It’s January 1st. The world feels full of promise, doesn’t it? There’s something about the clean slate of a brand new year that has us buzzing with excitement. You wake up feeling like anything is possible. You’ve spent hours reflecting, organising, and setting goals, maybe even planning how this year will be different from all the others.
You’re ready to dive in: new goals, new habits, a new version of yourself, and the energy to make it all happen. You’re feeling unstoppable. You can already hear that familiar mantra echoing in your head, “New year, new me”, and for a moment, it feels so good.
You jump into the first day of the year with a burst of energy. Journals open, planners ready, intentions set. It feels like this is it, the year you’re going to finally get it right.
But then, January 2nd arrives, and something shifts. Suddenly, that excitement starts to feel a little… overwhelming. Your to-do list is growing faster than you can keep up. You didn’t manage to cross off everything from yesterday’s list, and now the weight of your plans starts to feel heavier. The pressure to meet your own ambitious expectations takes over, and what was once excitement has transformed into stress.
Sound familiar?
I’ve been there too. That pressure to hit the ground running and make everything count from the very first moment. I used to think that if I didn’t do it all at once, I’d be failing. But I’m here to tell you: that’s not the way forward.
It’s Not a Race…
Let’s get real for a second: the new year isn’t a race. It’s a marathon if anything (and if for some reason we’re comparing it to running). There’s no ticking clock telling you that you have to figure everything out before January 31st or even December 31st. The truth is, you have an entire year to learn, grow, and shift (and really, you have an entire lifetime to do this) at your own pace. And that’s the beauty of it.
There’s no rush. You don’t need to have it all mapped out by Day 1, and you definitely don’t need to be hustling at full speed right out of the gate. Transformation doesn’t happen in one giant leap, it’s built on small, intentional steps.
So, instead of feeling like you need to “make it count” by doing everything at once, why not take a moment to breathe? The magic of the new year isn’t about speed, it’s about moving with intention and letting things unfold in their own time.
Acknowledge the Hustle
Every January, it feels like we’re bombarded with a constant stream of “perfect” New Year’s energy. You see meticulously organised homes (sorry, I do like an organised home in the new year so I maybe do contribute to this), beautifully organised planners, and influencers showcasing flawless morning routines (I do also love a morning routine, but it doesn’t have 10 steps and isn’t flawless). And let’s not even get started on the transformation stories, people who seem to have it all together, already living their “best life” on January 3rd.
It can feel like everyone else is racing ahead, while you’re still figuring out what your goals even are. The pressure to start big can feel paralysing. It’s easy to wonder: “Am I doing enough if I’m not already crushing it by Day 3?”
Here’s the thing: this idea that we need to be all-in from the start isn’t sustainable. The hustle doesn’t serve us in the long run. Sure, you might push yourself hard at first, but that only leads to burnout. And then comes the guilt and the feeling that you’re behind, that you’re not doing enough.
But what if we didn’t have to rush? What if we could embrace our own rhythm, take small, steady steps, and trust that we’ll get where we want to go when we’re ready?
The Truth About Time
The new year stretches ahead of us with 365 days to fill. It’s not a sprint, it’s a long, winding path, and there’s no rush to get to a finish line that actually might not exist. The key is to slow down and really consider what you want from this year, without the pressure of perfection.
The most profound changes often happen in the quieter, slower moments, the ones we might miss if we’re too busy chasing after someone else’s timeline. So, let’s take a deep breath and remember: that growth doesn’t have to be fast. It doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to be real, steady, and intentional.
Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to start the year with a bang. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is pause. Reflect on where you’ve been before rushing into where you want to go. This doesn’t mean slowing down indefinitely, it means creating space for rest and clarity.
After the hustle of the Christmas season, we often feel compelled to jump straight into productivity mode. But what if, instead, we gave ourselves permission to ease into the year? To rest, recharge, and let ourselves breathe before diving in? It is winter after all, a season where inherently we need to take our time, to rest and to lean into the season.
“Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is slow down and create space to hear your own thoughts”
It’s not about doing less or being “lazy” (Anyone else who can’t stand that there seems to be this assumption that slowing down means being lazy?). It’s about honouring your own rhythm and pace.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
You don’t have to make huge changes all at once. The beauty of slow, intentional living is that it doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It’s about the small shifts, the little habits and mindset changes that accumulate over time.
Instead of feeling like you have to transform everything immediately, start with one small change that resonates with you. Maybe it’s setting aside time each day to reflect, or taking a walk outside in the morning. Perhaps it’s simplifying your schedule or choosing one small goal to focus on.
When you take small, intentional actions, you’re already creating momentum. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to move forward at your own pace.
Shift Your Thinking
This year, let’s choose to see January not as the starting gun of a race, but as a soft beginning. It’s not about rushing ahead, it’s about setting intentions, making small adjustments, and letting things unfold naturally. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.
Practical Tips for a Slower Start
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all, here are some simple tips to help you slow down and start the year with intention:
Choose One Small Action: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, pick one small thing that aligns with your goals. It could be as simple as setting an intention for the day or carving out time for yourself each morning.
Focus on Joy, Not Hustle: Start your mornings with something that brings you joy. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, give yourself permission to ease into the day.
Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for big milestones to celebrate. Acknowledge the small steps forward—the moments when you prioritise your wellbeing, set boundaries, or take time for yourself.
The Year Ahead
Remember, the new year is a journey, not a race. You don’t need to have everything figured out today or in the first month. Take your time. Trust that slow, steady progress is what leads to lasting change. Be gentle with yourself, and embrace the small moments of growth.
Action Step: Take a few minutes today to reflect on what truly matters to you in the year ahead.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your busy life and longing for more balance, The Busy Person's Guide to Slowing Down is exactly what you need. This guide is packed with practical tips and simple strategies to help you create moments of calm amidst the chaos. Whether you're juggling work, family, or everyday demands, this guide will show you how to slow down, simplify, and bring more intention to your day-to-day. It's time to take a deep breath and find your pace - grab your free guide today and start your journey to a slower, more fulfilling life.
Or maybe you’re looking to dive even deeper: That’s were might brand new workshop comes in. If you're craving a slower, more intentional way of living, my Slow and Simple Workshop is here to help you make it a reality. And it’s not another thing to add to your plate, it’s just a 40 minute workshop to guide you through the essentials of slow, simple, and seasonal living, showing you how to create space for what truly matters. You’ll walk away with practical steps, through my 3 step framework, to simplify your daily routine, slow down your mindset, and cultivate more joy in the process.
What’s one small thing you can do today to bring more ease, joy, or calm into your life?
You don’t need to do it all, just start with one intentional step. The rest will unfold at its own unhurried pace. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Share this post