Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all!

Firstly, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas filled with everything you could have wished for. As we step into a new year, it’s natural to be highly focused on fresh starts, new routines, and lifestyle changes—be it diets, exercise routines, or other resolutions. While all these intentions are wonderful, they often become short-lived, with enthusiasm waning as we approach February and beyond.

I want to suggest a gentler approach: don’t put too much pressure on yourself during these early weeks, especially if you’re thinking of starting something new. New habits tend to stick better when they are small and easily integrated into things you already do without thinking.

For example, consider adding 30 standing squats after brushing your teeth. This small addition can quickly turn into a habit and imagine how many squats you’d do in a week, a month, or even a year! These small changes can lead to significant results over time.

I know from personal experience that I have often set certain intentions at the start of a new year only to lose interest by February; after all, January isn’t an inspiring month with its cold, wet, and often chilly temperatures. So, try to consider small, achievable incentives that can be easily executed without too much hardship. The bigger, more pressing goals can come later in the spring when we naturally feel more energised and positive.

Starting a new year is also a great time to reflect on the past year—celebrate your successes, learn from the challenges, and set realistic goals that inspire you. It's important to remember that progress is not always linear, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. Focus on building habits that bring joy and fulfilment, rather than just chasing after results.

Another great tip for the new year is to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Instead of being critical, acknowledge your efforts and give yourself credit for trying. Self-compassion can significantly boost your motivation and overall well-being.

Lastly, consider setting intentions rather than strict resolutions. Intentions are more flexible and can adapt to the ebb and flow of life, allowing you to grow and evolve naturally. Whether it’s being more mindful, spending more time with loved ones, or exploring new hobbies, intentions can guide you gently towards a fulfilling year.

Remember, as Robin Sharma writes in his book The Wealth Money Can't Buy, “Small steps make giant gains. Small, daily, seemingly insignificant improvements, when done consistently over time, lead to stunning results.”

Let’s embrace these small, manageable steps and celebrate the progress we make, no matter how gradual it might seem.

Wishing you all a wonderful start to 2025

Warm regards

Ros

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