Tips on How to Make 2021 Better Than 2020

This past year was one for the history books, no doubt. As we approach the new year, many of us are looking forward with fresh eyes. We have a better sense of what is important in life. If nothing else, 2020 taught us to appreciate what we have and also helped us discover the things that are important to us. In 2021, focusing on what brings joy is going to be at the forefront of our minds. Here are some tips on how to make 2021 a better year than 2020.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude Every Day

A simple but often overlooked way to make a difference in your daily life is to live with an attitude of gratitude. Being mindful of what you have, what you’ve accomplished, and the things you appreciate in your everyday life will set you up for success in 2021. With many of us spending much of our time on lockdown, we turned inward to our homes, families, and personal spaces. 

By taking care of our space around us, we take care of ourselves and are able to better move around in the outside world, staying true to ourselves and our vision for the future. So, in 2021, expressing gratitude for the things you have, even in they don’t seem to be perfect, will help make 2021 a much better year than 2020.

Set Meaningful Goals for Yourself

Of course goal setting is important, we’ve all been conditioned to always be striving toward bettering ourselves but has anyone ever suggested that you set meaningful goals? Goals that have meaning in your life are ones that, by doing them, in the here and now, actually make you feel good. There’s truly no sense in working toward something that is a chore to accomplish in the day-to-day. If you find yourself struggling to work through a task that will help you reach your big goal, maybe that big goal isn’t really what your soul craves.

Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020

Take time to reevaluate the goals in your life and see if they’re truly what the authentic, real, you want. If not, adjust accordingly. Working toward your goals isn’t always going to be a walk in the park, nor will the tasks necessary to reach those goals be stress-free and fun all the time, but they should feel worthwhile and be enjoyable. Otherwise, what’s the point of working through something that doesn’t bring you joy.  You’ll make 2021 a much better year than 2020 if you’re true to yourself and what is important to you and work toward the things that fire you up.

Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2021: Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to make something work, it’s just not for you. It’s ok to let that thing go. If you spent hundreds of dollars and investing time, energy, and money into something you thought you wanted, but it’s just not working for you, don’t be afraid to let go. Make this new year better by letting go of what doesn’t serve you. In 2020 we learned that life is short and moments are fleeting. We already knew this of course, but a global pandemic tends to truly change people. Don’t be afraid in 2021, if it doesn’t resonate with you, don’t feel guilty about letting go of the things or people who are holding you back.

Try NOT Setting Any New Years Resolutions

Each year many of us start off in January with a list of resolutions that we abandon by mid-February. If you want to make 2021 a better year than 2020, try not to set any resolutions. Instead, journal your intentions for the year. Write out what it is you are striving for as if you already have attained it. Now, this may seem a little ‘woo-woo’ for some, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Something happens when you start living with intention and acting ‘as if’  Your mindset changes; you begin to start living the life of the person you wish to be. Your future self shows up in the present and you move about your day as though you already have those things that you want in your life. As a result, what is reflected back to you, are those very things you want to achieve.

Set Regular Routines in Your Daily Life

Have a set rhythm or routine in your day. A routine both in the mornings and in the evenings is a great way to prove to yourself that you value your own time. Practicing self-love and making your own needs a priority are key if you wish to make 2021 a better year than 2021. You put in a lot of time and energy into everyone around. So, by the time you’re ready to think about yourself, you’re depleted.

Make a conscious effort to create routines in your day. The routines should be meaningful to you. Stick with them and watch how rested and in the zone you become. Morning routines that begin with meditation, yoga, exercise, or journaling are a great way to set the tone for your day. Similar evening routines can help you work through unresolved issues in your day, answer questions, solve problems, and ultimately help you sleep better at night.

Re-discover a Hobby or Interest

As we age, many of the things we enjoyed years ago were abandoned. We let go of hobbies and interests to make way for work, family, and responsibilities. As you spend time journaling during your mourning routine, past interests and hobbies will come to you. You’ll start to remember how much you loved doing certain things. As you begin let things that don’t resonate with you, go, you’ll also find more time for the things that you once loved.

If you haven’t finished reading a novel in years because you just don’t have the time, now is the time to do it. If you’ve enjoyed art but haven’t picked up a paintbrush since your twenties, let this year be the year you start creating again. Make 2021 a better year than 2020 by rediscovering the things that once brought you joy, that you gave up for one reason or another. This is your time.

Declutter Your Space to Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020

Finally, our environment fully affects our well-being and mental state. If you’re living in a cluttered space, it can often cause anxiety and stress. Take time before the new year comes, to declutter your space. Donate items to charity and let go of the things that are taking up valuable energy in your home. As we move into the new year, removing clutter from your home will help open up space and provide you with the motivation and energy to do all of the things you truly want to do in the new year.

Make 2021 a better year than 2020 by making space for the things that are important to the authentic you. This past year has brought us so many ups and downs. The year was filled with challenges and hurdles. But, it also created a world where we can now move into the new year with a fresh set of eyes that will help us set our sights on making 2021 the best year yet.