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Out with the old…

Getting back into the swing of things can be tough after those two weeks (if you’re lucky enough to have them) away from the office, no alarm clocks alerting you to the impending school run, commute or need to walk the dog. If, like me, you found yourself working through the festive period, it can still be a shock to the system having to share your tube with returning commuters, still smug from their lie ins and extended period of drinking, dinner parties and pantomimes. It’s important to acknowledge and act on the start of the New Year, even if it feels like you didn’t get much of a break from the old one!

Out with the old: Need a few new dresses in the wardrobe to replace those ever so reliable and snug that you bought in the maternity section a couple of years ago? Put them in the charity basket and treat yourself to a touch of colour. When the weather is wet and cold it doesn’t mean we can’t be vibrant! Try it, a pair of bright tights or a bold colour on your dress can put a spring in your step.

Goals: Now I’m not talking your usual ‘lose 3 stone, go to the gym every morning before the kids wake up’ kind of goal, though if you can pull that one off I take my hat off to you. Let’s start with some smaller ones that will make you feel awesome about your achievements and may make your life easier, such as packing your kids lunch boxes the night before, sorting yourself out with a capsule wardrobe so you always have smart clothes for work and trying to keep your receipts in one place so tax returns don’t lead to tears.

Evaluate: Look back at what you have accomplished in the last year and make a plan on how you may build on it in the year ahead. People tend to look at January as a time for new beginnings, which I agree it can be, but that isn’t to say that we need to write off the previous 12 months as a big fail, because chances are you’ve managed to achieve tonnes of small victories and many larger goals too. Celebrate these and draw back on them when planning for the year ahead!