Launch or Ease into the New Year?

By Lyndsay Laursen

Many of us, especially the entrepreneurs, high achievers, and go-getters, have strong associations with the New Year and going harder. Resolutions, goals, really committing this time to stick to those new plans or habits. Hitting it hard. I've even been seeing "slingshot into your new year starting in December" as a theme this year. 

And if that fits for you- do it! It can feel great to have a fresh new year ahead, with clear goals and all the energy that follows. I've definitely been there! 

I'm also learning that it doesn't always go that way. Nights are long, days are short, the world feels loud, and the demands, lists, and to-do's are never-ending. Some years, I don't want to "launch" into the new year. In fact, it may feel more like survival. Or just giving into the call to rest. 

In nature, and throughout history, winter doesn't say "start a new year", it says to rest. Hibernate. Plan for the season that will come. Breathe. 

Rather than making January 1 the start point for all your goals, what if you leaned into the seasons of nature? Resting during the long, dark nights. Exploring hobbies or creative pursuits, spending time with friends and family, reflecting, journaling, and dreaming about the next season. Not launching until the warmer weather and longer days, but breathing into it. Taking time to evaluate the last seasons, plan and dream what you want from the next. Eating nourishing food, doing nourishing activities, and nourishing your relationships. 

I understand that this doesn't fit for everyone. But if it calls to you, I encourage you to look for opportunities to explore it. Try staying home and going to bed earlier one night instead of going to another "thing". Eat a cozy soup and read a good book. Stay in for the weekend, play board games, and pretend you're snowed in (or embrace that you are!). 

What could that look like for you? 

And, as importantly, how does that feel?