Anyone else love that New Year feeling? I’m always so motivated to get my life together and 2024 is no different. Sure, it’s optimism but this year, I feel different. Turning 30 wasn’t exactly the year I hoped it would be so I’m using 31 as a redo. That’s why I’m dedicating this post to how I’m prepping for the New Year.
2023 REFLECTION
The first thing I do before I even start to think about 20234 is reflect on the previous year first! This is actually easier than ever before because I’ve started weekly and monthly reviews in 2023. I look at the goals I set for myself, as well as pick my highlights and challenges from the entire year. Before I do this, I always think I’ve had such a disappointing year. Afterwards, I feel like I’ve accomplished so much more than I thought!
SETTING UP NOTION
Usually, I use Asana but I’m trying to move everything over to Notion for 2024, especially for personal and blog stuff. I’ve got the basic set-up there but I need to get it a little more functional. This will probably happen when I do my 2024 and Q1 planning. However, there are still quite a few pages that I need to finalise and set up. Notion can look overwhelming but it can be simple. You can always build on it when you get used to it.
WRITING IN MY DIARIES
One of my favourite things to do is write my plans in a brand new diary! I like to get all of my concrete plans written in colour-coded pens and then pencil in other stuff. It’s an activity I started doing when I got my first school planner. Yes, I was the weirdo with everything in colours and adding in stickers because it was fun! Ironically, it’s still the same now. It’s a fun activity that keeps me occupied for a little while and means less screen time.
THE ANNUAL DECLUTTER
Oh, the activity that can take hours or weeks! I do this every year and eventually, it does get easier. Genuinely, it used to take me pretty much the whole of January to declutter but now it only takes a day or two, depending on the rooms on my list! This year, my home office/spare bedroom is my main priority because it’s become a dumping ground yet again. I just want to be able to work in an environment where I don’t have to dig for my favourite stationery!
PLAN 2024 TRAVEL
In 2024, I want to explore more of the UK. It was on my list for 2023 but my finances were a little shaky. 2024 is the year of abundance and affluence for me so whilst saving is a priority, so is travel! I’m not ready for solo international travel just yet so I’m hoping to visit new places in the UK instead. Currently, I have an overnight stay in Leicester booked but every other trip is something I’ve already visited. Please recommend me places as long as I can get to them easily on the train!
SET UP 2024 BUDGET
As I said above, 2024 is the year of saving for me. With that means I need to earn more too. I’m also saving up for a car and to move out so this means my focus is definitely on increasing my income again. I’ve got myself a new budget spreadsheet so I can look at everything much clearer and in much more detail. It will greatly enhance my weekly and monthly money routines so I’m excited to start focusing on my finances.
ROUGH PLAN THE YEAR + Q1
Alongside any actual plans, I also need to plan my content. I tend to do this per quarter and with four websites, I need to start making this a priority. Of course, plans change so I try to just pencil it all in. Ideally, I want to get about a week ahead with my blog content but I also want to focus on having some pre-written blog posts ready. This will help on days when I have no idea what I want to publish!
And that’s how I’m prepping for the New Year. It’s something I love doing and usually takes at least a week or so to get as much done as possible. January is my favourite time of the year: new goals, a fresh start and it’s my birthday month! It’s also hectic as I always try to fit in lots of theatre and travel. That’s why I take more time out in December to get ready.
If you enjoyed this post about how I’m prepping for the New Year, you can find my organisation posts here. Don’t forget to give me a follow on Twitter and Instagram. That’s another focus for me in 2024 too!
