Wow, what a whirlwind this past year has been! The challenges of 2020 felt like a rollercoaster ride and seemed to stretch on forever. Despite the ups and downs, I’ve learned a lot and wouldn’t want to miss the lessons that came with it. There were definitely some good moments too.
I’m curious to know what lessons you’ve learned this year and what you’re planning to focus on in 2021. Feel free to share in the comments!
Before diving into resolutions, I want to talk about my overall approach to setting goals for the new year. I’m all for self-improvement and believe in setting New Year’s resolutions if they work for you. However, after years of trying, I realized my family needed a fresh take on goal-setting.
We’ve found that making better habits is worth the effort and that strong daily routines contribute to success. Yet, if you’re like me and overly focused on winning, setting goals can become frustrating.
My previous approach with resolutions often didn’t go as planned. My well-meaning intentions weren’t enough, so we decided to try something different. After discussing it with my husband, we decided to forego resolutions and experimented with a new method.
Instead of traditional resolutions, we opted for experiments. It might not sound revolutionary, but it truly changed the way we approach goals. Tim Ferriss inspired us with his take on life as a series of experiments. He suggests treating life as a series of short projects and seeing where they lead.
We started referring to our goals as “experiments” or “challenges,” which made the process more engaging and focused on learning rather than achieving a specific outcome. It removes the pressure of success or failure and allows us to focus intensely on shorter tasks.
If you’re wondering how to kick off 2021 with experimentation, here’s a tip: focus on small, daily changes. This year, I’m incorporating a detailed journaling practice as research shows it reduces stress and boosts happiness. I plan to track my daily achievements and prioritize my to-do list by choosing the two most important tasks.
When others ask how I manage everything, my answer is simple: little by little. The articles and recipes on my blog came from years of trials and errors, teaching me the value of persistence.
I also put together a book, the Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox, to help others tackle life’s areas piece by piece—whether it’s food, cleaning, or even mental health.
Family values are crucial for us, and our family manifesto continues to guide us. One of our goals is to nurture our kids’ entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging them to think outside the box for solving future challenges.
This year, getting enough sleep is a major focus. Adequate sleep is vital for hormone regulation, mood improvement, and weight management. Creating a better sleep environment is something I’m actively working on.
Another important aspect is practicing daily gratitude. It might sound cliched, but it’s key to combating stress and staying motivated. Gratitude and happiness directly impact performance and success.
Starting anew for 2021 requires taking everything good from 2020 and building on it. For me, that involves spending time reflecting and setting up systems and experiments for the year. One tradition I do is a week-long water fast to clear my mind and focus my energy.
I plan to continue reading, stepping out of my comfort zone by sharing more via video, and engaging in activities like voice lessons and improv to grow personally. Despite the trials of the past year, I look forward to the development and adventures awaiting in 2021.
Fitness was a big win for me in 2020, whether trying physical challenges or noticing progress in my health. I’m proud of the strides I’ve made and look forward to more in 2021.
Spending unstructured time with family has also been a priority, and I’m keen on maintaining that into the new year. Watching my kids create handmade gifts last year was heartwarming, and I was amazed at how much they’ve grown.
In terms of health products, my favorite is still the sauna, which offers fantastic family time and health benefits. I’ve also enjoyed experimenting with international recipes in the kitchen, and tools like the Instant Pot and Real Plans have been game-changers for meal prep.
The Wellness Mama community continues to inspire me to help others live healthier lives. Every time you support the blog, part of it helps provide sustainable resources to those in need globally. This “teach a man to fish” philosophy ensures that our giving enables families to thrive independently.
To everyone in the Wellness Mama community, a big thank you! Your support turns this community into a place where we all strive to care better for ourselves and our families. I wish you all a peaceful, happy, and healthy 2021.
So, how did 2020 treat you? Are you excited about the new year, or still reflecting on the last one? I’d love to hear your thoughts and plans for 2021!
