New Year - Fresh Start
Photo by Jamie Fenn on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
As the New Year approaches, we get something we don’t often give ourselves, permission to hit reset and choose one focus.
You might be thinking, Why the New Year? New Year’s resolutions never stick. I hear you. And you’re not wrong.
There’s nothing magical about January 1st.
What is true is that every change has to start somewhere, and the New Year is one of the few moments when many people in your life are also starting (or restarting) their own goals. Having a strong start, surrounded by others doing the same thing, goes a long way.
So if you’re going to choose a goal, be thoughtful. Be specific.
Don’t pick “I want to be healthier.” Instead try: I want to eat a whole-food, home-cooked meal five days a week.
Don’t pick “I want to read more.” Pick: I want to read for 20 minutes before bed on weeknights. or I want to read to my kids for 20 minutes before bed.
Don’t pick “Inbox Zero.” Pick: I want to dedicate two uninterrupted 30-minute blocks each day to processing email.
And depending on where you live, the New Year comes with one hidden advantage: it’s the dead of winter. From January to March, life often slows down. It’s freezing outside. It’s dark at 5 PM. And once you’re home after work or daycare pickup, the odds of going back out again are… slim.
If we’re thoughtful and intentional, winter gives us space and extra time that spring, summer, and fall swallow up with activities, obligations, and spontaneity.
Getting Started
So ask yourself:
What is one change you’d like to make in the New Year, one that might actually be easier to start in the cold, dark, quiet winter months?
(For example: going to the gym at 5 AM probably isn’t the January 1st goal I’d recommend.)
Define Your Goal
Get specific:
What one action do you want to take?
Where will you do it?
When (exact time) will you do it?
How long will it take?
How many days per week?
Who else in your life has this same goal, either as a start or as part of their routine?
How can you feel surrounded by others who share this identity? (Is there a Facebook group or local community you can join?)
How will you remember? (Do you want a labeled phone alarm that goes off on your chosen days?)
Let’s take advantage of a fresh beginning.
Let’s take advantage of the quiet winter months.
Let’s make one small, intentional change, one that makes your life a little lighter, a little calmer, and a little more yours.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.