
January is the perfect time to get away and recharge. Booking early will help you find the best deals, so search online now for villa holidays and book yourself a relaxing getaway to ease those winter blues. When you return, you’ll feel fresh, invigorated, and ready to take on the year ahead.
Write down your goals
You may already have a vague idea of what you want to achieve next year but writing down your goals will encourage you to act on them. Perhaps you want to learn to drive next year or find a new place to live; maybe you want to save money to go travelling, or perhaps you’ve been meaning to start a blog.
However big or small your goals are, write them down and start outlining actionable steps you can take to achieve them. You may not tick off all your goals next year, but that’s OK. You will probably change and update your ideas as the months progress. Any unmet goals can be moved over to the following year if they’re still relevant.
Note what’s setting you back
Buy a new planner or start a journal so you can observe your behaviour and habits over the next few months. If you spot a change you’d like to make (such as spending less money on clothes or improving your sleep), write it down. Your habits might just be what’s holding you back.
When the end of the year draws closer, you can look at your notes and decide which habit changes and goals you want to implement.
The beginning of a new year is a chance to start fresh; to turn over a new leaf and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Don’t let January creep up on you before you’re ready. Get a head start by planning for next year now, and you’ll feel empowered to take charge of your life.