As a new year unfolds, it is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and consider your goals for the year ahead. But before you try to do all-of-the-things-all-at-once, why not ease into the year with mindful awareness and a gentler approach.
So often we focus on all the things we want to do, buy or achieve. We must also consider what might be timely to let go of, stop or reduce. Perhaps rather than creating a giant list of ‘things to do and achieve’ what if you did less this year?
Here are some slightly pared back suggestions for the year ahead that might have you approaching your goals in a different way but yielding greater results as you focus on meaningful shifts that might actually stick.
The 80/20 rule
Look at implementing the 80/20 rule in your work and life. This concept otherwise known as the Pareto Principle suggests that approximately 20% of actions produce 80% of results. The idea is to focus on high impact tasks and where possible, eliminate, delegate, or outsource the rest (or leave as optional extras when time permits). Ask yourself what smaller, less relevant tasks can you eliminate from your days so you can be more efficient and productive? Ultimately the 80/20 principle is about spending more of your time on tasks which ‘move the needle’ in your business, work, and or home life and not getting distracted wasting time doing the rest.
It’s important to note the 80/20 concept is a guideline. Ratios will of course vary depending on your unique situation, but the principle still stands. For a deep dive in how to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks (i.e. the top 20%), check out the book Deep Work by Cal Newport.
Stop chasing start living
Instead of the all-of-the-trimmings international holiday you think you need, why not halve your budget and explore the vast landscapes in your own backyard. Reconnect with your homeland and save some pennies with a trip within Australia. Less stress and lower spending may result in a more relaxing holiday.
Rather than chasing that big promotion this year, consider cultivating stronger connections with your colleagues and management staff and focus on building systems and efficiency that allows you to generate an enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding work life. This approach to your work will naturally attract opportunities your way without you having to chase them.
A low effort and highly effective way to save money is to avoid unnecessary upgrades. Skip the big car upgrade or new phone and upgrade your savings instead. Work toward reducing debt with more mindful spending and do not replace items until they stop working. Set up a devoted savings account and direct money you would have otherwise spent on upgrades into building wealth instead. A high interest rate savings account with deposits in the way of scheduled direct debits is one of the easiest ways to save.
Rather than worry about hitting a set weight on the scales, find a friend to commit to regular walks together and enjoy moving your body and socialising instead. Focusing on your mental wellbeing and scheduled movement over losing kgs allows a gentle perspective shift which supports a more positive outlook and outcome.
In place of tasking yourself with bold yearly goals, set yourself smaller, more achievable monthly goals. Try creating both a personal and a financial goal each month to work toward. Choose a word for the year as your guide to keep you on track. Consider words such as peace, calm, fun or adventure as suggestions to invite a new way of approaching each day.
Replace your ‘to do’ list with things you are ‘no longer going to do.’ Ideas include no longer checking emails or replying to text messages after hours, learning to say no to social invitations or other commitments if they do not actually excite you, and replacing unhealthy habits with enjoyable self-care.
Digital detox
If you really want to stretch time and get more done in less time this year, skip the screens and implement a digital detox. If you are looking for some inspiration, try reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport for a fresh perspective on screen time and social media. Consider spending less time on social media and more time IRL (in real life) with people. Join a book club or some other hobby or interests' group that meets up in person regularly.
Ritualise rest
Schedule rest into your calendar and days so it actually happens. Better to give yourself permission to pause rather than battle with burn out because you didn’t.
Embrace white space
Schedule white space into each day to allow for breaks between commitments as well as allowing for things to take longer than expected, giving you the flexibility to fit in unscheduled appointments or anything unplanned. White space also helps you to achieve peak performance (as you are working in shorter bursts rather than all day with no break), enhancing productivity as well as helping you to avoid overwhelm by cramming too much into one day. Back-to-back meetings can be avoided when we schedule pockets of unscheduled time. White space also gives you space for reflection and strategic thinking as well as down time for creativity and innovation. To explore this concept more, check out this podcast episode by Dr Janel Anderson.
Generate an attitude of gratitude
This year, choose to turn your focus inward a little more. Reflect on what you already have before seeking something else. Can you weave into your days a simple gratitude practice, such as journalling, practising mindfulness, or making a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate the people in your life? When we appreciate what we have, we instantly elevate our mood, our relationships, and even our potential opportunities.
While we’ve all been sold the idea that working hard and playing hard is the best way forward, you may find you get even more out of working smarter, living with less and appreciating the little things.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
