3 Ways Your Home Can Support Your New Year's Goals
Goal 1. Feeling Organized & In Control
Have you ever set the goal of "getting more organized this year"? I know I have, and it remains on my list of resolutions every year, to be honest! We can’t do the whole house in one go, so let’s take it one room or area at a time. Start with the easiest room to generate momentum for the next space.
Sorting is the first step for any room. Start with one shelf or drawer and see how it feels when you’re done. You might need a break, or it might inspire you to continue. Either way is ok. The next time you use that shelf or drawer, you’ll thank your past self for sorting it out. Hopefully it will spur you on to sort the next area.
Maybe set a goal to tackle just the pantry in January. Link it to another popular resolution—eating a healthier diet. In this way, you’ll accomplish two goals at once!
If you like planning, you can create a room schedule for the entire year: January = pantry; February = bathroom, and so on. You won’t have to think about it when a new month rolls around, and you can even prep in advance if you’re keen.
Goal 2. More Daily Mindfulness
Set yourself up for mindfulness. If you’re familiar with my work, you know that I love a good reading nook. We have a little spot in our dining room with 2 comfy chairs, a floor lamp, a throw blanket and a stool as a side table. I know that whenever I want to read or meditate, this area is ready for me.
See where you can create a place in your home for an activity that you love, like journaling, drawing, writing, meditating. What do you need for this activity? Gather those items and set them up so everything’s at your fingertips. Go low- or no-tech here; online distractions are not invited. This is a place to reconnect with yourself through your favorite quiet activity.
If you don’t have the space for a dedicated spot, no problem. Make a little altar with meaningful items that connect you to positive energy. Even a windowsill can hold photos or crystals that remind you to stop and take some deep breaths during the day. Natural light from the window adds to the calming energy here. Take a moment to bask in it.
Goal 3. Increase Physical Activity or Exercise
How do you love to be active indoors? What type of movement makes your body feel strong and alive?
For me, it's dancing, cardio and kickboxing. The way that I do them is with adaptable space. I shift the coffee table just outside of the living room and turn on YouTube. My exercise mat is in the corner within reach, and my sneakers stay in the front hall, right next to the living room. Again, it’s about gathering everything you need for a certain activity and having it all handy.
You may have space for a stationary bike or a rowing machine. Or you may have a whole room for exercise. No matter the size, adopt a No Excuses mentality with all of your necessities: sneakers by the door, water bottle by the bike, towel on the handlebars, charging cord nearby.
And let’s not forget the outfit. When you get to Bedroom Organizing month, place all of your workout wear together as much as possible. Designate a space in your closet or dresser so that everything is easy to grab. And here’s a tip that really helps me—buy all-black workout clothes (or all one color). Now I have absolutely no excuses because every top goes with every bottom so I just grab the top piece in each stack. No coordinating means no excuses.
Changing our habits is never easy. If it were, we'd all look like athletes and be totally organized! One thing those people have is support from their living spaces. Let’s set ourselves up for success by designing our homes with our goals in mind. In order to meditate or dance, we're 100% more likely to do the thing when the scene is already set. Clear your obstacles and make it easy for yourself.
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Cheers,
Nan
About Nan
Interior designer focused on helping people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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