With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to think about things that will change in the new year. To be honest, it feels like something I just did, but I’m happy to say that I made some big changes in 2024 and more importantly, I’m sticking with them. But there is still much to be done and improvements to be made.
The new year brings a new dawn and a new chance to rediscover yourself. It gives you space to really think about how you want to live your life and what to focus your precious energy on.
Most people want more freedom, more peace of mind, and a lifestyle that encourages more happiness.
With that in mind, here are 11 things to change in the coming year that I think can help you achieve those things.
1. Swallow your life
I recently wrote a post about how you can start living the simple life to find more peace and focus. Decluttering your life is all about taking out the things you no longer need, but more importantly, don’t use them anymore. A clean environment leads to a clean head. And it’s not just about absorption, it’s about building discipline and a careful approach to buying new items. It’s about learning how little you really need to live a happy life.
2. Make movement fun again
Yes, I said it. And I know you’re sick of hearing it. But I really believe it movement is medicine. It just makes you feel amazing. It’s a free anti-depressant that I’ve been using more and more over the past 12 months and plan to use even more in 2025. But sometimes it’s hard and you can’t be bothered. That’s why doing something fun can help you maintain your exercise habit. This could look like football, badminton or gymnastics, for example. Just find a way to move this new year around to keep it interesting.
3. Stop listening to the news
let’s face it, the news is kind of depressing. I think it’s important to be informed about what’s going on in the world, but the problem is that news is more of a collection of opinions these days. Half the time it’s written by an AI, not even a human hand! It’s crazy. It is impressed. Save yourself some sanity and allow yourself less stress by turning it off more often and focusing on your healthy habits instead.
4. Remind yourself that this is temporary
One way to find more gratitude in the new year is to remember that this is all temporary. Sometimes we forget that too easily. Life just flows. You get wrapped up in your same old habits and think things will be the way they are now forever. But things are changing. Think how different things were just 5 years ago. One day you won’t be here anymore. Start counting each day next year, remember how temporary things are, especially your own life.
5. Laugh if you black out
Everything is so serious these days. The elections. The wars. Cost of living crisis. There is so much to think about and worry about. However, remembering that this is all temporary reminds you how silly it all really is. We are all people who want things. There have been billions of us who have lived and died. We are next in line. You might as well laugh at how weird the world is, instead of letting it drag you down.
6. Move past influencers culture
Every man and their dog want you to buy something from them. Since the beginning of time, traditional celebrities have joined forces with companies to try to get you to buy things. These days, the girl on the street with an Instagram account uses the same design. The thing is, most people are sorry and want to sell you junk. Ignore them. Don’t buy their junk.
7. Eat good food
Most people think that good, nutritious food is expensive. I can tell you it doesn’t have to be. Minced meat costs a few dollars and a good package of broccoli can be as low as $1. The idea is to eat nutrient-dense food so you get the minerals and vitamins you need to feel good and energetic. At the same time, ditch the junk food that saps your energy, makes you feel bloated and awful, and makes you gain weight. Here are some simple weight loss habits that have worked for me.
8. You have fewer opinions
We live in the age of opinion. Everyone is at each other’s throats. One person thinks one thing and another thinks something else. No one can agree on anything. I’m not sure when this started, but I’m pretty sure social media has a lot to do with it. But here’s the thing – most arguments are simply not needed. They explode out of nowhere and nobody ever wins, especially online. One habit I will follow next year is simple not having an opinion when something is completely unimportant.
9. Focus on the positive
One thing I learned this year is that positivity is a choice. Sure, bad things happen sometimes, but it’s how you think about it that counts. I know that a lot of my suffering came from my thoughts and dwelling on things. Actually, now I know I don’t have to do that. It’s really in me to think about things differently and look for the positives, no matter how small. It doesn’t seem like an option at first, but if you keep doing this, you’ll keep finding glimmers of light in everything.
10. Make time for more play
Why do we play less as we get older? Play time is just as important as work time. Why? Because without playtime you become a robot, it only exists to enter data or move boxes. Playtime makes you feel alive. The problem is that most of us are busy. We have work to do. So it becomes difficult to play. But playtime can still be in the evenings or on weekends, and playtime doesn’t have to mean something like playing golf. It might mean going for a nice walk with a friend and talking, or leaving your phones at home and going to brunch with your kids.
11. Make the weekends count
When you get to the weekend, you might feel like laying on your couch and curling up for a cozy movie. But that time is running out fast. But the weekend goes by so quickly, and before you know it, you’re back sitting at your desk waiting for Friday again. Whatever you want to do, start it. Deal with it. Take your playtime and, for example, start writing this book. Make your weekend meaningful in terms of the things you’re passionate about and want to build on the side.
Wrapping it all up
Use the New Year as a clean slate to start becoming the person you said you wanted to be. Use these examples above to start improving your life little by little. Take small steps, learn, fail and try again.
The most important thing is to change your mindset over time. Making changes at first is difficult. That’s why you have to be patient with yourself and make small adjustments at first.
The printable below can help you make these small changes.
Sean C is a writer, passionate about improving oneself by maintaining healthy habits and doing things that make life more meaningful.
