Get Motivated for the New Year

Do you hate setting New Year’s resolutions? Does the idea of taking on an impossible goal leave you feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even started? If so, this blog post is for you.

If your life is on track and you feel good—mentally and physically—then congratulations! You’re ‘winning’ at life, and this post probably isn’t for you.

But let me be honest: I’ve been stuck in a slump for months now. After a life-changing event, my writing has fallen by the wayside. Just the thought of picking up my work-in-progress and diving into yet another edit fills me with dread.

I’ve also neglected my diet and lost count of the times I promised to hit the gym, only to convince myself that walking the dogs was “good enough.” In short, I’ve been procrastinating—and it’s time for a total reset.

If, like me, you’re struggling to shake off a slump, join me in making some positive changes today.

Start with Baby Steps

One reason we fail at resolutions is that we set the bar too high. Promising to lose a stone in a month, train for a 5K in two weeks, or declutter the entire house in one weekend sets us up for failure.

Instead, small, achievable steps are the way to go. Building a new habit takes willpower, and starting small makes it far more manageable—and rewarding.

Exercise

As some of you know, I have a spinal cord injury, so any exercise or movement is good for my body. Strengthening my core is essential for managing lower back pain and spondylolisthesis. To ease back into exercise, I’ve started a 28-day beginner Pilates programme on YouTube.

The workouts are short—just 10–15 minutes—but they make my spine feel incredible. While it’s not a calorie-burning workout, my goal is to build this habit over the next 28 days. That alone will feel like an achievement.

Even small increases in movement can make a difference. Add just five minutes of exercise to your day—take extra steps, walk up and down the stairs, or try a gentle yoga class. Listen to your body and start small. The boost to your mindset can help you tackle other areas of life.

Tackle Procrastination

What’s your go-to way of procrastinating? Mine is knitting and crochet. While it’s a productive and relaxing hobby, it’s often my escape when I’m overwhelmed by tasks like editing my book, preparing for my upcoming house move, or dealing with finances. Instead of tackling the hard stuff, I sit down to knit and watch Netflix.

Breaking this cycle starts with small, focused efforts. I’ve set a goal to spend just one hour every morning dedicated to writing—whether it’s editing my book, jotting notes for my next project, or drafting a blog post like this one.

One hour might not sound like much, but it’s far more than I’ve managed in recent months. And small wins build momentum.

If you’ve been avoiding something, break it into manageable chunks. Set a time-based goal or a specific task to complete, and stick to it. Overdoing it—like cleaning out the entire kitchen in one go—can leave you too drained to tackle anything the next day.

A wise person once said that writers should stop working in the middle of an exciting chapter. Why? Because the excitement will motivate them to pick it up the next day. This idea can apply to any task: stop at a high point, so you’re eager to return to it tomorrow.

Find an Accountability Partner

This one is a game-changer. When I was in the hospital recovering from my spinal cord injury, I used Facebook and social media for accountability. The encouragement I received kept me determined, and the results were life-changing.

On a smaller scale, one of my daughters is joining me in my Pilates journey. We check in with each other daily to confirm we’ve completed our workouts. This simple accountability ensures I don’t slide back under the covers and skip it altogether.

If social media isn’t your thing, find a friend to support or join you. A gym buddy or swimming partner can make all the difference when it comes to staying consistent. Even small gestures, like pinning your daily goals on the fridge, can be a great motivator. Or treat yourself to a lovely piece of stationery with checkboxes to track your progress—there’s something satisfying about ticking off each goal.

Create the Right Environment

Your surroundings can have a huge impact on your motivation. A new pair of trainers or a set of leggings might inspire you to hit the gym. For me, a tidy desk with a scented wax melt and warm lighting makes sitting down to work much more inviting.

Music 

Music is another powerful tool. Put on your favourite tunes and dance your way through a workout or cleaning session. If you’re out and about, pop on some headphones. I’ve listened to entire audiobooks while walking my dogs—it’s a great way to make the most of your time.

Create Zones for Different Activities

If possible, dedicate specific areas in your home to particular tasks. For example, keep your desk for work or writing, your kitchen table for meal prep, and your living room for relaxation. This separation can help you mentally switch gears.

Declutter Your Space

A clutter-free environment can make a world of difference. Clear your workspace, living room, or exercise area of distractions. Even small tidying sessions—like organizing your desk or decluttering a corner—can create a calming and motivating atmosphere.

Reward Yourself

Self-care is a key part of the process, and a little reward can go a long way. Whatever you’re working toward, find a way to treat yourself—just make sure it aligns with your goals. If you’ve joined Slimming World, a slice of cake might not be the best option, but there are plenty of other ways to celebrate.

Take a nap, get a pedicure, or spend an evening watching your favorite show (hello, Gavin and Stacey). You could even meet a friend for coffee—or something a little stronger. Whatever it is, make time for the things that bring you joy and help you recharge.

Start Today

Grab a notebook and write down your goals, along with the reasons why they matter to you. Revisiting this list can help keep you focused and motivated.

Once your goals are written, don’t delay. Start today. Taking the first step, no matter how small, can instantly make you feel more positive and in control.