New Year’s resolutions have a way of either inspiring us or overwhelming us. As a Professional Organizer, my approach to resolutions centers around practicality and FUN! Yes, you heard that right.
Ever since I was a child, the act of “planning” has always been a favorite activity of mine. I thoroughly enjoy a good notebook, highlighters, color coded lists, check boxes, goal meters, you name it! I have to confess, I sometimes enjoy the planning phase more than the execution phase. There is something exhilarating about creating systems, brainstorming ideas, and mapping out my year. There is a reason I entered this profession. I recognize this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So I’m here to share my ways with you to make this a bit easier to swallow!
This year I’m drawing inspiration from Gretchen Rubin, one of my favorite podcasters and authors on happiness and habits. Two of her tips really resonate with me: choosing a one-word theme and her 25 in 2025 framework.
Choose a One-Word Theme
The word you choose should act as a guiding star throughout your year. It’s not a rigid resolution, but rahter a focus that shapes your decisions.
Try to think of a word that has many meanings and symbolism. Have fun with this! I encourage you to listen to the Happier with Gretchen Rubin’s podcast episode 511 for inspiration.
My theme this year is balance.
Balance makes me think of stability
Yoga
Flexibility
Calm
Steady
Peace
A balanced budget
To bring into harmony
I visualize a stack of smooth round rocks, balancing on one another. Water is nearby…
A reminder to be true to myself. Its a representation of my desire and my constant work to be steady and calm. I am also in the process of increasing my flexibility and physical strength. This feels like the perfect word for me.
I’m currently brainstorming how to have a visual representation of balance in my day to day life. Perhaps a throw back to the 90s with a ying yang necklace? Perhaps an hour glass or a scale? A photo of those very rocks?
25 in 2025
Set 25 achievable and realistic goals for the year.
Before I start, I think through different aspects of my life. Things like relationships, parenting, marriage, spirituality, health and fitness, professional, and financial. Where do I need improvement? Where am I doing something right, that I should keep doing? What do I need to drop from my list entirely?
Your goals don’t need to big overwhelming goals. Some should challenge you, but others may just be something you’d like to get done or a small task. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
Here are my 25 for 2025. In no particular order.
Journal weekly
Plan a family yoga or pilates session
Have weekly 1:1 time with each of my kids
Have a monthly date night with my husband
Read 12 books
Try 12 new recipes
12 social activities with friends
Plank every day
Be able to do 10 strong push ups
Go to a brow bar
Schedule College tours for my oldest
Take family photos
Catch up on family photo albums
Schedule a monthly CEO day
Plan team days for the year
Re-evaluate and set this years business financial goals
12 new google reviews (we currently have 56)
Make a medical appointment I’ve been needing to make
Make a dental appointment I’ve been needing to make
Finalize my will
Increase my life insurance
Insure my wedding ring
Finalize my husband’s life insurance
Re-allocate my retirement fund
Save a certain dollar amount towards a vehicle
In order to make these goals stick, I break things out into actionable lists. Some of these items may need to be done daily. Most of mine are monthly. Many are one-time to dos that I need to schedule and set deadlines for. Create a plan to actually achieve these things.
I believe that visual tools are powerful motivators. Canva is a great resource for beautiful checklists. A good old fashioned poster board is great too. There’s nothing like seeing your goals proudly displayed on your wall to keep you inspired!
Whether you’re a planner like me or prefer a more spontaneous approach, resolutions work best when they’re personal, actionable, and enjoyable.
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, creativity, and reaching new heights!
Hi, I’m Naomi!
Founder of Charming Spaces, professional organizer, wife, mom of three and passionate advocate for women.
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