We make plans and God laughs… with that said there are 5 weeks, give or take a few days, left in 2012 and it’s around this time every year that I start to think about my plans for the coming year. I take a snapshot of where I am in life and where I would like to be. It’s not as intense as it sounds, trust me, but I do get down and dirty into the stuff of goals, achievements and dreams.
To prepare for the new year I do a few things: meditation session to clear out old spirits, retiring journals and starting new ones. It’s all a big to do to get me pumped! Cue Rocky theme music and me in the gym hitting the punching bag. It’s me against 2013.
OK, dramatic much? Yes. But in all seriousness, it pays to be prepared, organized and ready to have a great year. And why wait until the ball drops to get a clear idea on what you want to accomplish in the next 12 months. In the past few years I’ve done many of these things to get ready for a new year and while no one knows what the year will bring these are all tried and true traditions to get your mind right and your heart in the right place to take on 2013.
BUY A NEW PLANNER
New planners are a blank slate. You’re leaving behind all of the plans, appointments and to-dos of the last year and moving into the new year with a fresh start. My favorites are Moleskine, Anne Taintor. I’m coveting a mega-planner from Erin Condren.
PLAN NEXT YEAR’S VACATION(S)
It’s never too early to plan a vacay, the sooner the better actually. If there’s a destination you’ve been dying to see now is the time to map out a plan to get there. Start your research, find cool boutique hotels, request time off and start your savings plans to make your vacation dreams come true. Wanderfly is a great travel wishlist and helps plan affordable vacations.
MAKE A VISION BOARD
Vision boards have exploded! They are having their moment in the cultural zeitgeist and with good reason. Having all of your dreams, goals and visions in front of you keeps them top of mind and studies have shown they help order your steps to be able to accomplish them. Plus creating vision boards is such a fun exercise. Invite a few friends over, pull out the old magazines and photos and collage your way to your dreams.
REDEFINE YOUR CAREER GOALS
Every year I outline where I would like to be, career-wise, by the end of the year. Am I fancying a promotion? What certifications do I want to have? How much freelance work can I handle? While some of your career plans are out of your control (hiring, raises, etc…) your plan for your career totally is. By having a plan you can make better career decisions to get you to your dream job.
REASSESS YOUR WARDROBE
September may be the start of the fashion new year, but every new year I take time to assess my style and what looks I need to retire and styles I’d like to try. This year I’ve been heavy on the black and bringing back the color (and the sexy) is high on my style priority list. This is also a great time to retire old pieces that are not working. Donate them or give them away to friends. Let the clutter go!
CLEAN HOUSE. No Literally, CLEAN YOUR HOUSE
Spring cleaning has nothing on new year cleaning. Break out the Pledge and go to town on your baseboards, carpets and laundry. Start 2013 with a fresh feeling and scent. Growing up my mother always spent the first day of the New Year cooking black eyed peas and cleaning house.
START YOUR BLOG’S 2013 CALENDAR
With about a month left in 2012, it’s a good time to start working on your blog/site/business plans for 2013. Get ahead of monthly holidays, trends and map out your standard/evergreen content. Remember to create a cushion for breaking news and life events. No need to plan out a stringent plan but a loose layout will put you ahead of the game.
CONTEMPLATE A NEW HAIRSTYLE
Every year I say I’m going to cut my hair. And maybe 2013 will be the year I actually do it. Who knows? But it sure is fun to contemplate a new hairstyle, revamping my look and thinking about what life would be like with a pixie cut. Maybe this will the year you try bangs or go red!
These are just a few ways to get ready for the New Year’s arrival. Aside from decking your halls, stocking up on confetti and noisemakers, what other things are you doing to prepare for the new year?
Do share!
yoooooo, i think you would look HOT and i mean haaaaawwwwt with a pixie.
Funny, but as I was reading this post I actually write down the good points, especially redefining my career goals and where I will be going for my vacation. Oh and re evaluating ( trashing my lousy wardrobe) my wardrobe too.
Jocelyn Verna, that makes me smile! I’m so glad that you found the article helpful and hope you have a great 2013!
Fajr! I love this post! I definitely need to plan out my 2013 year, these are some awesome tips. I definitely want to do something with my hair and need to do a 2013 blog calendar. I got the one up on the vision board thank GOD, check it out and let me know what you think! The link: http://myvisualstimulations.blogspot.com/2013/03/2013-mood-board.html
Peace and progress, Vanessa