Don’t have it all together by January 1? That’s okay.
With the new year only a few weeks away, it can be an overwhelming time filled with reflection, gratitude, and goal-setting. In our fast-paced, always-on-the-go society, New Year’s Eve has become more of a deadline and less of what actually is – just another day. Well, I’m here to tell you that if you didn’t reach all of your 2023 goals by when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2024, you’re not a failure. Not even close. Let’s talk about how progress > perfection, small steps are still steps, and how your to-do list doesn’t define you – especially not in the context of just another day. We’ll also go over ways you can practice gratitude and self-love to start 2024 with a healthy mindset. Let’s dive in.
Stop comparing yourself
As a social media aficionado, I’m well aware that what you see online isn’t always real. Social media is a highlight reel of people’s and brand’s wins, successes, and accomplishments. What you don’t see are the sleepless nights, debilitating stress, financial pressures, and doubt that every successful person experiences at one point or another. It’s easy to compare yourself and your brand to what you see online, especially during a time when many are sharing their annual wins and projections for 2024.
If you’re feeling like you’re not where you would like to be this time of year, failing in your venture, or five steps behind the competition, I want you to remember that everything you accomplished this past year brings you closer to your goals. Baby steps are still steps, and even failures are a form of progress. They bring you closer to where you want to be and can even help you see things in a new, productive way. So next time you see a brand posting a list of their 2023 wins on LinkedIn, remember all the baby steps and work behind it. Use this to fuel and encourage you, not deter you.
Progress > Perfection
Another important thing to remember as 2024 comes around is that progress > perfection. With so much pressure to have it all together by January 1, it’s key to show yourself grace and be proud of all the progress you’ve made in the last year, even if you don’t think you are where you should be.
A year is a long time. It may not feel like you did everything you could, or sometimes even anything at all, but when you look back at the last 12 months, everything you accomplished this past year brought you closer to your goals and led to personal and professional growth. Take notice of the subtle shifts and the incremental progress that, when put together, amount to something you should truly be proud of.
During this time of year, gratitude can be easy to talk about, but much more difficult to practice. Let’s discuss ways you can practice gratitude over the next few weeks and start the new year with a strong, productive, healthy mindset.
Show yourself some love
Hustle culture can be inspiring – the feeling of setting goals and working hard to meet those goals can be extremely rewarding. But it can also be deflating and lead to burnout and self-doubt when goals aren’t met by a specific time. During times like these when January 1, 2024 deadlines loom, it’s important to take a step back and make time for not just self-reflection, but self-love.
Practicing gratitude is a habit, not an act. Forming a habit takes practice, consistency, and time. To help you reflect on how far you’ve come in 2023 and set a positive tone for 2024, I’ve put together some ways you can start practicing gratitude today and carry the habit with you into 2024:
Start a gratitude journal
Before you roll your eyes, physically writing things down that you’re thankful for can lead to a better mindset and actually help you reach your goals faster. Start by taking five minutes each morning or evening to write down a few things you’re thankful for, any moments of joy you’ve experienced, or any wins (big or small).
Give thanks
Another way you can practice gratitude is to simply give thanks. Take the time to express your gratitude for your support system with a quick thank you note, text message, or letter. Sharing gratitude not only helps you with your mindset but can also strengthen your relationships going into the new year.
Incorporate mindfulness or meditation
Slowing down and appreciating everything you’ve done this past year is easier said than done. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try practicing meditation or mindfulness. Apps like Headspace or Calm easily and quickly provide you with a range of meditations that can help you build up a healthier, more optimistic mindset.
Add to a gratitude board
Similar to a gratitude journal, a gratitude board can help you reflect on various wins and successes over the past year. Whenever anything positive happens that you’re proud of, write it down on your board or a piece of paper. On days when you need a boost, revisit the notes to remind yourself of everything you’ve accomplished, big or small!
Create a wins folder
At the end of the year, it can be difficult to remember all of the small moments when we helped a coworker, received praise in an email, or were simply told we were doing a good job. Create a “wins” folder in your inbox and save all positive messages there. At the end of the month, review them and take pride in how far you’ve come and how many people you’ve helped along the way.
Conclusion
This time of year comes with a LOT of pressure to have it all together by January 1 – but it’s completely okay if you don’t. Remember to show yourself grace by limiting your comparisons on social media, acknowledging your progress over the past year, and finding ways to practice gratitude and self-love. Here’s to a great end to 2023, and an even better 2024. I’m proud of you and I’m rooting for you.
If you want to get ahead on your 2024 strategy, let’s talk! Fill out the form to get started.
