A new year and a new chance for change. Yes, 2021 might not be off to the flying start that we all hoped for. However, if the last 12 months have taught us anything it’s that no matter how bad things get, there’s always something to smile about. Whether it’s the glowing Winter sunsets we’ve been enjoying, the snow or the Duke from Bridgerton – take your pick!
So, where do you even begin when it comes to kickstarting such an unpredictable year? Unsurprisingly it starts with you. Envision the 2021 that you want and deserve. Then look around you. What lessons have you learned? What is your current situation, and what steps can you take to bring a year of fun and fulfilment? Despite whatever plans a certain Miss Rona may have instore for us.
Here are our tips for giving yourself the best possible start to 2021.
Learn From The Past
Firstly, it’s important to take some time to reflect on the year gone by. There are many lessons to be taken from 2020 that will put us in better standing for the next 12 months. Here are a few that we think will change up your 2021 for the better:
The Importance Of Slowing Down And Living In The Moment
For many, the lockdown and restricted living brought an oddly shaped form of peace amidst a global pandemic. For the workaholics and busy bees, 2020 forced us to slow down and to rest which we often forget is vital for our wellbeing. If the occasional long weekend and duvet day isn’t already on your 2021 calendar then consider this your permission to do so now.
Gratitude
Moving on nicely to gratitude. One of the biggest lessons learned from last year was the importance of gratitude. Not being able to see relatives and friends or jet-set at the drop of a hat gave us a whole new appreciation for pre-covid life. In light of the new normality, we also found a new sense of gratitude for the small things. For walks, phone calls with mates, sunny weather, rekindling a love for forgotten hobbies, the list goes on. Taking on 2021 with a grateful heart and an open mind will truly help to carry you through whatever challenges that lie ahead.
Do What You Love
It’s a simple formula. Do what you love and happiness will follow. For some, this could be taking a whole new career path, but there’s more to it than that. Instantly packing in your job isn’t realistic for many so it’s down to how you fill your spare time. Want to turn a passion into a side hustle? Do it. Want to rekindle a love for reading? Do it. Want to spend your weekends roaming the countryside? If it makes you happy and is within your local lockdown restrictions, do it!
Invest In Yourself
2020 taught us the power of self-care. With the current lockdown, it remains vital for our mental and physical wellbeing but it’s something that you should continue to practice even once the pandemic passes over. Investing in yourself comes in all shapes and sizes but at its core, it’s about taking action to better yourself. Whether it’s upskilling, growing your business, starting therapy or eating healthier. Your future self on December 31st 2021 will thank you for investing in small daily actions that can transform your life this year.
Expect The Unexpected
Our final lesson to carry into 2021 is expect the unexpected. The year ahead is still not clear. Daunting? Yes. Out of our control? Absolutely. However, what we can control is how we react. Find peace with the fact that we can’t meticulously control the world around us and that’s okay! Often the biggest lessons and some of life’s best surprises are the least expected.
Be In The Present
If the past is done, the future is uncertain, all that’s guaranteed is the present. Our present currently includes the most used phrase of the last year: lockdown. Oh, the joys! As unmotivating and draining as the circumstances feel, the most freeing thing that you can do is accept it. You have every right to have hard days and feel overwhelmed but if you can overall accept that this is what we face in this exact moment you’ll find it much easier to move forward and build resilience to whatever comes your way. Meditation and other forms of mindfulness can help to keep you grounded on the daily. Supplemented with regular social media breaks – scaremongering news articles are no good for anyone!
Remain Positive For The Future
It’s so easy to focus on the negative and become consumed by thoughts that things won’t get better. However, we’re here to tell you that they do get better. We can’t promise when but they will. Until then, focus on what you can do right now that your future self will thank you for at the end of 2021. Set goals that you can achieve this year whether we’re in lockdown or not. It could be writing new music, growing your blog, improving your overall fitness, saving towards a house deposit. It all comes back to investing in yourself. So, if the effects of the pandemic restrict more of 2021 than hoped, you’ve still made the most of it by doing what serves you best. Then whenever we are set free of all restrictions, this year or next, my gosh you’re going to be in the best position possible to take back the fullest potential of life.