The new year is here, and it brings with it that universal urge to reset, refresh, and reimagine. January has a way of feeling like a blank slate, even though life doesn’t really work that way. Still, there’s power in collective momentum. The world pauses, takes a breath, and asks, “What’s next?”
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably set some goals, made resolutions, or at least toyed with the idea of making this year “different.” But before you dive headfirst into all the things you want to change, let me introduce a different approach: Stop-Start-Keep.
Here’s how it works: Take a moment to reflect on the past year and ask yourself three questions:
- What should I stop doing? What’s draining your energy, wasting your time, or pulling you away from your values? Sometimes, it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing less.
- What should I start doing? What new habits, practices, or mindsets could help you grow, find joy, or make progress on your goals? Don’t overwhelm yourself with a massive list; choose one or two things that matter most.
- What should I keep doing? What’s already working? Too often, we overlook our wins. Acknowledge what’s been successful and double down on those efforts.
This method is deceptively simple, but its power lies in its clarity. Instead of overloading yourself with a long list of resolutions that may fizzle out by February, Stop-Start-Keep invites you to focus. It’s not about reinventing yourself overnight; it’s about fine-tuning your trajectory.
And that’s the key to navigating the new year: incremental shifts, not seismic overhauls. Life doesn’t pause at midnight on December 31. You don’t need to solve everything in January. Think of the year ahead as a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent adjustments lead to lasting change.
Consider the clarity many of us may have sought during the chaos of the holidays. In the midst of everything — lights, parties, and to-do lists — we paused, took a breath, and found the space to reflect. That same pause can serve us now. As we step into the new year, it’s not about rushing toward change but about moving forward with intention and purpose.
The beauty of Stop-Start-Keep is that it’s not limited to January. You can revisit it throughout the year — each quarter, after a big project, or whenever life feels off course. It’s a tool for self-alignment, not just goal-setting.
So as you step into this new year, take a moment to pause. Reflect on what’s behind you and dream about what’s ahead. Stop what’s not serving you, start what will nourish you, and keep what brings you closer to the life you want to live.
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and clarity. Let’s make it a good one — one intentional choice at a time.
Photo by Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash
