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Easing Slowly Into 2022

Easing Slowly Into 2022

Posted on: Sunday 16 January 2022


A lot of pressure comes with a new year; I used to revel in the chance for a fresh start, making lists of goals and things to achieve (which would generally be far too ambitious and unrealistic so would leave me feeling like a failure come February), but after many years of this cycle I've finally learnt that, actually, things often take time and putting pressure on yourself is definitely no way to go about achieving them.

The whole 'new year new me' thing just isn't really my vibe; what if there wasn't all that much wrong with the old me in the first place? Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware I'm far from perfect, but the idea of the huge overhaul the phrase 'new me' suggests seems a little drastic. 

I certainly get the appeal of setting new goals for the year, and of starting them bang on New Year's Day (similarly I do like a Monday for starting any sort of new challenge), but this year I took all the pressure off. 

Sure, there are plenty of things I would like to achieve this year, but here we are on the 15th January (possibly later by the time this is published) and I haven't written any of them down, or even given them much thought. 

Instead, I've been gliding through this new year so far without much purpose, which may sound unappealing, but it's actually been quite nice to simply exist and decide from day to day what I'm going to plan and achieve.

January is a depressing month isn't it? (Apologies to all you January babies, I'm sure you don't agree, but you also probably secretly wish you were born in a different month right?) My point is, why are we toughest on ourselves to sort our lives out and make huge changes in a month where it's cold, dark and we probably feel the least motivated we possibly could?

I'm doing things when I feel I want to. In years gone by I would have had a brand new planner all ready to begin my to-do lists on the 1st January. This year I drew the front cover of my new bullet journal on the 12th January, and I haven't even got as far as writing anything else in it yet. A to-do list has so far not been a feature in my 2022, as much as I do love them.

This ebb and flow of motivation is a normal part of life, and seeing as it would appear I'm currently in an ebb, what's the point in forcing it? I know there'll be a day soon where I suddenly feel ready to sit down, make some lists and set some new goals, but if that doesn't coincide with a new year (or screw it, even a Monday) then so be it. 

I've eased into 2022 slowly, at my own pace and it's been much needed. My get up and go will come out when it's ready.

What kind of start have you had to the year?

Amy x

Comments

  1. haha I'm a January baby, and hate the bad rep that it gets. I totally agree that it's important to force the whole new year, new me thing as it never really happens anyway. Hope you have an amazing 2022 xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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    1. Yes it's definitely good to take the pressure off! Haha maybe I'd feel differently if I was a January baby, at least you have something to look forward to I suppose! x

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  2. I'm not one for pressurising myself into setting goals just because it's a new year, I don't need that pressure! I would rather ease myself into the New Year than rush head on trying to get so many things done! x

    Lucy Mary

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    1. Definitely my stance on it! I end up being much more productive when I don't force it too! x

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  3. I love the vibe and pace of this post. This year, I've been all for starting things off at a different, slower and more mindful pace!
    Rosie

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    1. Awh that's good to hear, it's definitely put my in a good mindset for the start of the year! x

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  4. I totally agree with this! It's so nice to read a post which isn't focussed on numbers or goals. I think what you've said it lovely. I've been having a bit of a hard time juggling life recently, however the last few days I've set myself 0 tasks - There's been no pressures and I haven't been disappointed when I've not achieved or ticked something off the list. Totally get this!!

    Claire.X
    www.clairemac.co.uk

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    1. Awh I'm glad you've cut yourself a bit of slack, sounds like you needed the break! It definitely does us good! x

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  5. I love this mindset! It's so important to not put too much pressure on the new year. It's a new year in the calendar, but it's just like... The next day for people. Nothing has changed drastically (usually)! My New Year has been pretty chill, as well. I do have some goals, but I think I'm pretty realistic about them. For example, I'm in Canada and it's winter: sometimes it's hard to go for a walk every single day ;)

    Erin // erinmacneil.blogspot.ca

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    1. Haha I find it hard to go for a walk everyday in the UK in winter and I bet it's ten times harder over there! x

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  6. I did set myself goals this year in my 101 in 1001 list but I generally take life very easy until my birthday in February to ease into a new year

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    1. That sounds like a fab idea, hope you have a lovely birthday!

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  7. There's so much pressure when going into a New Year, and most of that comes from ourselves! x

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    1. Definitely! I usually put so much pressure on myself so it's been nice not to :) x

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  8. January honestly feels like the longest month ever and I feel like January is definitely the month to be kinder to yourself! I've set myself a few goals but nothing extensive!

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  9. I think it's great you've just allowed yourself to relax a little! I set goals this year, but last year I was a bit free range with it all. In 2023 I may set goals, or I may not. It's something that I can decided to do or not depending on whats going on in my life.

    Corinne x

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    1. It definitely seems to depend on the year, and like you say what's going on in life! x

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