Yep, it’s that time of the year again. That special part of January where we sit suspended between the year that was and the year that will be. A time to reflect on the past 12 months, make a list of self-imposed promises (or if you want to be proper about it – resolutions) and tell ourselves that we’re definitely, probably, maybe going to stick to them.

If like us, you’ve been at this a long time, you’ll know what’s worth committing to and what really isn’t. But for those of you still hoping for a ‘new year, new you’ here’s how to navigate those big-New-Year’s-Resolution-hitters with a little bit of pizzazz.

1. Thou shalt exercise more

Ah yes. Exercise. Getting fit, getting lean, getting shredded AF. Beefcake, juice head, gym buff, gym bunny, hunk, hero, legend (and my personal favourite) absolute LAD. First on most people’s NY list is ALWAYS “exercise more.”

Here’s a pro tip. Sure, today, that gym membership seems like a great idea, but when the cold, dark January mornings become relentless and unyielding, and the sofa-Luther-boxset combo seems a far more viable route to self-care. Simply open up your fitness app, click on ‘add data’ and input the number of steps the new you would have done. Then sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’ll make a fine politician someday.

2. Thou shalt eat healthier

Next up, sticking to a strict and healthy diet. Always an ambitious one after a month of gorging on sweet treats and creamy ‘frol. Yes, our waistlines, BMI and little tickers will thank us for it, but it does mean waving goodbye to all those moreish sweet treats we’ve now got stockpiled in our open stockings.

We fully support your determination to swap the cookies, cakes, and chocolate for salads, veg and bulgur wheat. No doubt you’ll feel fresher, fitter and a little bit more focused as a result. However, when you inevitably cave 8 days into January, don’t lose faith. Some of the best cookie-lovers around have made century-long careers out of a bit of Christmas indulgence and rounded jolly tum….

3. Thou shalt pinch those pennies

Saving money is a pretty popular resolution – and the one we dread the most. Social events make us happy, keep us connected and remind us what it is we’re getting up for every morning – and this sentiment is never more important than in those first cold few months of the year. For some, January represents the annual tightening of the proverbial purse strings, the necessary hunkering down for the colder months, shirking the lure of UberEATS and stockpiling resources for fun (or basic amenities) later in the year.

For others, however, January is a bleak and lonely time only made worse by everyone scarpering indoors and refusing to make plans again until the sun returns. So, don’t beat yourself up if you feel the pull of the local curry house, cinema or spa calling, life is for living after all. And baby, you’re worth it.

4. Honour your quest for adventure

Travel is frequently at the top of many people’s lists at the start of a new year. And why shouldn’t it be? The world is a big old place, with much to see and enjoy. Plus, Christmastime can be a taxing few weeks, right? Overeating, drinking too much, seeing family, and partying hard take their toll. We deserve a little break from reality to look forward to don’t we?

If your need for the open road is restricted by budget, responsibilities and general life, however, do not fear. Contrary to popular opinion, a resolution doesn’t expire once the year is done. Your goals, just like you, have plenty of time to permeate and grow until the time is just right. So, if you don’t quite make that once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ve been dreaming of for 2023, you haven’t failed, you’ve just (as we say in the industry) pivoted.

5. Do not tread water

Learning a new skill is a great resolution. But where do we even start? A new language? A musical instrument? An innovative new product or business proposition?

Whether it’s learning to play Beethoven’s 17th Symphony or finally asking your boss to pay for that course you’ve been eyeing up, upping your skill set is one resolution where it’s important not to fall into the cliché of saying and not doing. So do it. Just one small addition to your repertoire now could be the start of something even greater in the long run – or it could just simply help to keep you sane in your downtime. Either way, it’s a productivity win-win. Perhaps you could selflessly commit to an additional two years of studying maths, y’know for the economy. Right, Rishi?

6. Remember the things that matter

Of course, there are also more serious resolutions, like spending more time with family and friends, volunteering, or doing something equally as noble. No one’s expecting you to be reborn in 2023 as Mother Teresa but watching one less episode of the latest Netflix drop to make time for a call or a cuppa can go a long way in making someone’s day a bit easier.

There’s no need to be completely selfless in 2023 of course because self-care is still our real MO, but small acts of kindness really do help keep the force balanced more towards the light than the dark. And who wants to let Master Yoda down?

So, there you have it. Your go-to guide for nailing your New Year’s Resolutions like a champ.

Whether you make, break, or completely ignore your goals this year, sometimes it really is the thought that counts, and often being kind to ourselves is the biggest (and only) win we need.

And, if all else fails, as many Arsenal supporters say, “there’s always next year”. Although this year may well be their year. Or it might not.

More importantly, what’s in store for your business in 2023? If you’re starting to plan your year ahead, make sure to touch base with us. We’d love to hear all about your big plans.