Emily Foster, CAM, Area Regional Manager for Avanath Capital Management, offers 10 things to consider for starting the new year strong.

1. Spreading joy. Giving to others is just good for the soul. Not only does it make a positive impact on the person receiving, but it also brings just as much joy (or maybe even more) to the person who is giving back. Handwrite a note for your local mail carrier, send a thoughtful email to a colleague who has had a positive impact on you or, if they’re convening in-person, have the local sandwich shop deliver lunch to your child’s teacher at school. The world needs more kindness and joy – go spread it.

2. Optimism. This is one of my favorite words and something I truly try to embrace in my personal and work life. Last year tested all of us in so many ways but continuing to be optimistic is key when faced with new challenges and obstacles in our day-to-day life. You can do hard things.

3. Daily affirmations. With how much time we’ve spent at home during the past year, it’s easy to let negativity work its way into our minds. Daily affirmations are a powerful way to release negativity, fear, worry and anxiety. When we repeat these affirmations over and over, they begin to take charge of your thoughts and slowly changes the pattern of your thinking.

4. Give yourself some grace. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have it all together, all the time. This pressure can have a negative effect on us when we make a mistake, but sometimes it’s in these moments that we need to give ourselves grace. Dust yourself off, learn from it and leave the negativity at the door.

5. Remember that you can only control yourself, not the world. There are always going to be things that we wish we could change, or force someone else to change. The reality is, starting with yourself is most important. Dig deep, look at your own actions and find ways to better yourself. You can’t control the world, but you can certainly make a positive impact on the world around you by taking control of yourself.

6. Lighten up your to-do list. We’re all busy—we live in a fast-paced world that encourages us to go-go-go. Take some time to plan ahead and check things off of your to-do list. Hire that house cleaner for your spring deep clean or consider a meal delivery service. Sometimes it’s the little things that really help reduce
our stressors.

7. Listen to a good book. I know, I know, it’s so cliché and something that so many add to their new year’s resolution lists but it’s a good one that will never get old. Rather than reading, try an audio book. If you have a commute, it’s a great way to feel productive while you’re sitting in traffic. Last year, I attended a training session with my local apartment association and was introduced to one of Brené Brown’s leadership books, “Dare to Lead.” It has become a game changer when I’m in the car.

8. Toning down judgement. Being judgmental is unproductive. Toning down judgement can be hard but can also be rewarding. Any step toward being less judgmental is a step toward more authentic and meaningful relationships. Reminding yourself to objectively look at situations is a helpful strategy.

9. Take more photos. Who cares if you have bed head, or if your outfit isn’t the cutest? Take the photo. Having those documented moments in time are so meaningful and will be appreciated in future years. Don’t allow insecurities get in the way of experiencing and remembering life’s special moments.

10. Spend more time with the people who matter. Life is too short to waste it on insincere relationships. Spend more time with those who build you up, encourage you to be better and genuinely care