As you get ready to deck the halls and ring in the holiday festiveness, there’s so much end-of-the-year excitement in the air. Holiday shopping, baking, spending time with family and friends.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.
During the last few weeks of the year, we should also be focused on what’s to come — all the new habits we are going to create, the goals we are going to achieve, and the workouts we are going to do in the new year. It seems like a lot to remember, but you have got this! We created a simple guide with tips and tricks to start the year off right. Here are 5 ways to prepare for 2024:
Create A List Of Your Accomplishments
It’s human nature to always have your sights on what’s next, but if you do not appreciate where you have been and what you have done you will never appreciate where you are going or what you will do. Create a list of accomplishments from the past year, big or small. Really take your time here. Reflect through each month and list everything out. If needed, have a look through your planner, journal, or social media to see what you were up to each month.
Be flexible here. Maybe you accomplished a goal in a different way or the goal transitioned somehow. That still counts as a win! Make sure you take this time to celebrate your wins and not beat yourself up over the things you didn’t do.
Create A List Of The Biggest Lessons You Have Learned
You do not need me to tell you that life does not always go as planned. We all need to go through certain hurtful episodes — to experience pain and hardship in order to learn and grow. Unfortunately, there is no escaping failure, heartbreak, loss, rejection, you name it. But it’s okay, the new year is almost here and you can start fresh.
Imagine how much more you will accomplish and grow when you have remembered things like life lessons and life-changing moments from 2023. Let the list serve as a reminder going into the new year.
Set SMART Goals
Hold yourself accountable. Get organized by setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals. Use these criteria to turn abstract ideals into concrete plans with clear direction. They also make it easier to track progress, stay on target, and measure success.
Studies show that setting SMART goals increases the chances of sticking to them. So instead of resolving to do something vague like getting in shape, aim for something like “run a half-marathon in 2 hours by August 1st.”
When you have specific parameters for your goals, it’s easier to maintain your motivation, making it more likely to succeed.
Level Up Your Workspace
Staying motivated and productive is sometimes difficult, especially if your surroundings are outdated or do not inspire you. There’s also that afternoon slump, where all you want to do is take a nap. Been there. Done that. Guilty of taking a nap or two.
Surprisingly, upgrading your workspace and creating the perfect work environment for YOU really does make a HUGE difference. It could be something as simple as adding more light, color, or a small potted plant.
Our team at DLK has specially curated a few minimalist to maximalist pieces to get you started!
Templo Catchalls available in: Light Green, Orange, Light Blue, Purple, Royal Blue, Yellow, Forest Green, Pink
These hand-sculpted catchalls are born from an effortless focus on simplicity and function. Inspired by minimalist shapes found in antique architecture, they are formed from resin poured into clay molds by a skilled artisan.
When putting several together, they form a string of colorful islands. Perfectly sized and with a gentle rim, these catchalls are ideal for storing small gadgets, cosmetics, or desk supplies. They are aesthetically pleasing, adding a beautiful touch of color and shape to any space.
A desk organizer designed to resemble artist Alex Proba’s iconic patterns and murals. Each shape is an intentional celebration of color meant to bring life and energy to your workspace. Assemble them to create your desired desktop arrangement.
Concrete Desk Set, Copyright Graphic Notebook
Getting organized is often as simple as having the right tools. The Concrete Desk Set is a great way to ensure everything has its place and stays there. Cast from concrete, this set includes a small tape dispenser, pencil holder, and a small tray. Pair it with the Copyright Graphic Notebook, to keep your good ideas organized and safe. The ultimate desk setup!
Inspired by urban landscape. Designed as a modular city or building, each part can be used independently or together as a set. This collection is entirely handmade out of lime tree wood, non-treated, non-varnished.
This house is divided into 4 parts: a pencil holder, a business card or photo holder, a smartphone base and a tray for paper clips or erasers.
Meet your new companion for recording thoughts, drawings, to-do lists, and personal histories. The classic keeper of everyday things. Designed with careful attention to detail, balancing utility with signature Appointed elegance. Featuring gold wire binding, waterproof cotton book cloth covers, and smooth responsibly sourced paper.
Timeless and thoughtfully designed layout means organizing the chaos of life has never been easier. Stay on top of your work schedule, family time, to-do lists, notes, ideas, and goals in one open-dated organizer. Six dedicated sections with valuable tools, punctuated with inspiring quotes between the sheets to keep you motivated throughout the year:
- Goal-Setter
- 12-Month Undated Week-to-View Diary
- To-Do Pad
- Notebook
- Project Planner
- Ideas Pad
*Includes a Sticker Set & 4 Pencil Set
The Worthwhile Open Planner Set, Euclid Bookmark
The Worthwhile Open Planner Set combines a minimal, undated, spacious feel with a touch of geometric playfulness. It's open-dated — all you need to do is open it up and fill in the blanks with dates - it's a fun process. It also includes a black and white "YOU ARE AWESOME" graphic washi tape roll to add accents and embellishments through your spread. Pair it with the Euclid Bookmark, a finely cut brass geometric bookmark, or the Triangle Paper Clips, which slip onto the page like a glove.
The Shapes Open Planner Set also combines a minimal, open, spacious feel, but with a little touch of colorful shape playfulness. It includes a beautiful, lush leaf washi tape roll for all of our nature lovers.
Maybe you just want to take things week by week. That’s okay too. Schedule your weekly plans and keep a nice overview of the week. Tear off each sheet when you are done. You can choose to keep it or get rid of it. This is a perfect planning tool for families with many plans or a busy individual on the go!
Make a Wellness Plan
With a steady rise in health-conscious consumers, wellness has become more important than ever. Many consider their health a top priority, with individuals becoming increasingly mindful of their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Commit to prioritizing your well-being, so you can avoid physical pains, be more energized, less stressed, and prevent burnout. Your health is the most important investment you can ever make, so invest wisely. It does not have to be hard or intense, just get started.
Create a simple wellness plan that prioritizes:
- Sleep- Mental Health
- Mindfulness
- Nature
- Hydration
- Regular exercise
- Self-care
Want to start the new year right?
Get everything you need in our curated collection. From desk and office supplies, planners, stationery, gifts, and more. DLK is here to help you prepare for your best year yet! Let us know what your favorites are and be sure to tag us on Instagram @designlifekids and #designlifekids.