Each year, we set off with intentions to accomplish the world. We set high goals that will stretch us. We pile on responsibilities we probably don’t need. Soon, we meander off into greener pastures (to nicer looking goals) that seem pristine in possibility and forget about the path we started out on. Eventually, we lose sight of our original goals.

Has this happened to you? If you’re human (I’m assuming you are), it has.

There’s a temptation to give up on our original goals to replace them with new, shiny ones. However, soon we’ll hit pitfalls with those new goals and want even newer, shinier ones. We repeat the cycle endlessly without accomplishing anything.

I’ve found the solution: a reset day.

By having a reset day each week or month, you can experience the same shiny newness of a goal without giving up on it. Reset goals give you a needed break to evaluate and refresh. With a new perspective, you’ll find new ideas for how to move forward and accomplish those goals. You’ll feel rejuvenated and gain more energy.

Sound like something you want? Well, read on to find out an example of a reset routine you can follow to refresh.

Let me know in the comments below if you use a similar routine. Let me know if you add something else to your routine that rejuvenates you.

1. Journal

Begin by opening your journal. If you are losing momentum with your goal, chances are you need some clarity. Start by simply writing in a stream-of-consciousness style. Write what comes to mind with no editing.

Don’t worry about what you are writing about. Write about your goal or what you ate the other day. Many times, I’ll find if I keep writing about an experience that impacted me, it has affected my goal as well. It’s been on my mind (to the point of obsessively overthinking) and influenced my motivation to move forward with my goal.

2. Check up on your goals

You may have written about your goals in the journal section already. Turn to a new page and write your current goal at the top. Record what you’ve accomplished, and make a list of next steps. Sometimes, I get stuck simply because I don’t know what to do next. Sometimes this is subconscious, so writing it out helps either way.

If you’ve accomplished a goal, celebrate! Smile and pat yourself on the back. Determine a new, important goal.

3. Brain dump your to-do list

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a million things on your mind. Your journaling might have triggered some reminders of your to-do’s already. Make a list of everything that comes to mind.

Once you have your long list, schedule in the time-sensitive tasks. Write them in your planner or digital calendar.

Clarify your procrastinated tasks. Do you still have to find a babysitter for Friday? Is it necessary to reorganize your kitchen cupboards? If it’s necessary, what is the next step? Many people procrastinate tasks because they don’t have a clearly defined next step. Define that now.

Once you’ve done all of this, sprint for 10 minutes to get a few of your small tasks done. Getting some quick wins under your belt does wonders for rejuvenating your energy moving forward.

4. Cleanse your inbox

Even if you rarely subscribe to anything, chances are you have a large number of emails in your inbox. This may seem like an insignificant task, but seeing that inbox get to zero is an amazing feeling.

Sort through old emails and add any tasks to your brain dumped list. Sort the emails you have to keep into folders. The goal is to use your inbox for tasks that need to be finished or sorted and delete the rest.

5. Clear out your notes app

Whether this is your notes app on your phone or another app (I personally love Google Keep, but I’m admittedly a Google fanatic), there’s somewhere you chuck ideas or notes on the fly. Wherever you keep these notes, look through them. Clear out the old or irrelevant ones. Organize the rest. Add any new tasks to your list.

6. Update your calendar

You’ve scheduled in some tasks. Take the time now to check up on appointments for the week. Confirm with your appointments tomorrow. I consider an appointment anything with a set time that involves another person. For example, a weekly lunch date with a friend is an appointment while returning my library books is not.

I put together a step-by-step guide to clearing your schedule when it is overwhelming. Sign up in the form below, and you’ll receive that + a couple of other freebies for organization.

7. Plan a fun adventure

Rejuvenating doesn’t have to be only relaxing and watching your favorite Netflix show. You’ll gain a ton of energy from going out and doing something you have wanted to for a while. Keep a list of local “adventures” to pull from for ideas.

My favorite kind of “adventures” are checking out a new restaurant, exploring a new bike path, or visiting a museum with a friend. After working hard all week or month, your brain needs a break. Plus, with all the tasks you keep thinking of, you need to reward yourself. 

8. Clean out your purse/wallet

This is a tip I added to my recent post, 20 easy ways to simplify at home. I personally clean out my purse each time I walk in the door, however, I know most people don’t. Clear out the old business cards, gum wrappers, etc. in your purse and reorganize everything. 

If you want a simpler system, place a small container by your door. This container’s sole purpose is to hold your keys and wallet. Each time you get home for the day, put your keys and wallet (or other essentials) in the container and put the rest of the items where they belong. When you leave the house each day, put your keys and wallet back in your purse and walk out the door with only what you need. By following this simple routine each day, your purse will stay clean and efficient.

9. Tidy your space

Whatever space you call your own (desk, room, etc.), give it a quick tidy. If it’s a real mess, take the time to organize as much as you can. Having a clean and tidy space to work in will energize you for the coming week.

Some of these steps will take longer than others. And, honestly, you don’t have to follow each of these steps each week. Sometimes just acting on one of two of these is enough to give you a boost of energy. At least once a month, however, take time for a full reset day. Take time now to prepare for a more effective tomorrow.

As always, make each day better a little at a time.

 

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