This is my most FAVORITE time of the year. I love all the magic and joy that this time of year brings to us. The wonder and excitement that you see all around. So many find this time of year so stressful. It definitely can be if you are putting all the pressures from the world on your shoulders.

I used to be this person. So stressed out over everything. I still really loved all the things but it felt so overwhelming. Following and trying to keep up to all the things. Buying all the gifts people wanted. Cooking all the food that you are told to cook. Going to all the festivities that you should be attending. So overwhelming to try and keep up.

Having these stresses while working towards finishing off the year strong on my goals always seemed to be too much. Unfortunately my goals seemed to always take a back seat to everything else. Especially being a mom. Working to make sure the holidays were more special than the last for the kids.

It's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of festive activities, family gatherings, and end-of-year celebrations. With the increased demands on our time and energy, staying focused and maintaining our goals can become challenging. However, with some mindful planning and intentional actions, it's entirely possible to keep yourself on track during this busy time and set the stage for achieving your New Year's resolutions.

Here are some effective strategies to help you stay organized, motivated, and prepared for the holiday rush while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a successful start to the upcoming year:

Prioritize and Schedule

• Identify Your Priorities: Take a moment to reflect on your core priorities. What are the most important aspects of your life that you want to focus on during this season and in the coming year? Is it health, relationships, personal growth, or career aspirations? Once you've determined these, it becomes easier to structure your time accordingly.

• Create a Schedule: Map out your days and weeks using a planner or digital calendar. Allocate specific time slots for holiday activities, work commitments, social gatherings, and, most importantly, self-care and goal-related tasks. Setting aside dedicated time for these activities helps prevent them from being overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the season.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

• Mindful Breathing and Meditation: Amidst the chaos, take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness. Deep breathing exercises or short meditation sessions can provide a sense of calm and help you stay centered amid the flurry of activities.

• Self-Care Rituals: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, exercising, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, prioritize your well-being. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue your goals effectively.

Set Realistic Goals for the New Year

• Reflect on the Past Year: Take stock of your achievements and areas for improvement from the current year. Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights into what you want to maintain or change in the upcoming year.Watch for my New Year New You resource coming out to help you break this down.

• SMART Goals: When setting New Year's resolutions, make them SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, instead of simply aiming to "exercise more," specify a goal like "going for a 30-minute walk five times a week."

Start Now

• Take Small Steps: Don't wait for January 1st to begin working on your resolutions. Start implementing small changes or actions aligned with your goals today. Starting early builds momentum and increases the likelihood of success.

• Accountability and Support: Share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide support and hold you accountable. Having someone to share your progress, challenges, and successes with can be incredibly motivating. Find your community that fits you. The Elevate Community is an amazing place that holds you up. 

Embrace Flexibility and Celebrate Progress

• Stay Flexible: Recognize that the holiday season can be unpredictable. Be flexible with your plans and goals, allowing for adjustments without feeling discouraged.

• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements along the way. Recognizing your progress keeps you motivated and reinforces positive habits.

I always want to leave the year stronger than I went into. To be able to do this I need to make sure that I am staying on track with all the things that I have worked so hard to become habits that then turn into just natural things I do. 

Take your health into your control.

These are all steps that you would learn in the Elevate Community . Having the accountability to truly make the shifts that you are looking for to feeling better in your body.