3 Things To Do: To Start The New Year

Restart. Reset. Refocus.

The beginning of a new year holds a quiet kind of magic — a natural pause where we can gently reflect, release what no longer serves us, and intentionally choose how we want to move forward.

Rather than overwhelming yourself with long lists of goals and resolutions, I invite you to try a simpler, more intentional approach.

These are my three favorite ways to prepare for the year ahead — practices I’ve returned to for over a decade because they truly work.

Everything happens on a mental level before it manifests on the physical level.

This is why it's so important to get your mindset right. You have to believe in yourself no matter what the external circumstances are.

Strengthen your vision and have hope that things can get better.

~ averstu

1. Set Your Intentions

Intentions are not rigid goals; they are guiding energies. They shape how you want to feel, show up, and live throughout the year.

Take time to write out your intentions for the upcoming year. Think about how you want to move through your days — emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

You might focus on areas like:

•Personal growth

•Relationships

•Health and well-being

•Creativity or career

•Rest, balance, or joy

Simple ways to anchor your intentions:

•Write them in a journal or planner

•Create a vision board that reflects them

•Share them with a trusted friend or accountability partner

•Set gentle reminders to revisit and reinforce them regularly.

It's all about mindset.

From the moment you wake up, to the moment you rest your head at night. Everything is up to you.

Your emotions, your thoughts, your perceptions, your reactions. Every moment.

~ bakcwards

When you intentionally choose your mindset, you begin to change everything.

2. Choose Your One Word

For the past 12+ years, I’ve chosen One Word at the beginning of each year — a single word that sets the tone for my intentions, habits, routines, and mindset.

Choosing One Word completely shifted my perspective from striving for perfection to living with focused intention. Instead of chasing endless goals, I learned how to embody a word and allow it to guide my decisions throughout the year.

I discovered this practice back in 2013 at a women’s brunch hosted by a close friend’s church. The theme was One Word, and it forever changed the way I approached the New Year.

That year, I took a leap of faith, let go of formal goal-setting, and chose just one word — and I’ve never looked back.

Some of my past One Words include:

Flow · Strive · Balance · Believe · Flourish · Clarity · Embody· Nurture

Each word became something I practiced daily — woven into my routines, habits, and inner dialogue.

Selecting Your One Word

Reflect

Consider what you desire most in the coming year. Reflect on your life as a whole — mind, body, heart, and soul.

Brainstorm

Write down words that resonate with your intentions. Look for words that feel expansive, grounding, or energizing.

Narrow It Down

Choose 3–5 words and sit with them. Notice how each one makes you feel.

Trust Your Intuition

Select the word that stands out. Don’t overthink it — your One Word should feel meaningful and inspiring.

Define It

Write a short definition of what your One Word means to you. This helps anchor it throughout the year.

Examples of One Words:

Thrive

Create

Flow

Courage

Mindful

Your One Word becomes your compass — something to return to whenever you feel off track.

3. Create Your Digital Vision Board

A digital vision board is a visual representation of your goals, desires, and intentions. It brings clarity, inspiration, and focus — all in one place.

Creating a Digital Vision Board

Gather Your Tools

Choose a platform such as Canva, Pinterest, or Adobe Express. Collect images, quotes, words, and symbols that inspire you.

Choose a Theme

Decide on a main focus (or let your One Word guide the entire board).

Design with Intention

Arrange your visuals in a way that feels beautiful and aligned. Play with colors, textures, and layouts.

Add Meaning

Connect each image or word to a feeling or intention. Ask yourself how you want your life to feel, not just what it should look like.

Display & Reflect

Save your board as your phone or computer wallpaper and revisit it often.

Helpful tips:

Make your One Word the nucleus of your board

Include your written intentions

Create boards for specific areas of your life if desired

This has been a total game changer for me. I used to spend hours cutting and pasting physical boards — now I love having my vision right at my fingertips. Whenever I need a reminder, I simply tap my screen and reconnect with my intentions.

It's not enough to just hope for a happy and healthy life; it's a combination of mindset, routines, and habits working together that will get you there.

~ Robyn Conely Downs

There is real power — and magic — in this trifecta: setting intentions, choosing One Word, and creating a vision board. I’ve practiced this for over a decade, and it has completely transformed how I approach the New Year.

When I focus on intentions rather than pressure-filled goals/resolutions, I feel more aligned, more grounded, and ultimately more successful.

Try it for yourself this year. Start gently. Stay intentional. And trust that small, mindful shifts can create meaningful change.

Check out my mini How-to Guides - links below:

Setting Powerful Intentions ~ Mini How-to Guide https://share.google/wmNgWlIzu8wTZKspw

Choosing Your One Word for 2026 - Mini How-to Guide https://share.google/j27K8lppunRfY12U4

Creating a Digital Vision Board ~ 2026 https://share.google/yC8Lr8OlkbWquceX3

✨ T 🫶

Recovering Perfectionist @4logansrun

Self-care Advocate 💕 Self-love Warrior

Empowering Inspiring & Supporting Women