Easy Steps to Get Your Fresh Start
Starting over is hard.
Starting over and implementing new goals, habits, and other changes is even HARDER.
I mean, let’s think about it. If starting over was easy, everyone would do it and succeed. In fact, no one would need to repeat their intentions or resolutions because they would make progress, right? If you’re like me, then it’s not so easy. Life can get in the way and before you know it, it’s almost the middle of the year and you haven’t made as much progress on your resolutions and goals that you would have liked at this point.
I’m preaching to myself at this point. I’m annoyed that I haven’t made progress on some of my goals. Yes, life is tough right now (especially with work, planning a wedding, etc.) but that’s not an excuse. I’ve changed my method for planning for the month (check it out here if you haven’t already), and now I’m ready to implement an intentional fresh start.
Here’s what to do when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired and want to start over for an intentional fresh start.
[1] First of all, breathe.
Before jumping into the process , the first thing to do is get your mindset in order. Take a moment to just breathe. You’ve probably been through a lot and need to take a moment to before sitting down to start over. (I know I definitely have!) Be sure to clear your mind as well! It’s hard to intentionally start over when you have a ton on your mind or are super stressed out.
This step is important. If you’re like me, you might deal with ruminating thoughts (which is ANNOYING and stressful). I incorporate breath work into my day often to help me stop the cycle of ruminating thoughts. If you struggle with slowing down and just breathing and being present, check out these steps to help you along:
Find a quiet space: This might be an obvious one but it’s important to limit distractions (to the extent you can)! Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes: Try closing your eyes! This helps to eliminate distractions and enhance focus.
Inhale deeply: Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your lungs and allowing your stomach to rise.
Hold the breath: Pause for a few seconds. This step is important because it forces you to slow down.
Exhale slowly: Release the breath gently through your mouth. Release the stress and the tension.
Repeat this process several times until you feel a sense of calm and clarity. (If I’m being honest with you, it may take me a few sessions of breathing and practicing mindfulness to calm me down, depending on the day!) With your mind in a more relaxed state, you’ll be better equipped for the next step.
[2] Write down your thoughts.
Why do you want to start over? What do you want to leave behind? What is your why?
I love using this step as a journaling exercise. Reflection is important because you can honor what happened, understand what happened, and release any shame or disappointment you may have relating to the reason you want to start over.
Here’s how to start:
Choose your medium: Whether it’s a notebook, a digital document, or a journaling app, pick a medium that you’re comfortable with. I’m a paper lover but any digital planner would work too!
Set a timer: Give yourself a dedicated amount of time, such as 15-20 minutes, to focus solely on writing. Finding a quiet space is important too.
Write freely: Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or structure. Don’t worry about your handwriting, either. (Talking to myself here!) The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely onto the paper.
Reflect and organize: After your initial writing session, read through what you’ve written. Highlight key points, recurring themes, and important insights.
Getting your thoughts about the “why” can help you get organized, recognize patterns, and forgive yourself. Don’t skip this step, because it’s important for the next exercise.
[3] Now, visualize.
Then it’s time for a visualization exercise. Close your eyes and think about what starting over would look like for you. For example, my goal for May and June is to work on time management. Between traveling to Alabama and NYC, getting sick for two weeks, wedding planning, and work stress, April and May 2024 literally FLEW by. I extend some grace to myself because I was sick, but for the days and weeks that I wasn’t sick, I loss control of my time. I honestly lacked diligence with my time.
June is a new beginning so starting over for me looks like me waking up at the same time every day, sticking to my morning routine, getting through the work day in one piece, and coming home to finishing any tasks I have planned for the day (including rest as needed).
What does a fresh start look like for you? Here’s how to practice effective visualization:
Find the right space: By now you should know that a quiet place is best to help you figure out your fresh start. Life is busy for us all, but try to find some time to yourself to visualize your fresh start. I do my best visualization exercises right before bed.
Create a mental image: Picture your fresh start in as much detail as possible. Imagine the sights, actions, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with achieving it.
Engage all your senses: The more sensory details you include, the more real and powerful the visualization becomes.
Focus on positive emotions: Feel the joy, pride, and satisfaction that come with reaching your goal.
So for example, if your goal is to start a new career, visualize yourself in your ideal job setting. See yourself performing tasks confidently, interacting with colleagues positively, and feeling fulfilled at the end of the day. The clearer and more detailed your visualization, the more effective it will be in guiding your actions and sustaining your motivation.
So what does starting over look like for you? Be as creative and descriptive as you need to for this exercise!
Keep Going!
Don’t stop at the visualization step. You know us planner lovers enjoy writing things down. Write down your vision of your fresh start just in time for the new month.
What goal are you focusing on in June for a fresh start? Let me know in the comments below!