I think a new year always means unfinished business in the last year. In order to really get a fresh start in the new year, it’s important we process everything from last year first. That way, we can let it go and truly move on to a new year with a blank slate.
I recently heard this advice from someone else, and they said it was a habit from a religion. I am not sure which religion it was, and definitely don’t mean to offend anyone with this. I thought it was great advice and a really good way to make sure you leave everything behind in the old year while moving forward and get that fresh start in the new year.
They said to take 12 days and go over one month per day. How much time you need is really up to you, but I think an hour or two per day should be enough. In that time, go over the month.
Get a fresh start in the new year: look back
Think of things that happened. Do you still feel angry or sad about things? Ask yourself why. I personally love to write things down, but maybe it helps you to process internally, talk to someone about it or you have your own ways of dealing with feelings. Try to let go of your feelings so you can move forward.
Is there anyone you need to apologize or forgive for anything? If you have forgotten meetings or broken promises, see if there is anything you can do about them. Have you promised someone you were going to do something together this year but haven’t managed to yet? Set a date for the new year today, so it is set in stone and won’t be forgotten again.
If you’ve forgotten any of the things you’re meant to do yearly, schedule them now. Better late than never, and at least then they’re done.
Do you need to forgive yourself for anything that happened this year? I am willing to bet that you do. Forgive yourself for the times you got angry for no reason. When you lashed out at others. The times you didn’t take care of yourself the way you intended to. Forgive yourself for goals unachieved.
Get a fresh start in the new year: look ahead
I think it’s also good to take a day and prepare the simple things for the next year. I have also shared my goal getting guide with you, as well as some tips on setting goals. But this goes a bit further than that, these are the practical things that need to be done. That list of things you need to do yearly, bring it back out again. I am talking about car check-ups, doctors appointments, blood tests, dentist check-ups and birthdays, but also special events.
Try to schedule everything now. Put all the set dates in your calendar straight away, so no birthday will be missed. For the appointments and check-ups, schedule reminders to set appointments. Maybe you can already set appointments for certain things but otherwise, make sure you remind yourself of them. I love working in google calendar, but as long as you have a system that works for you, that is great. Schedule everything you can, and set reminders for the rest.
If you have followed this whole article, I am confident you can start the new year (and decade) all fresh with a nice blank slate. Nothing better than the feeling of starting over, am I right? This is something you can easily do every year to you get a fresh start in the new year, and create closure for the old year as well.
Be sure to check out my other posts on the goal getting guide and tips on setting goals and intentions to start your new year off even better!
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