Start 2021 Effectively: 5 Things to Do Every Day in January
I swapped New Year’s resolutions for intentional routines... and it changed everything.
Resolutions are fun to set... until you abandon them by Jan 12 (yes, that’s a real stat).Talk about an emotional rollercoaster - the overwhelming emotions from the holidays, entering the New Year with high hopes and big dreams, then heading back to work and re-learning our schedules… Two weeks later, we’re back to feeling exhausted, frustrated, and stuck in old patterns.
What would it look like if you had a more flexible, intuitive approach to creating balance in your life and work? What would it look like if you lived so intentionally and authentically that you never needed a New Year to make meaningful changes?
For me, the New Year is no longer about bold proclamations or unsustainable overhauls. I swapped resolutions for routines… and it changed everything.
I wanted something that sticks. Here’s what I do instead...
I focus on trying one small, actionable shift at a time - habit tweaks that align with my goals and values.
This practice has carried me through some of the most challenging seasons of my life, including juggling full-time work, raising an infant, and navigating the relentless demands of entrepreneurship.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Consistency compounds. By anchoring your day around intentional, manageable habits, you can create extraordinary results over time.
Here are my top 5 foundational habits that transformed my life and productivity:
1. 3 Non-Negotiable Results Each Day
Intuition thrives when you’re clear on what truly matters.
Every morning, I ask myself: What are the three most important outcomes today?
Rather than trying to conquer an endless to-do list, this practice ensures I’m directing my energy where it counts.
💡 Examples:
- Respond to all critical emails.
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Connect with 5 clients or prospects.
On busier days, I scale this down - sometimes even to one meaningful action.
The goal isn’t to do more; it’s to prioritize what matters most.
2. Movement
Movement isn’t just about fitness; it’s about clarity. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, a dance break, or stretching between calls, getting your body moving sharpens focus and boosts creativity.
The key? Start small. Even five minutes of intentional movement can reset your day.
3. Reflection
Your intuition can’t guide you if it’s drowned out by noise. Build in moments of stillness - whether it’s a 10-minute meditation, a walk around the block, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts.
These pauses allow your mind to process and realign, turning mental clutter into actionable insights.
4. Declutter and Optimize
Organization isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating space for what matters.
Every day, I dedicate 30+ minutes to organizing one small area - whether it’s a physical shelf, a digital folder, or a recurring task. These micro-adjustments compound into significant improvements in efficiency and ease over time.
5. Strengthen Your Connections
Success isn’t built in isolation. Meaningful connection fuels resilience, creativity, and joy.
Make it a daily habit to reach out, check in, or simply spend quality time with the people who matter most.
Even tiny gestures can make a world of difference.
[Adam Grant] has gone viral for sharing the importance of [Pebbling]. Just like Gentoo penguins leave pebbles as tokens of affection, humans have our own version of this: sharing small, thoughtful gestures to say, I’m thinking of you.
A quick "saw this and thought of you" text, or a two-second voice note can be the “pebbles” we share - tiny, yet profound ways we stay connected through the busiest of seasons.
So, ask yourself:
- Who in your life could use a pebble today?
- What’s one small gesture that could spark a moment of joy or connection?
Because at the end of the day, these little pebbles pave the path to deeper relationships - one meme at a time.
Why Routines Work
By focusing on small, consistent actions, you’ll gain clarity, energy, and momentum without overwhelming yourself.
No need to expect a complete overhaul of your entire existence.
Over time, these habits compound into profound transformation:
- Sharper focus on what drives results.
- 10+ hours each month dedicated to movement and reflection.
- A full workday saved by streamlining, optimizing, and decluttering.
- Deeper relationships that align with your personal and professional values.
What Will You Commit to This Month?
Forget perfection. Forget resolutions that fizzle out.
Choose one habit, one tweak, or one small step that aligns with your goals and vision for the next year (and beyond).
Start where you are, build as you go, and watch how these intentional shifts create space for intuition, alignment, and impact.P.S. If distractions are your downfall, check out my top [laser focus strategies]!