THREE WAYS TO MAKE 2019 THE BEST YEAR EVER

Odds are good you’ve seen more than one article pop up in your feed or show up in your inbox over the past week or so that is filled with ideas on making 2019 the best year ever. The holidays are over and it seems that suddenly everyone is team #doallthethings. There are goals to be crushed, passions to pursue, and changes to make. Usually these lists talk about creating your best life through waking up early, going for runs and eating better foods. While those are all amazing ways to make seriously awesome changes in your life, for some of us, it’s a lot to process. It can be overwhelming to suddenly feel as though we have added things to our to-do list in order to, well, get better at tackling our to-do lists. The reality is, you don’t have to #doallthethings - but there are a few super simple non-traditional tweaks that in my opinion really can make 2019 the best year ever.

1. WRITE IT DOWN Ok, so this one may not completely be news to you. Research has repeatedly shown that the simple act of writing something down makes it easier to remember and more likely to be achieved. One of my favorite things, hands down, is my paper planner. I started using one back in 2014 and it definitely does help me clear my mind, remember important details, and set goals and intentions for the week and month. Whether you use a paper planner or a calendar-like app on your phone, just know that keeping up with it consistently is key. Not into planners in any form? Try posting sticky notes around your home with important dates and times, special reminders, or even just notes of encouragement to yourself. It’s amazing what reading an affirmation like “YOU GOT THIS!” first thing in the morning as you splash some water on your face can do to your overall attitude for the day.

2. SPEAK UP, REACH OUT, SHARE WHAT YOU’RE THINKING You know the saying “sharing is caring”? It’s true. Having a support network in place can help, whether you’re celebrating the highs or making your way through the lows. Why do you think there are cheerleaders at sporting events? Because hearing “You got this! You can do this!” definitely doesn’t hurt when the going gets tough. I’d also encourage you to do the same in cheering on someone else you’re watching move toward their goals in 2019. It can feel like society is quick to point out when someone messes up or fails, so be the person that speaks up and says something positive. I can promise you you’ll likely inspire someone to do the same, which will then inspire someone else to do it too, and, well, you get the picture. When we’re all cheering for each other, good things are bound to happen. As the late Senator Paul Wellstone used to say “We all do better when we all do better.” Ain’t that the truth. (PRO TIP: Write that on one of your sticky notes and stick it somewhere you see everyday!).

3. EMBRACE IMPERFECTION The reality is, things come up. Plans change. Curveballs are thrown. Being able to “roll with it”, as they say, is certainly not one of my strong suits. In fact, if I’m not careful, it often sends me into a tailspin that can really throw me off course. However, if I can take a deep breath and pivot with the changes, I find that my mindset stays generally more positive and I’m able to continue working toward my goals, even if it’s in a different way than I’d envisioned. I also try to remember that sometimes these “detours” as I’ve come to think of them end up being more beneficial than the plan I’d originally set for myself anyway! So even if it’s hard for you, I totally suggest adopting the “Roll with it!” attitude and seeing what it can do as you move into the new year.

So whether you’re leading team #doallthethings or are wanting to adopt maybe one or two changes this year, I hope that you make 2019 the best year ever!

Do you have a tip to make 2019 better? Share it below!