Clean Slate Smarts: How To Restart & Refresh Any Time of the Year

Just because the calendar flips to a new number doesn’t mean that January is only time all year you get to make a change in your life. In fact, learning some resolution lessons now can help you get that January-fresh feeling come Valentine’s Day, July 4th or even Thanksgiving. Here’s how.

If you decide you want to make a change, ride that feeling into taking action immediately. You’ll never be more pumped then you are right now so, since the very first step is also the hardest, use that extra motivation to get over the hump and get going.

A specific goal will always get you farther than a general “I want be neater” -style sentiment. Small, manageable steps are the best way to move slowly but surely towards your big goal. Share your plan with others (supportive friends and family) so they can help keep you accountable.

Things will go wrong, that’s a given, but the key to sticking to a new lifestyle choice is how you bounce back when you get off track. Give yourself a break and be nice to yourself. Keep things positive and upbeat, even in your own mind, to keep from letting a little slip-up lead to a spiral that will derail your efforts permanently.

A long-term change takes time and under no circumstances should you put off rewarding yourself for getting even part of the way to success. Acknowledging and giving yourself credit for hard work will help you keep feeling motivated. Get your friends and family on board too. No doubt they’re proud of your achievements so share your progress and let them celebrate you.