5 ways to banish new year overwhelm in your business

January. The darkest, coldest, and let’s be honest, longest month of the year. We’re in the bleak midwinter. And while the start of a new year has always been seen as a perfect opportunity to make big changes and set big goals, energy and motivation can be lacking, and you might find yourself reaching for the nearest blanket to hide under. But it doesn’t have to feel that way.

After 12 years of running my business, and many years of thoroughly disliking this time of year, I’ve slowly grown to love it. It’s taken time to unlearn years of unhelpful new year habits, but now instead of jumping back into my typical schedule (when I really don’t feel like it), I embrace the darker, colder days, and enjoy the quiet cosiness of candles and a warm cup of something tasty while I work. 

So, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, or would like to approach the next month or two a bit differently this year, I’ve put together a few tips that helped shift my thinking about  the whole “new year, new start” mindset. 

1 Take your time

For some reason we’re conditioned to think that as soon as a new year arrives we should hit the ground running. Which is funny because until around 250 years ago the year actually began on March 25th. January really is just another month, and January 1st is just another day. It’s hard to leave cosy semi-hibernation, especially after a Christmas break, so ease into the new year slowly, and allow yourself time to fall into your routine – or maybe create a new one if your old one isn’t working. Don’t worry about the next 12 months, reflect on the last 12.   

Small action: Before looking forward, take some time to reflect on and review the past year. What worked and what didn’t in 2023? Celebrate your successes, learn from the challenges, and use any insights to shape your goals (more on those next).

2 Focus on shorter term goals

It’s tempting to start the year with a list of all the things you’d like to achieve in the next 12 months, but that’s the easiest way to feel overwhelmed. Instead, try breaking the year down into smaller, more manageable chunks, and focusing on one thing at a time (new letterpress brand stationery, anyone?). Working in 90 day bursts is a great idea, as it gives enough time to achieve results in a short space of time, without losing focus or that dreaded overwhelm creeping in. It also allows you the flexibility to make changes along the way if you need to (because we all know life can get in the way of even the best laid plans!). 

And if you’re not feeling like setting a 90 day goal quite yet, keep things smaller and simpler. Are there any small tasks that you didn’t finish before the end of 2023? January can be a great time to tie up loose ends and tick a few smaller things off your list. 

Small action: Think about one thing you’d love to accomplish in the next 90 days and then break that goal down into smaller, manageable tasks, tackling them step by step. Grab your calendar or planner and schedule in the tasks so you know what you need to do, and when, to reach your goal. And plan a reward for yourself when you’ve reached the end!

3 Avoid the comparison trap

You know what they say – comparison is the ultimate thief of joy. When we start comparing our lives and businesses with others, we’re on a one-way journey to gloomtown. So, instead of comparing and despairing, try to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Reflect on what you're grateful for in your own life. And always remember that people often showcase the highlights, not the full story. 

Small action: Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions. Notice when you're comparing yourself to others and gently redirect your focus. If social media often triggers a downward spiral, take a break or curate your feed to include accounts that make you feel positive – and unfollow or mute the ones that make you feel bad (I was reminded about this one myself just last week).

4 Change one habit at a time

If you’re looking to make some positive changes in your life or your business, don’t try to do everything at the same time. The best way to maintain a new habit is to tackle them one at a time, so whether it’s spending less time on social media each day, or drinking more water during the day, choose one thing you’d like to change, and make that your focus. By changing a single habit at a time, you’re much more likely (around 80%) to keep that habit for a year or more. 

Small action: If you have a few things you’d like to change, pick the one that feels most important and focus on that. Start small, be specific, and repeat it often. Track your progress but don’t beat yourself up if you make a slip up or two.

5 Tune into nature 

Take inspiration from nature's wisdom and embrace the slower pace of winter as an invitation to start slowly. Trees don't rush to wake from their slumber, they wait until the days grow a little longer and the temperatures get a little warmer before they use their energy for buds and blooms. Maybe we can follow their lead and allow the winter months to be a time to rest and reflect, so we have the energy and motivation for the spring and summer that always follow. 

Small action: If you can, get outside and observe nature. Even if you can only squeeze in a 5 minute walk each day you’ll start to notice small changes as the seasons start to shift: a little more daylight, birds returning from their winter migrations, and green shoots starting to emerge. See if you notice any changes within yourself as you see the season change. 

The new year is a great time for growth and positive change, but if you’re not feeling it, you don’t have to force it. You’ll know when the time feels right for you, no matter what month it is. So in the coming weeks, if you feel like hanging onto those blankets and hunkering down for a while, do it. You’re exactly where you need to be to get where you’re going.