2021 has arrived, and for us here at Printed Mint, with it a renewed sense of motivation + purpose. If you’re in the same boat and looking for ways to set yourself up for a happy 2021, we wanted to share what we’re up to. That being said, let’s all try not to forget that we need not wait until a specific time of the year to start fresh. Maybe you’re coming across this blogpost in the Spring — hi, from the past! — perhaps you feel like you’ve already started the New Year in a way that doesn’t serve you… and to that we say, go pour yourself a glass of iced tea (or whatever you fancy), take a few deep breaths and know that right now is the perfect time to start.
1. Make a List
If you suffer from the Sunday Scaries, may we suggest you start your Sunday by creating a list? Separate your paper or Google Doc into two columns: One with the things you have to get done. Label these as your “get-to-do’s” and the other with things you’d like to get done if time permits, label these as your “possibilities.” We also enjoy jotting down 5 things we’re looking forward to that week — one for each day! As an example, an hour in the middle of the day to catch-up on Bridgerton (who else is watching??), a walk after work with a friend, etc.
2. Liven It Up
Another thing that always feels like it’s setting us up for success is livening up our work space. If you’re at home, this is a great time to buy a new oil for your diffuser, wash that plush blanket you keep on your desk chair and rearrange your bookshelf so that the ones that motivate you are out on display. If you are running a brick and mortar shop + your work space or office is in a backroom, we love the idea of curating a vision board and hanging it up or having a dry-erase board with inspirational quips.
3. Don’t Just Focus On Work
If you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know we love our goal setting. However, we try our hardest to not focus too much on solely work goals and always think about our personal lives as well. Much like we mentioned in Tip #1, make sure you’re creating time for personal items you’re looking forward to throughout the week and extend this into monthly and yearly items as well. For instance, once a month you’d like to get dinner alone. Once a year, you’d enjoy having a weekend away to recharge + regroup.
4. Think of Others
Wise-woman Oprah once said, “Helping others is the way we help ourselves,” and that is truly believed in our neck of the woods. Create a list of ways you can help others big and small. Some ideas include creating bags of snacks + supplies to hand out when you pass someone in need, volunteering as a mentor, donating once a month to a new charity — the possibilities are endless and don’t have to cost a cent.
5. Have Go-To “Feel Gooders”
Yes, we said “feel gooders” — we think of these as ways we can feel better in the midst of stressful bouts. Bad days and worse-for-the-wear moods are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep a few feel gooders in our back pocket to help brighten them up! Create a list of items that make you smile and keep them in a place you’ll remember to reference them when needed. Perhaps your a Note on your phone or a Post-It on your desk.
Tell us: What would one of your “feel gooders” be?
