Get the post-holiday reset you need in 5 (not so) easy steps!
Getting Back on Track after the Holidays
It’s mid-December, and I’m already feeling the sluggish effects of the holiday season.
I try to get my normal workload done each day, but most days I’m just finding myself wanting to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of coffee and a roaring fire instead.
Once the holidays pass, it gets even worse, you guys!
There’s no doubt that I will be planning a catch-up day in the near future.
While some (very strange) people thrive this time of year, many struggle to find a sense of normalcy, causing a lack of motivation as they ring in the new year.
Whether it’s due to the post-holiday blues or simply because that last month of the year was a total blur, getting back on track after the holidays can be hard stuff!
So, if you find yourself struggling to find the inspiration to start the year off strong, this one is for you!
How to Reset Post-Holiday
While I technically wrote this mid-December, the plan was to start the new year off right, myself, by sharing this with everyone on January first!
So, here we are.
Many people are starting their New Year’s resolutions today, and a considerable number will fall off the wagon within the first few weeks.
While I, too, have fallen victim to the new year’s resolution trap, I’ve grown a lot over the years and have come to realize there are better ways to reset and start fresh during the new year.
I’ve also learned to focus on progress over perfection, which helps tremendously!
5 Post-Holiday Reset Tips
If skipping the tradition of a New Year’s resolution sounds like your ideal start to the new year, I’ve got you!
Instead of resolutions, focus on a simple 5-step process that helps you slide into 2026 with that fresh start feeling.
Prioritize and Plan
Every good (and successful) thing starts with a plan!
From homeschooling to everyday life.
All that said, I know I stated that every good thing starts with a plan, but in reality, some of the best things in my life have come from the unpredictable.
Such as RV living and traveling with my kiddos.
We made memories to last a lifetime, and I do sometimes miss that way of life.
However, even during those unpredictable times, I needed to prioritize and plan so I could stay on track.
So, needless to say, if you want to have a successful start to the year, you have to start with a plan!
Take a step back and assess the things you need to work on the most.
You can easily tackle this by brain dumping.
Finally, work on prioritizing all the things and creating realistic goals.
Create Realistic Goals
While setting realistic goals for yourself can sound like an easy task, it’s actually not (for me, anyway).
I’m a huge overachiever.
I make mile-long to-do lists and set goals that would only be reachable if I had full-time staff to help me.
That’s why I, too, need this simple reminder.
All that said, setting realistic expectations for yourself is a must!
Just make sure to always remind yourself these goals are not etched in stone — meaning there will always be room for both improvement and detours.
As I mentioned previously, my main motto this time of year is: progress over perfection.
As long as I’m going forward and making progress, I’m going to learn to be content with where I am!
Learning to be content can be a challenge for the overachieving perfectionist (like me).
Ease Back Into Routine
Once you’ve done some planning, brain dumping, and goal setting, it’s time to officially start the new year by easing back into routine!
Whether you are struggling to get back on the bandwagon of health, homeschool lessons, work, or just everyday life, easing back into things is the absolute best way to get started.
That said, maybe you are the type of person who thrives best with going 0-60, and if so, more power to you, my friend!
However, if you are more like the rest of us and struggle to get started after that New Year’s ball drops, easing is the way.
For example, when my kiddos were younger, we took extended holiday breaks from homeschool lessons, and those first couple of weeks back would have been a struggle if we hadn’t taken our time easing back into routine.
I do the same thing with work, you guys!
December was laggy, and I struggled with consistency, which makes starting back up this week incredibly hard!
So, I plan to set minor goals for myself, and allowing me to slowly get back into the swing of things.
Be Patient with Yourself
That underlying theme shows its face again, you guys!
Progress over perfection.
Starting the new year off right means allowing yourself some grace.
It’s super easy to start a new year, set major goals (or resolutions), and feel like you’ve failed 3 weeks in because you’ve already slipped and need to reset all over again.
Trust me, I’ve been there!
So, whatever goals you are working on this year, it’s important you remember to focus on progress, not perfection.
Be content with your growth, look at each new week as a do-over possibility, and learn to take things at a realistic pace.
Most of all, be patient with yourself.
Create a Functioning Space
While planning, setting realistic goals, easing into routine, and being patient with yourself are all crucial to starting the new year right, you won’t get far without this last one!
If your house is the same disaster it was last year, and your space is overloaded with clutter and distraction, the motivation to keep going will fade away.
That’s why starting the new year with a fresh space is a must!
For example, if I want to be more productive in my work, I need a space that allows that.
Personally, nothing helps me thrive better than a clean and organized space to work in.
All that said, if you aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got you!
First, walk around your home and decide what areas you need to focus on.
Then, begin the decluttering process.
Finally, focus on daily maintenance to keep things organized and structured for success!
While getting organized is great, staying there is a whole other ball game.
Learn to make organization a priority in your home, homeschool, and work environment this year.
Having a strong start to the new year all comes back to that prioritizing and goal-setting thing again, you guys!
The Ultimate Post-Holiday Reset
While it may sound overwhelming, creating the ultimate post-holiday reset doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
Assess your needs, set simple goals, and take your time getting back to normal.
Just remember, things won’t be perfect, and that’s ok!
Be patient with yourself and focus on moving (or inching) forward.
More Post-Holiday Tips
As I was writing this post, I realized there have been times in my life when these 5 simple steps wouldn’t have been sufficient for me.
As a strong Christian woman who has battled depression most of her adult life, I know firsthand that we can all go through seasons where the normal stuff isn’t enough to get us on the right track.
That said, I hope these tips can still be an encouragement of sorts.
Decluttering always helps put me in a good mood, giving me that push I need to get started again.
Find what drives you, and do exactly that!
