How to Plan Your Best Year Ever

As the New Year approaches, it is crucial to look back, reflect, and decide what worked in 2016, and what still needs some improvement for 2017. Once you’ve had time for reflection, plan what you would like your next year to look like. After all, it’s YOUR life. Each one of us is unique and different so it is important for you to personalize your plan to fit your lifestyle, goals and interests. At bloom, our goal is to empower YOU to become the best version of yourself.

Here are five tips to consider in order to have your Best Year Ever.

1. Be a little selfish.

Yes, you read that right! It is so easy to get caught up in everyday tasks and put your own needs aside for the benefit of others. Being selfless is a wonderful characteristic, but do not forget yourself in the process! If you are not healthy and happy with yourself, then you will not be of benefit to others. Think about yourself as this New Year approaches: what will make YOU happy? What should you focus on that will help you become the best version of YOU? Remember that you cannot fully help others unless you are in the right spot to do so.

2. Set goals and be specific.

This seems pretty self-explanatory, but it is something so many people forget about or overlook. Setting a goal and writing it down is vital to achieving success. If you forget to set goals, you are setting yourself up for failure. How can we be the best version of ourselves if we are not striving towards something great? Goals can be big or small or anywhere in between. To help get you started organizing your thoughts, consider these questions:

1. What can I do better in my day-to-day life?
2. What can I do for myself that benefits my health and happiness?
3. Am I spending more time THINKING about what I want? Or ACTING towards it?
4. Am I living a life of meaning?
5. What is my purpose?
6. How can I be the best version of myself?
7. How can I have the Best Year Ever?
8. What goals are REALISTIC for me?
9. How can I plan ahead to make sure my goals fit my lifestyle? (For example, if you want to make it a point to go on monthly dates with your spouse or significant other, make sure you not only communicate with them, but pick a specific day that works for both of you.)

After really considering these questions, create achievable goals for yourself. Start small, such as waking up a bit earlier and allowing yourself a few extra minutes of sipping your coffee in the morning for a peaceful start to your day. If you want to develop a daily fitness routine, instead of saying you are going to work out every day, start with a few times a week, then every other day, and slowly work towards your end goal of being active each day. Remember, goals do not have to be just about being healthy. Think of it as a resolution but instead of giving up on it mid-February, check in with these goals every so often and take note of your progress. Be specific! Write your goals down in your favorite bloom planner and refer to them so you feel more accomplished. Perhaps write about your progress if it is applicable to your goal. 

3. Treat. Yo. Self.

Eat the cupcake. Drink the extra glass of wine. Watch the extra episode. We all know that life is way too short so, if you are going to spend the time thinking about what you want, then you might as well go for it! As Grandma used to say when you were little and would reach for the extra chocolate chip cookie, “everything in moderation!” Treating yourself also applies to relaxation. Work hard, but do not forget to press pause on your life every once in awhile. Life is a marathon, not a sprint! Our lives are meant to be enjoyed, not hurried or rushed. Take a spa-day, do some yoga, sleep in on Sunday, give yourself some well-deserved “you” time.

4. Remind yourself of the little things and cherish them. 

Life is all about moments- the little ones and big ones. The bed-time stories with your children, your weekly Zumba class, grabbing coffee with your friends, the first date. Take pictures to remember these moments and look back on them- write about them; document them. Life moves quickly. Our kids grow up fast, our relationships evolve, we get promoted; things change. Live each day by cherishing the small moments. It is so important to reflect on what we have done throughout the past year and what we would like to continue. Create traditions and stick with them. Live each moment with compassion, with love, and with kindness.

5. Plan, plan, plan! 

Naturally, we believe in planning and organization. Our products are designed to help you become the best version of yourself, so take a look through what we offer to get you started. Planning is so important. Life is chaotic and when you are truly striving to have your Best Year Ever, you are going to want to keep track of it all. Save your brain the extra work and start writing everything down: important dates, grocery lists, to-do lists, goals, all of it! You will save yourself time and energy and you will truly feel productive when you take the time to organize everything in your pretty little planner. Our planners are all encompassing and there are plenty of styles to choose from so, whether you are a first time planner-user or a planner addict, we have what will work for you. 

If you follow these steps, you will be unstoppable and guaranteed to have your Best Year Ever! Remember to reflect and then plan. Take it one step at a time.

Cheers to 2017, bloomgirl!