5 Effective Ways to Prepare for the New Year

How to Prepare for 2021

Happy 2021! I know this has been said so many times, but holy cow, 2020 was a doozy. I remember looking so forward to this year and the possibilities, and it turned out to be one of the most difficult years ever – from a global pandemic, to personal struggles, it has really been a year I’d love to grow from, but also one that I would love to forget.

So no surprise, I’m on a kick to really start 2021 off right and prepare for the new year. There are a few things I’m doing – concrete activities, and more insightful, personal things, that I would love to share with you all. And I would love to hear how you’re preparing for this year as well.

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1. Pick a Word for the Year

This is a new one for me in the last few years, but I really love this idea. Get into a mindset and think about how you would like the year to go.

What’s going to define your year? A search for a new job? Working on your health and fitness? Turning your hobby into something more? These all helped me think about my word for the year, which is resilience.

This past year was full of rejections for me. I put myself out there A LOT, and it was tough. Some things went really well, others not so much. I want to keep doing that in 2021, but I’m also trying to mentally prep myself a little better for it. I’m ready to put in a lot of work, get some no’s, and hopefully get more yes’s. And throughout all of that, I want to see myself as resilient and positive.

2. Grab a Planner

Having a paper planner really helps me get organized and keep better track of my to-dos since I’m physically writing them down. Writing them out forces me to focus and remember them better.

There are tons of planner options. This year I’m using a Simplified Planner. Last year I used a Day Designer. Both have pluses and minuses, but are great quality and have been great for my planning style.

3. Take a Trash Bag to Your House (and Your Life)

Take out the trash, guys.

I learned this tip from Emily Ley – who has some incredible tips on simplifying your life and getting ready for the new year and a fresh start. Go through your house with a trash bag, and get rid of the junk.

Another tip? Figure out what in your life is working and what isn’t. What do you need to get rid of? What do you want to change? What’s going well?

This is another bonus to having a good planner – both the Day Designer and Simplified Planner have some prompts to help you set goals and a vision for your year, and can really help you get some of the bloat out of your life.

4. Do a Closet Overhaul

I took a morning and completely emptied out my kids’ closets, as well as mine.

Go through and take out any clothes that are too small, have holes, etc.. Put them in a trash bag, and set it by the front door. Figure out if you want to donate or sell the items, and schedule a pickup or take them to a drop-off donation box as soon as you have a minute.

Putting them by the front door helps make it an eyesore, making it less likely for the bags to sit around for weeks!

5. Book Any Appointments for the Year

I like to make a list of the recurring appointments we need for the year and schedule what I need to, early on.

Find out when you’re due for that next dentist appointment, your next physical, your baby’s next vaccinations, and schedule it now. Don’t forget to write it down in your planner or on an online calendar.

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What have you done so far to start the new year off on the right foot? Share your best tips for new year prep in the comments!

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