New Year, New You. But Will This Year Be Different?

Celebrating the New Year is a time-honored tradition around the world. It’s about new beginnings and the hope for a better future. It seems different the last couple years though because what we are leaving behind has been so difficult. Like I’ve said before, 2020 was weird, but 2021 was rough.

New Year’s Resolutions are therefore likely to be at the top of many people’s to-do lists this holiday season. I feel like we need to mentally, spiritually, and physically ready for whatever 2022 is throwing at us. If you, like so many others, are looking to reprioritize old commitments and grasp new opportunities in 2022, here are some things we all must get right with.

Health

One of the biggest lessons to come out of 2020-2021 is the importance of staying healthy. This is why a healthy lifestyle should be your number one priority for the New Year and beyond. Not only do we take vitamins more now than ever before (due to the pandemic), most of us are also adding additional health regimes to combat COVID like saunas and IV’s. We need to stay on track 2022 with that, 1000%!

You might need to determine what success in Health looks like in order to set the right goals. Do you need to quit smoking or drinking? How much weight do you want to lose (or gain)? How often are you going to exercise? Do you need a nutrition plan? Be specific and maybe keep a record of your progress – because reaching little milestones along the way will help you stay on track. Whatever your ambition, make 2022 the year you take control of your health. Mental health is also very important for 2022. If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s the fact that we don’t know what this year will bring. We need to stay focused on us and off the news and social media. Read a little more and dive into some self-help online courses.

Finances

The second biggest lesson to come out of 2020-2021 is that the only certainty in life is uncertainty. No one could have predicted a global pandemic would strike and yet the events of the last two years make plain the importance of preparation: both for the future and the possibility of falling on hard times. Therefore, it’s a good idea to focus on improving your financial security. This goal will require careful financial planning, such as reviewing household spending, managing debts, increasing cash flow, and building up savings. Creating financial security will not happen overnight, but with enough patience and dedication, you could achieve stability and peace of mind – both of which are vital to your general health and wellness. I’m working with a new CPA and have really cut my shopping and spending down on things I don’t need. I really have been hoarding as much cash as possible as well, because if we were to get shut down again, I still have to pay my employees. I mark down every dollar I make and spend DAILY. I really think it helps me stay on track!!! See where you can cut things and cut them! I’ve done it both for personal and business.

Environment, and How You Live

The New Year is the perfect time to change your lifestyle and start living life the way you want to live it. I know that we all create trash, it’s life, but there are things you can do to help tackle environmental challenges. Even little changes could have a big impact! For example, you could eat less meat, actually use a trash can (the amount of garbage I see is unreal on the ground), organize a clean-up, use reusable utensils and shopping bags, shop locally, and even leave your car at home on certain days. As a consumer, you also have the power to decide what corporations your cash supports. An argument could be made that there’s no longer room for brands that don’t do the right thing. You can become an advocate for change simply by purchasing from companies that are sustainable, that pay fair wages to their employees, and are committed to being cruelty free. Refer to my post on Saving the Planet and see how I changed my daily habits to cut down on waste.

Travel More

Everyone has a dream destination – the one place that you would give just about anything to visit. Click here if you’re planning to travel in 2022! With new vaccines and boosters and things, this New Year is the time to finally think about travelling once again. You’ll have to be realistic about where and when you can go, as well as what you can afford. Still, if travel is your priority, you’ll find a way to make sufficient preparations to turn your dream into a plan of action! What are you waiting for? Take the plunge and start planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip. Hey, even if it is planned for 2023, do it! Set a goal and make it happen!!! You would be surprised what you can afford once you cut out eating out, extra coffees, etc.

What are some things you need to get in order to make 2022 a truly “new year, new you” kind of year? Share with us at @AskHeatherMariannaBlog on Instagram! You got this!!!

XOXO,
Heather