“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.”

– Gilbert K. Chesterton

Wellness Tip:

Don’t Make Resolutions (Do This Instead)

We all know that New Year’s resolutions don’t work. But what should you do instead?

Firstly, don’t do anything! This really is a good time to pause, reflect, and make a fresh start. Think about what you want and set measurable goals. Then (here’s the critical part!) put systems in place to keep you working toward them.

What do we mean by “systems”? Your Panda Planner is one! By writing down your weekly and monthly goals, you’re creating guideposts along the path to where you want to be. Your daily priorities and tasks are the steps that lead you from one guidepost to the next.

Before you know it, you’re making progress, building positive habits, and crushing your goals (all year through). 

What do you think? Are you ready to set (and smash) your goals for the year?

Productivity Tip:

Do More Of What Energizes You

Here’s another way to set your year off to a good start: Think about which activities energize you – and plan ways to do more of them.

In a work context, you might draw energy from being creative, resourceful, organized, or humorous; things you can potentially do more of without having to change roles.

In his book What Is Water?, Kayvan Kian calls these things “hidden treasures” – skills you may not be the best at, but that you feel good doing. 

“When we ignore these hidden treasures,” he says, “we deny ourselves the energy that can help us deal with challenging times in our lives.”

Read more about how to identify your hidden treasures here. Then why not give it a go?

Routine Breakdown

Erin Kleinberg, Founder of SIDIA & CEO/Owner of Métier Creative

“I know when I’m most efficient and when I’m lazy,” says serial entrepreneur Erin Kleinberg, “and I play into that strategically.” She:

• Wakes at 6:30 am for TV and cuddles with her kids in bed. This creates a feeling of “family, sanctuary, and peace.”
• Does her self-care bathroom routine. “I find the ritual of cleansing, caring for my skin and body, and being alone with my thoughts is critical to setting up my day.”
• Does 5 mins of breathwork from Erika Posinelli.

Has a healthy breakfast, then goes for a walk in nature while listening to podcasts (she likes Having It All and Other Lies, How I Built This, and 33 Voices).

Why it works:

• Family time makes you happier, healthier, and more productive. 
• Small rituals can reduce stress by making us feel more in control over our lives. 
• Breathwork has benefits like reducing stress and improving circulation.
• Walking and time in nature are both good. Double points for merging the two!

It’s easy to rush through our morning bathroom routine, but treating it as a self-care ritual can make for a more pleasant and mindful start to the day. Do you have self-care rituals of your own?