avatarAlex Mathers

Summary

The article provides strategies for gaining an advantage in the new year by reflecting on the past year, maintaining content creation, staying active, avoiding overindulgence, setting priorities, fostering connections, and practicing mindfulness.

Abstract

As the year comes to a close, the article suggests taking proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming year. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the past year's lessons, continuing to create and share content during a time when many are less active, and maintaining a regular exercise routine to support mental and physical health. The article also advises against succumbing to societal pressures of overconsumption during the holiday season, encouraging moderation and self-awareness. Setting clear priorities for the new year is highlighted as a key to direction and fulfillment. Additionally, the article recommends using the holiday season as an opportunity to strengthen personal and professional connections and to cultivate a still mind through mindfulness practices, which can enhance resilience and mental well-being.

Opinions

  • The author believes that reflecting on the past year's lessons is a valuable exercise that can inform future actions and decisions.
  • Content creators are encouraged to remain active during the end-of-year period to stay relevant and capitalize on the increased screen time of their audience.
  • The article suggests that maintaining an exercise routine during the holiday season is crucial for mental health and can provide a head start for the new year.
  • It posits that the cultural norm of overindulgence during December can lead to negative health outcomes and should be approached with caution.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of establishing clear priorities to avoid drifting through the year without purpose or progress.
  • Connecting with others during the holiday season is seen as a powerful way to build and maintain a supportive network.
  • Mindfulness is presented as a valuable tool for navigating the distractions and stressors of the holiday period, fostering a calm and resilient mindset.

Seven ways to start next year with an advantage 99% of people won’t have

Ready for the end of the year? None of us really are, but let’s see how we can make the most of it…

1. Note your top 5 lessons from this year.

Few take a moment to assess how their year went.

It needn’t be some big fanfare thing. Just reflect for a while on what you learned this last year. What lessons can you bring forward into the next?

Note this down.

Enjoy this brainstorming and reflective process.

What were you grateful for this year?

You’re not Scrooge, are you?

So open up and take a second to see what you love about your situation and life.

2. Create and share content.

Most people drift away from creating things, and the limelight, towards the end of the year.

That’s fine for many.

But certainly, if your financial success relies on attention, you will stand to gain by remaining on people’s radars through the slower period in the year.

People are indoors, and many are still glued to their screens.

Make videos, record podcasts, and get your writing out there.

Share material (like the article you’re reading) that is relevant and flying on current trends.

Be seen, be heard, and then it won’t be such a grind to gain attention when everyone returns from the land of the dead in the new year.

3. Exercise like you would in a ‘normal’ month.

Most people allow their exercise schedule to drop off in December. Several variables are at play, particularly in cold climates, for why this is.

Also, Christmas and feeling burned out towards the end of a long year.

But here’s the trouble with that. If we feel burned out, the last thing we want to do is eat more junk and exercise less.

Maintaining some decent daily exercise will boost your mental health, stave off the love handles, and set you up for a significant advantage at the start of next year.

4. Don’t binge.

December and Christmas are when we can fall into cultural norms and dabble in societal expectations.

From baked goods to playing video games, watching movies and drinking alcohol, we can fall prey to the sumptuous trappings that lure us this time of year.

Overdoing it is the norm and even subtly encouraged by most people. But we know that too much of anything makes us sick and sluggish. Not a good start for next year.

Bring awareness into your consumption this month.

When you sense yourself sliding into over-consumption, slow down.

You’re making life harder for yourself by letting yourself go.

Enjoy yourself, but say no to that unnecessary fifth drink.

5. Establish your 3+ main priorities.

Entire months and even years can go by with little direction or progress because we never established what mattered to us the most.

It really can be that simple. It doesn’t matter what we do if we don’t know what’s important to us. And that’s how we can spend our years meandering and unfulfilled.

Before next year cracks, sit down and establish those things that matter to you.

  • What are your main objectives?
  • What projects would you love to make happen?
  • Who would you love to meet?
  • What non-negotiable daily habits will you ensure kick off the year strong?

Be in the 1% and be clear on what’s important to you, and get it in writing.

6. Make this month about connecting.

It’s easy to want to hide away and hibernate this time of the year.

But use the holidays as an excuse to connect with people you might have yet to reach out to. Invite some people out for a meal. Send some unique cards.

Text or DM some people — new and old.

Why bother?

Because your network — and a buzzing and warm one at that — is one of your most powerful assets.

No matter your focus, you’ll be better off starting the year with people aware of you and talking about you.

7. Nurture a still mind.

As the year closes, mindfulness is the last thing on most people’s minds (during the most spiritual time of the year for many).

We can be wrapped up in family dramas, plans, parties and relationship woes. We medicate with alcohol and pies. We’re engrossed in marathon Christmas movies.

We’re in consumption mode, which is the opposite of awareness (or mindfulness).

Some of this is great — absolutely — I’ll be the first on the sofa to watch Home Alone for the 19th time.

But here’s the thing.

When we develop the habit of mindlessness, we create a resilient mind immune to mental health challenges.

We can remain calm when others would devolve into a triggered rage.

We nurture our most vital habit when few even consider it.

What a way to prepare for a conscious new year.

🔆

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Personal Development
Self Improvement
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Life Lessons
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