Missed the January 1 start? So did I! But here’s the good news: we’re not behind. Success isn’t about when you start—it’s about putting in the effort and creating a plan that works for you. Ready to reclaim your year and reset with purpose?
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸
Starting late doesn’t matter, if you’re willing to show up and take intentional steps. Research by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University found that people who write down their goals and share them with others are 42% more likely to achieve them. Why? Because clear plans create accountability and turn abstract ideas into tangible actions.
https://scholar.dominican.edu/psychology-faculty-conference-presentations
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵
We treat January 1 like some kind of magical reset button that determines the success of the whole year. The truth? Success isn’t tied to a date—it’s tied to action. Life doesn’t pause for a calendar flip, so why should your goals? It’s always better to start messy and late than wait for the “perfect” time.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
The key to starting strong is creating a plan that works for YOU—not the calendar. Here’s how to get back on track:
Write It Down:
Goals in your head are dreams. Goals on paper? They’re plans. Jot down a simple list, and you’ll see your motivation double.
Create Daily Habits:
Big goals are just small habits repeated over time. Even tiny steps—like spending 10 minutes a day on a task—can lead to massive results.
Break It Down:
Thinking about the entire year can feel overwhelming (I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast yesterday). Instead, focus on one season or quarter at a time, with ONE major goal for each.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆
Let’s face it: winging it doesn’t work. Planning is like creating a personal GPS—it turns vague goals into clear directions. Research supports this: breaking big goals into bite-sized tasks reduces overwhelm and makes success feel achievable. Planning also helps you stay laser-focused (and prevents that 20-directions-at-once chaos that we all fall into).
How Planning Supports Mental Wellness
Planning and goal-setting aren’t just productivity tools—they’re powerful allies for mental health and stress management. When you create a plan, you reduce uncertainty and gain a sense of control over your life, which is essential for lowering stress and anxiety. Breaking big goals into smaller, achievable steps prevents overwhelm and promotes a sense of accomplishment, even with small wins. These moments of progress release dopamine, which boosts your mood and reinforces positive habits. Intentional planning also helps you focus, stay organized, and build resilience, enabling you to handle challenges with greater confidence and a calmer mindset.
𝗣𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸
Even the best plan won’t move the needle unless you take action. The good news? You don’t have to sprint—𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘱 consistently.
- Start with spending 10 minutes a day on something that moves you closer to your goal.
- Track your progress, no matter how small. Progress is still progress.
- Celebrate your wins (yes, even the small ones). Dopamine from those little victories fuels your next steps.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202406/from-small-steps-to-big-wins-the-importance-of-celebrating
Stop waiting for the “perfect” start—it doesn’t exist. The magic happens when you combine a solid plan with consistent effort. So grab a pen (have you tried erasable pens lately? Life-changing), map out your first step, and take it.
Your year starts the moment you decide to act.
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How Small Steps Can Create Big Mental Health Wins – Mental Summit
