get a jump start on your 2021 goals

Setting new goals for the upcoming year is always a great way to celebrate the end of one calendar year and the beginning of a new one but why wait until the year turns over officially to 2021? If you have intentionally spent time considering your desired goals, and they are top of mind, why wait another two weeks? Why not start today!?

The purpose of this post is to share a few reasons why you might consider starting your resolutions sooner than later. The top New Year's resolutions don't change much from year to year and you are likely able to guess many of the most popular ones. Here is a list based on a survey by YouGov conducted in 2019:

1. Exercise more

2. Save money

3. Eat healthier

4. Lose weight

5. Reduce stress

6. Get more sleep

7. Stick to a budget

8. Focus on spiritual growth

9. Travel more

10. Learn a new skill

starting healthier habits heading into the holidays gives you a head start

When you consider that 4 of the top resolutions are focused around health, starting to focus on healthy habits as you enter the holiday season could be the difference maker in staying on track and not letting things slide just because of a holiday or two.

Studies show that people can gain between 2-5 pounds during the holiday season. By becoming consciously aware of your eating habits in December, you set your mindset to be more judicious in what you may (or may not) indulge in. From experience, I know that starting my health-focused resolutions in December keeps me focused on better-for-me choices.

being intentional about spending during the holiday season can foster strong habits for the year ahead

Saving money and sticking to a budget are both make the top 10 list. Since the holidays are a time when we are making a lot of purchases and many feel some (or a lot of) pressure to buy more than they can actually afford.

According to a recent survey by creditcards.com, more than half of cardholders who already carry credit card debt (57%) said they would add to it for the holidays, compared to 29% who don’t carry debt.

Like physical clutter, the weight of debt can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. If you are someone who tends to overspend in general but especially during the holidays, then this might be the year to really consider spending less, by getting creative with less expensive gift giving, in order to start 2021 off on more solid financial footing. Think about gifting hand made items that tend to cost less and are also more personal and unique. Neat Little Nest has curated some of our favorite handmade gifts on Pinterest.

start with small daily habits that can help you build up your planning + execution muscles

Focusing on your spiritual growth, solidifying a new habit and getting more sleep all have one important thing in common and that is you have to allocate time for them. Since time is something we can't buy or bargain for more of, it's helpful to use tools and techniques to help us manage the most of the time we do have.

If you are like me, you often have more on your plate than you have time to handle, requiring you to prioritize consistently and get comfortable with things not going as perfectly as our vision was planned. While this skill set take ongoing, life-long practice, one way to begin to get the most out of your days is to block of time to plan out your days and weeks.

In a recent blog post, I shared how I use my Neat Little Nest planner daily, weekly and monthly to help keep me on track. Finding a journal that works for you can be one of the most rewarding endeavors however, it can take time to find one that you love. Don't give up until you do, it will make all the difference. Many journals, including the Neat Little Planner, give you a couple of months extra before the start of a new calendar year for that very reason.

The good news is that it is never too early to begin learning something exciting, establishing a new routine or tackling an endeavor. It may sound trite, but it is simply very true, every day offers you time and opportunity. So get a leg up on your resolutions and goals over the new few weeks, no need to wait until January 1.

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