Create a Life You Love Waking Up to

The first few weeks of a new year can feel a little disappointing.

You begin with good intentions, high hopes, and the promise that this year will be different. But before long, familiar routines creep back in. Days start to look like the ones before, and the excitement of new beginnings slowly fades.

Maybe you already slipped on one or two of your good intentions.

With a sigh, you wonder:

Will anything really change this year?

A few years ago, I realized something important.

Instead of placing all my hopes on the first day of the year, I decided to create a life I enjoy waking up to every morning.

And surprisingly, it had very little to do with New Year’s resolutions.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

Form Habits That Support Your Happiness

Better lives are built on better habits.

But habits don’t magically appear between December 31st and January 1st. They take time, patience, and a fair amount of self-forgiveness.

A few weeks ago, I decided to start writing morning notes again. I wanted to get back into writing regularly and thought a morning routine would help.

Some days I write, some days I don’t.

What I’m learning is to forgive myself when I fall short, cheer myself on, and keep going. Over time, small attempts turn into habits.

Let Go of New Year’s Resolutions

Resolutions tend to be dramatic and difficult to sustain.

Goals, on the other hand, are practical. They give your intentions structure and direction.

When setting goals, make them SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Instead of saying, “I should exercise more,” ask yourself:

• What kind of movement do I enjoy?

• How often will I do it?

• When will I start?

Unlike resolutions, goals allow you to return to them again and again. Even if you slip for a day or two, you can continue where you left off.

Set Goals That Light Your Fire

Many people cringe when they talk about goals.

Often this happens because we aim for things we think we should want rather than things that truly inspire us.

When choosing your goals, forget about the shoulds and the have-tos.

Choose outcomes that excite you. When a goal lights your fire, the journey toward it becomes an adventure instead of a burden.

Watch Out for These Four Traps

Creating a life you love is not complicated.

But there are a few subtle traps that can pull you off course. Over the years, I’ve noticed four in particular.

1. Hesitation

Hesitation keeps you suspended between action and inaction.

You haven’t said no, but you haven’t said yes either. Living in this middle ground drains your energy and dims your sense of possibility.

Instead, lean toward action. Move forward. Trust yourself.

Very often, you’ll discover you are far more capable than you imagined.

2. Doubt

When you ignore your curiosity for too long, doubt begins to creep in.

Confidence returns through action.

The steps can be small: call a yoga studio, look for a hiking group, sign up for a class. Each step strengthens your trust in yourself.

3. Busyness

Busyness can disconnect you from what matters most.

When every hour is filled with work and obligations, it becomes easy to forget what truly makes you happy.

Schedule time purely for your own enjoyment. It isn’t a luxury, it’s essential if you want to stay in love with your life.

4. Distractions

Distractions multiply when you don’t have meaningful goals.

If nothing exciting is cooking in your creative kitchen, social media, the news, and daily responsibilities can easily take over.

Know what matters to you and protect it.

Schedule time purely for your own enjoyment. It isn’t a luxury, it’s essential if you want to stay in love with your life.

A Small Question for You

What are two simple things that make your days come alive?

If you feel like sharing, I would love to hear from you.

As always, thank you for reading.

To a year filled with small moments that make you feel alive.

Karin

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated with additional insights and exercises.