8 Inspiring Things To Do In January

So, I’d like to share some things to do in January that will guarantee a productive new year.

I’ve tried this list myself and can attest that it works!

At the beginning of the new year, there are so many New Year’s resolutions, manifestations, and talks of starting new business ventures and fitness journeys that it can all be very overwhelming – and a bit discouraging when you don’t have similar aspirations.

Some tried-and-true things I used to do at the beginning of January for a year filled with accomplishments and blessings, I decided not to do this year.

Creating a vision board or using manifesting techniques are two of them.

I’m not saying doing these things doesn’t yield results (because they do – sometimes).

But there are more practical things you can do to stay on track with the goals you’ve already set.

What’s even better is that there are things to do in January that are actually exciting and productive, too.

A little self-discipline and motivation will go a long way, if and only if you’re serious about getting what you want out of the new year.

We’re not reinventing the wheel here, guys.

People often feel pressured to set brand new goals this time of year.

But, what about the goals you didn’t complete last year? Why add more pressure, stress, and work to your to-do list?

Sometimes, it’s best to give yourself grace and celebrate the small wins from the year before and continue forward.

With that said, here’s my list of seven things to do in January that will set the foundation for a healthy, productive, and prosperous new year.

No Spend January

Start the year off with a low to no buy month. This will help you with budgeting and saving. Sometimes, it’s best to take a step back to switch up your strategy.

Make a list of things you can stop buying or ways you can save money on maintenance costs.

Let this be a trial-and-error practice to see the things you can live without and how much money you can save in the interim.

Some things you can consider removing from your budget for January are:

Hair color and/or extensions
Clothes
Shoes
Makeup
Phones
Subscriptions
Gym memberships
Dining out
Skincare products
Drinking alcohol
Buying coffee or lattes

Word of The Year

I know, I know. A word of the year seems so cliche, but hear me out.

Last year, my word was ‘consistency’.

I plastered the word everywhere – on my cork board in my bedroom, white board at work, planners, and notepads.

It was always in the forefront of my mind while working on projects and toward any goals that I set for myself.

Anytime I wanted to give up on them, I reminded myself of my word for the year. I knew that consistency is what it would take to achieve many of my goals, and it worked.

Your word of the year should be intentional, significant, actionable, and should align with the personal journey that you’re on.

At the end of the year, you can look back and reflect on the impact that it made in your life overtime.

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Set A Financial Goal

One financial goal is enough. It doesn’t matter how lofty or modest your money goals are as long as you set them.

Too often, people go into the new year wanting to earn a certain amount from their career or business with no plan on how they are going to reach or surpass that number.

You can meet financial goals in different ways.

Whether it’s through savings, a regular job, bonuses, side hustles, a lucrative business, gifts or the lottery, it’s achievable.

As long as you remain optimistic and possess an abundant mindset, you’ll remain open to receiving money in your life.

Don’t get hung up on just one avenue of making money. Your money may come from multiple sources.

It could be a promotion at your current job, an increase in salary from transitioning to another company, or an unexpected business opportunity.

Whenever you’re hyper-focused on one thing, believing it’s the primary source of financial increase, you miss out on other practical ways you could reach your monetary goals.

New Job

Two to three years is the average time Gen Z and Millennials now spend on a job before they seek new career opportunities.

If your job no longer serves you and you aren’t learning anything new, don’t waste any time. Move on.

The worst thing you can do in the new year is be in the same place you were the year before. This applies to jobs as well.

Toxic work environments or companies that don’t offer career advancements and development don’t deserve your presence.

Yes, looking for a new job can feel daunting and stressful, but putting in the hours of work will be well worth it.

Spiritual Growth

Don’t neglect your spirit this year. Protect your peace through the practice of gratitude, prayer, and meditation.

Set goals to join a church, read the Bible in a year, or increase your weekly attendance at Bible study or church every Sunday.

Whether you’re Christian, Catholic, or Muslim, it doesn’t matter, nurture your inner spirit with self-help books, fasting, and exploring different religious beliefs to see what resonates best with your soul.

What morals and values do you live by? Does your lifestyle align with your purpose or vision?

Do you treat others with kindness? Are you a light worker and role model for the people around you?

Starting the year off on the right foot entails getting right with the Lord, forgiving others, and letting go of the past.

Spiritual growth may not be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in January, but why not make it yours?

Fitness Routine

If you were on a winning streak with losing weight and eating healthier last year, there’s no reason to stop in the new year.

I know you’re tired and want a break, but start the year off strong.

Your beach body is on the way and the summer season is right around the corner, goal friend.

Winter is not the time to hibernate and lay your fitness journey to the wayside. Keep practicing self-discipline and finding ‘body inspiration’ photos to motivate you.

You’ll not only look good, but you’ll feel better too. Try to stay away from harsh diets (and extreme weight shredding challenges.

Go at your own pace this January and make missing gym days non-negotiable. Join fitness groups or fun indoor classes to stay active during the cold weather months.

Losing weight with a team provides support, motivation, and accountability too.

Are you ready to be ripped by Summer? Keep going!

Bucket List

One of the best things to do in January is create a bucket list for the year.

You can refer to your life bucket list for ideas, but think of this one as more of a micro-mini bucket list.

Don’t make it too long, but keep it practical and realistic with activities, places, or hobbies that you would like to try (and can afford).

I keep a white board in my room and check off my yearly bucket list items as I go. Maybe there’s a new restaurant, travel destination, or a class you’d like to take to learn something new.

By the end of the year you will feel fulfilled as you look back on all the things you’ve tried or accomplished.

Anything that you aren’t able to scratch off of your bucket list can be moved over to the next year.

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Getting A New Planner

Planners will ensure you never miss a beat in your personal or professional life.

Some people purchase their planners months before the new year begins before the most popular planners sell out.

Most planners are inexpensive and available at big box retail stores. They don’t have to be fancy. As long as the planners or bullet journals have dates and a space to write, you’re all set.

You can even go the digital route or create a personalized planner of your own.

Get a head start on building out your monthly schedule for quarter one by adding important appointments, family events, or self care maintenance days.

Do you have any special things that you like to do in January?