Easing into the New Year: How to Set Simple Goals That Stick
Ah, the new year! Oh-so inspiring … and oh-so daunting.
Tell me if this sounds like you … you’re jazzed and ready to hit the ground running in the new year! You’ve got your resolutions in hand! You’ve got a solid plan in place!
This. is. your. year!
… And then, the unexpected happens. Plans fall apart. Schedules get blown up. AND your fave Starbucks order gets pulled from the menu? I mean, what more can you take?!
We hear you!
. . .
This season, our theme is CREATE. Around The Uncommon Creative Studio, we are jazzed to create new ways to serve you and engage with you - plus we're trying new, intentional ways to structure our time.
On top of these exciting new ideas, though, we’ve gotten our fair share of curveballs!
In all honesty, the trials we’ve been facing have zapped our time and energy, cost more money than we could have been prepared to spend, and have taken a serious emotional toll.
But we are keeping our heads held high and moving forward!
All the while, we have been thinking about YOU.
Many of you are embarking on new adventures of your own, trying to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, or having to navigate tough times. So this month, let’s focus on making things as easy as can be so YOU can set simple goals that stick!
. . .
The Secret to Setting Goals That Actually Stick: Simplify!
Why slowing down and simplifying will set YOU up for success.
For starters, reduce your to-do list down to what truly needs to get done. Here’s how:
Read through your list once
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths
Then read through it again, looking for anything that can realistically wait until later.
Yes, we’re sharing many productivity tips with you today, but at the end of the day, deciding that a task doesn’t need to be done now (or maybe at all) can be more helpful than anything!
Pay attention to the time of day that feels the toughest. Are mornings hectic?! Then pack your lunch or set your outfit aside the night before.
Enlist help from people you know and trust. In many cases, they will be happy to help lighten your load for you!
Can a spouse or roommate take over some household duties?
Can you borrow an item from your neighbor to save yourself a trip to the store?
Can you ask a friend to pick up the kids one afternoon?
If we know anything about our generous readers, we know you'll absolutely return the favor when you can!
Psst … You can sneak a peek into the stress busters and daily routines of our core Uncommon team!
4 Uncommon Tips for Meal Prep in the New Year
A girl’s gotta eat! Here’s how to make mealtime easy-peasy.
Are you starting your grocery list from scratch each time? Instead, try this:
Keep a running list on your phone wherever you store your digital notes (Evernote, Notes, Google Drive)
Each week, bold or highlight the items you’ll need during your next grocery run
Voila - list made!
Utilize grocery pick-up or delivery services - they are definitely helpful in a pinch!
Crockpots, Instant Pots, and air fryers are great if you have them on hand.
Or keep it simple - one-pan recipes in the oven are perfect go-to’s!
Try a meal delivery service or other pre-made options, like these!
Take a look at prices to see what works for your budget
Keep in mind that these services often have you fill out a survey when you sign up - so it can take a bit of extra time to get started.
Snag some insider tips on our favorite organizers + planners here!
Stress-free laundry tips? Yes please!
We hate to break it to you, but there’s no way to make laundry stop - we’ve tried. So let’s make it better, shall we?
One way to make laundry easier? Throw in small loads throughout the week, rather than letting it all inevitably pile up.
Two tips to save on sorting time:
Keep separate hampers for lights, darks, whites, delicates, etc.
Life changer: Clip small mesh laundry bags inside your hamper. Here's why ...
Use one mesh bag for socks and one for undies, and then use the main basket for the rest of your clothes.
You’ll naturally sort throughout the week without taking up the extra space of multiple hampers.
PLUS! It will keep your socks inside one bag that you can throw into the wash aaaand you can say goodbye to the mysterious sock scavenger hunt!
4 Small Rituals to Stay Present & Focused in the New Year
Your everyday habits are the BIGGEST opportunity to optimize your time!
Each time you come home, make a habit of putting your purse, keys, sunglasses, etc. in the same place. It’ll limit the amount of time you might spend searching for them later!
Group everyday items together based on when you’ll need to use them.
Place toiletries together by category in the bathroom cabinet
Put all of your favorite breakfast/morning items together in one place in the kitchen.
Struggling to squeeze in workout time? Try something like this foldable stationary bike. Slide it in under your desk and get some revolutions in while you work!
Simplify your wardrobe! Take a look at your closet and select pieces that are comfy, easy to interchange, and that make you feel good. Pull those babies to the front and put them on a regular rotation for as long as you need. It will free up some of your time and mental real estate for more important things!
Stop by our top home editing tips + a personal take on the doozies of downsizing! Plus, Real Simple has a few thoughts on simplifying :) Check out their “Finally Declutter Your Home Once and for All” article for the full scoop!
How to Avoid Burnout: Say “no” with intention.
Your NOT-To-Do List is just as important as your to-do list
Real talk: It might be time to reduce your TV time. I get it - it may seem harmless to have it on in the background, but you’d be surprised by how much more you can get done without that extra distraction!
Another bummer: It’s probably time for a social media break. If you’re not ready to cut the cord completely, set daily limits on social media apps in your phone’s settings. But here’s the kicker - ya gotta stick to it!
Take a break from people who drain your energy! You don’t need to audit your entire friend list, but postpone spending time with anyone you know will make an already challenging time even tougher. If saying no is a tough thing for you, try these script starters:
“Could I take a rain check on our dinner plans? I really need to get caught up on things this week.”
“I have a lot on my plate right now, and I’d like to spend time with you when I can be a little more present. I’ll reach out again when things calm down a bit.”
“I just need a little extra time for myself right now. I hope you enjoy your week and that you get to take some time for yourself, too!”
Keep it simple, honest, and polite. You may feel some guilt, and that’s okay! Just try to remember that taking care of yourself is a way of taking care of the people around you.
The Power of Smart Planning
Sometimes, we can plan ahead for stressful times - like having a baby, starting a new job, or moving into a new place. If that’s the case, try these tips before the rubber meets the road:
Stock up on essentials:
Toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Pantry staples
You can also “subscribe” to certain online purchases, and you’ll automatically get products you select as often as you’d like for a discounted price.
Set up auto payments for your bills! We still recommend checking in on your accounts to keep an eye on anything that may be out of the ordinary!
Unsubscribe from email subscriptions you don’t want! This will reduce the unnecessary noise when you need to focus on what’s important. No big overhaul necessary - just try to:
Notice the next time you receive an email from a list you no longer want to be on
Hit “unsubscribe” on the email or in your inbox
Move it to your junk mail rather than just deleting it
Your Uncommon Encouragement!
Remember: You are capable of SO much - but there is only one of you! And you are, after all, only human. So please show yourself some grace and give yourself the gift of simplifying.
Take the ideas that resonate with you and leave the rest.
You’ve got this. And we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way!
Keep on keepin’ on,
The Uncommon Team
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