How to Prep for the New Year (Without Burning Yourself Out)
Every year around this time, my feed is filled with people sprint-planning, vision-boarding, and color-coding planners they might abandon by February. And trust me — I’ve been that person too. The one who thinks if she just plans harder, she’ll feel more ready.
But here’s the truth:
Preparation isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating space.
Space to think. Space to breathe. Space to hear the quiet whisper of what you actually want next — not what the world expects from you.
As we step into a new year, I want to share what I’ve learned — from building companies, moving from just surviving to scaling teams, and trying to enhance my life and my business at the same time.
Before You Plan — Close Your Energetic Tabs
You can’t write your next chapter when last year is still screaming in the background.
Take inventory:
Ask yourself:
What needs to end?
What conversations are still unsaid?
What projects did you drag into the new year because you were afraid to let them die?
Action:
Make a list with two columns:
✔️ Closing / Letting Go
✨ Carry Forward / Refine
You may be surprised how much weight drops off your shoulders when you simply say, “I’m done.”
Get Radically Honest About What Worked — and What Didn’t
Data doesn’t lie — but neither does your body.
Ask both:
What grew?
What drained my energy?
What investments (time, money, emotional labor) actually had a return?
What commitments made me resentful?
Action:
Do a quick 15-minute Year Audit:
Write down:
3 things you’re proud of
3 things that taught you something
3 things you will not repeat
This is your compass — not your accomplishments list.
Set Goals That Aren’t Punishment
Most people write goals that basically say:
"Who I am right now isn’t good enough."
We set goals like:
➡️ Lose weight
➡️ Make more money
➡️ Grow followers
➡️ Work harder
Try goals that sound like support instead of shame:
✨ Instead of “Work more,” → “Work with a system that supports me.”
✨ Instead of “Hit $X,” → “Create offers that light me up and convert.”
✨ Instead of “Grow IG,” → “Use Instagram as a playground for creativity.”
Ask yourself:
Will this goal expand me, or punish me?
Create a Middle-Road Strategy — Not a Fantasy or a Hustle Plan
For founders, this is the biggest trap.
We either:
Dream too big → no execution
orHustle too hard → burn out
The middle wins.
Systems. Routines. Check-ins. Accountability.
Action — Try this roadmap:
1 annual North Star (big vision)
3 quarterly priorities (the levers that move the mission)
1 monthly focus (what you actually execute)
1 weekly needle-mover
1 daily promise to yourself
And yes — be realistic.
You don’t need 900 goals to win. You need 3 done well.
Prep Your Life — Not Just Your Business
Your nervous system is your real CEO.
Ask:
Where does my body need recovery?
Do I need rest, nature, water, or silence?
Where can I create margin?
Action:
Schedule — in your calendar, like a board meeting:
🧘 Self-care
🌲 Nature / Break Days
📚 Learning / Self-investment
🤝 Connection & Community
💸 CEO days (reviewing finances, pipeline, decisions)
If it isn't scheduled, it isn't real.
Put Your Money Strategy on Paper
This part feels unsexy — but it is the most empowering thing a founder can do.
Ask yourself:
How much do I personally need to make this year to feel safe & supported?
How will my business fund the life I want, instead of draining it?
Where can I create fast wins / low-lift revenue (consulting, workshops, digital downloads)?
Action:
Make two numbers:
✨ Bare Minimum Survival Number
🔥 Desired Abundance Number
Then reverse-engineer offerings that get you there.
Decide Who Sits at Your Table This Year
Look at your inner circle.
Who:
Champions you?
Sees your power?
Adds, not takes?
And who quietly hopes you stay small?
Action:
Write a "People Strategy":
🤍 Who I want to spend more time with
🚪 Who I need to close the door on
👑 Who I want to invite in (mentors, peers, team)
Community is not optional for entrepreneurs — it's oxygen.
Choose Your Word of the Year
Not because it’s trendy — but because it trains your brain to focus.
I am implementing this one this year.
This year I’m choosing: Ease + Expansion.
What about you?
Action:
Pick one (or two) words.
Put it everywhere.
Let it be your filter.
The Lesson I Wish I Knew Earlier
You don't become ready and then start.
You start — and that’s how you become ready.
The new year isn’t a race.
It’s an invitation.
To begin again.
To choose differently.
To remember who you are — and who you’re becoming.
Your Next Step
If you’re reading this and thinking:
"I want support. I want accountability. I want to build this year differently."
Then Mind & Social is here for you.
Our membership gives:
✨ Templates, workshops, and tools
✨ 2 free coaching sessions per year
✨ Accountability & real connection
If you're tired of doing this alone — you don’t have to.
I’m rooting for you. I’m walking this road too.
Let’s step into the new year — the way founders deserve:
with clarity, courage, and support.