Well hello to you my reader chums! The new year is a wonderful time and opportunity to think about what you'd like the year to be for you. I love New Year goals as I'm an ambitious, goal-setting individual however, not everyone is like that. The new year can be a stressful and intimidating time with all the marketing around 'new year, new me', diet changes, big, life-changing goals and the drive to create a whole new life.

Here's your reminder: you don't need big goals in the new year, to change your whole life or become a new version of yourself. The new year is what you make of it. If you're feeling the pressure of the new year, here are some ways to feel less pressure about setting goals.

Set realistic goals

Many people decide to set massive or life-changing goals in the new year and often that can add more pressure to starting the next year. Setting goals is meant to be fun and ambitious. You should embrace that, and not feel intimidated by it. Instead of massive goals, set realistic and attainable goals that you know given your lifestyle, you can keep up with throughout the year and push yourself, without pressure.  

Remind yourself not everyone thrives in the new year

It's okay to not thrive in the new year. It's okay to feel down and not 100%yourself. It's okay to enjoy a slower season and appreciate what you have in life, rather than reach and plan for something else. This is your reminder that life isn't like what you see online. Not everyone will be buying fancy journals and mapping out their new year on a high. Many people may be getting over something challenging, simply surviving or learning to be more content. 

Write a gratitude list every day

Gratitude is the key to living a more fulfilled and positive life. In the new year period, when pressure levels can be high, write a gratitude list of the little things you're thankful for every day. From the small things we forget about, such as a warm home, a connection with loved ones, and food on the table, to any specific thing that happened that day. Whatever you write down, it can help reframe your mind. 

Reflect on your wins from the previous year

When we're in the new year bubble, many of us focus on what we should be achieving and planning for rather than what we've achieved or done in the previous year. Spend this time reflecting on your wins and highlights from the previous year and what you have done, rather than what you should be achieving. 

Fill your cup with fun things

Starting the year with fun and positive things can help create a better mindset to deal with the pressure of new year goals. Everyone has different things to fill their cup, from hanging out with loved ones to hobbies. Whatever it is, ensure you add many fun things to your agenda.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

Thank you for reading <3