This is the time of year where most people start planning a fresh start.

The beginning of a new year can also be a time of unnecessary pressure to do more or do better. You may also find yourself feeling as if you’ve lost time or not made the most of it.

Many of the common New Year’s resolution goals involve some amount of shame or guilt- like weight loss, fitness routines, or diet changes.

Instead of stressing over how you can exceed your accomplishments from last year, or lack thereof, ask yourself this instead:

What matters to me this year?

Simple, right?

Simple but powerful.

Instead of putting pressure on yourself to perform, focus on a mantra of sorts.

What’s important to you?

Your answer could be something like, “My health,” or “My peace of mind,” or “Healthy relationships.”

All of these are positive, and they reflect what you WANT out of this next period of time, rather than what you feel you are LACKING or haven’t done well enough at.

Don’t do that to yourself. You’ll only find yourself feeling behind before you even start. Set yourself up to succeed, not fail.

Now, once you have your top passion identified, find motivating ways to pursue it.

If health is what matters to you:

Treat yourself! Stock up on your favorite brand of fitness wear and create excitement to work out.

Mine is Free People Movement. They have THE MOST comfortable and flattering active wear line. I’m literally obsessed. If you need somewhere to start, check it out here!

The point is to focus on what inspires you. What makes you feel good about your health? What makes you want to be a healthier person? Just wearing something you feel good in will give you more confidence, even when you’re not heading to the gym.

Make your health a lifestyle, not a task you have to check off a calendar.

If mental health is what matters to you:

Your mental state is not something to be taken lightly. Compared to many of the shallow or frivolous goals many people get revved up for at the beginning of the year, this is one worth attention.

I’m sure you can easily identify areas you’ve been struggling with, so use the new year’s hype as a boost to start making some changes. Don’t justify them to anyone else, just do what’s best for you. Your peace of mind and sanity is what matters, so make that your daily mantra. 

Focus on your peace of mind and make this your best year ever by finally getting past some of the road blocks that have been tripping you up. 

Some easy ways to do this? 

Online therapy is a newer concept that makes counseling at lot more accessible and less intimidating. 

A couple of great options to check out are TalkSpace and BetterHelp. 

These platforms easily allow you to answer a few questions about yourself and get matched up with potential counselors. This way, you can skip finding nearby offices and scheduling with receptionists; you’ll have an experienced therapist at your fingertips, available to chat whenever you need them.

If your goal is more specific:

Perhaps your “resolution” is something more specific like changing careers, or buying a house, or starting that online business endeavor you’ve been procrastinating on.

Like physical and mental health, these goals also take time. But with specific landmarks in mind, there are progressive steps to be taken rather than the routine and consistency needed to develop a lifestyle change.

For help setting a realistic goal plan, check out these posts below. They will give you steps for goal-setting, and free printable guides that make it even easier to get started and track your progress.

2 Steps to Turn Your Dream into an Achievable Goal

How to Make Manifesting Work for you in 5 Easy Steps

Now that you have these resources and the right mindset to develop the lifestyle you want, go and make this your year!