This time of year often brings about the saying ‘New Year, New Me’, a time for personal reflection, goal setting and resolutions. Well, this year we’re saying STOP right there, give yourself a break and just focus on doing it badly.
Doing it badly? we hear you ask… that doesn’t sound very positive. Well, what we mean is just give it a go, whatever you’re aiming for on a personal level, don’t aim for perfection. These past few months have been challenging and there is certainly no need for a ‘new’ you!
Here are our top tips for starting the New Year (…badly)
Set yourself up right
The festive season for many may has induced lazy mornings and a less than usual routine, so setting yourself up right when you return to work is a goal in itself – thrown in lockdown and dependants and you’ve got a slightly bigger challenge on your hands! Give yourself enough time in the morning so that you feel ready, awake and un-agitated when you log in for the day. Everyone has different commitments and it may take a few goes until you find the perfect routine for you – don’t stress if you don’t get it right on day one, you have plenty more days to go!
Just go for it
Don’t wait for the perfect time or perfect break in your day to do something, just have a go. Whether it’s something for your wellbeing such as going for a walk to break your day up and stretch your legs or doing a task that you’ve been putting off for ages– just go for it. The more you procrastinate and look for that perfect moment the less likely you are to do it at all. If you really struggle with this one, set a time in your day to do the task and make yourself commit to completing it (or atleast making a start!)
Don’t beat yourself up
You’re doing it badly right?! So there are going to be times when you think ‘I could have done that better’. Erase those thoughts. Retrain your brain to focus on three positive things you did and keep track of them every day. If you’re struggling to find things you did well (although we’re sure there are plenty), ask a friend, colleague or family member what they think, or keep a list of all the things you achieved in your day so you can look back through them later on. For example:
- Perhaps you didn’t run five miles like you said you would, but you did go walking and felt much better for it.
- Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or life and haven’t achieved everything on your to do list, but you did find time to support a colleague who’s having a tough time.
- And maybe you didn’t stick to healthy eating but you did drink enough water today.
Top Tip: Find the small positives in life and build yourself up to the bigger things! It’s great to be ambitious but make sure you set yourself up for success with realistic personal goals.
Struggling to get back into the swing of things or can’t kick the January blues to the kerb? Speak to someone about how you’re feeling and find the right support for you.
For all mental health support resources available visit;
Fleet colleagues: The Insider > Fleet > Wellbeing: Support for you
Shore colleagues: The Insider > Shore > Wellbeing:Support for you