UPDATED 04/28/2025
With a new year comes new stress. But this year is going to be a fresh start for you, right? Or are you going to do the same old thing? If you’re thinking of going about things the same way you did last year, think again. Those negative, bad thoughts or that “woe is me” mentality is so last year. Start thinking 2021 will be a fresh start, then and only then will you be ready to make fresh, positive, new choices.
For some, 2020 was a crapshoot; for others, though, it was a joy. I asked my followers to share their experiences with 2020 and here’s what they told me.
For those that said 2020 ws a bust it was because:
- They couldn’t have their Memorial Day getaway
- Friends couldn’t get married
- Many people got sick and passed away
- They felt like they were missing something
- Networking and building relationships wasn’t an option
- My cable access episode didn’t air and the time felt like it was wasted [Yes, this was mine!]
- They missed out on vacations, big events, and family time
For those that said 2020 was a joy, it was because:
- They realized that rushing from one event to the next wasn’t worth it
- Self-care became a daily practice
- Cooking became fun again
- They were able to give back to their community
- Life slowed down to a manageable pace so they could spend more time with family
- They found a new hobby
- Because they were home so much, they worked out more
- I was able to work more on my business
Did you think 2020 was a bust or was it a joy? If you’re thinking it was a bust, then I challenge you to change your mindset. Especially because so many said there were more joyful moments last year. But even so, a new year brings about new stress.
So here’s what you’re going to do:
- Find your triggers and new ways to process those triggers. If you know your triggers, analyze your old ways of managing them. If the old way isn’t working anymore, something needs to be changed.
- Think about setting SMART goals. Those are goals that are specific, manageable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive. Make weekly, monthly, 6-month, and yearly goals to help you stay on track. Bonus—get a planner to track your progress.
- Create a reward system for when you achieve your goals. That reward can be as little or as big as you want it to be. Maybe you get yourself coffee on Fridays because you made it through the week. Or a new pair of workout tights after completing 30 days of workouts. The decision is yours!
- Make sure to cut yourself a break. Stress is always going to be here and it’s never going to go away. But if you continue to work on yourself and that stress you experience will be easier to manage.
Listen to the podcast and check out these other blogs that might help you learn how to manage your stress this year:
