I’m sure most of you, like me, set goals for the New Year back in December. Maybe you’re crushing them, still working on them, or, like many, completely gave up by the second Friday of January, also known as Quitter’s Day (yes, that’s a real thing). But don’t let that discourage you. Just because you lost momentum doesn’t mean your goals are out of reach.
I like to think of spring as a second New Year. A chance to reset, refresh, and shake off the sluggishness of winter. The longer days, warmer weather, and blooming flowers bring this feeling of a new beginning. Many cultures around the world recognize spring as the true beginning of the year. Songkran, the Thai New Year, is celebrated in mid-April (it’s on my bucket list!), while Nowruz, the Persian New Year, also marks a fresh start with the arrival of spring, March 20th. All to say that you still have plenty of time to reset, or keep going after your goals.
Here are some tips to help you to reset and start fresh!
Spring Cleaning your Goals and mental clutter
Okay, you’ve already done your spring cleaning, your place smells and looks amazing. Now it’s time for another spring cleaning to clear out mental and emotional clutter. Maybe some New Year’s goals didn’t stick, not because you weren’t disciplined enough, but because they weren’t the right fit, or life got in the way. Instead of feeling guilty, and giving up altogether, take this opportunity to assess.
- Which of those goals you set in the high of the New Year euphoria still excite you?
- Which ones feel forced or not align with your priority?
- How can you tweak your approach to feel more natural and sustainable?
Here’s an example:
Let’s say one of your goals this year was to start running. You went all in: new running shoes, a Garmin watch, a hydration vest, and the whole setup. On January 1st, you laced up and hit the pavement/treadmill, feeling on top of the world… or maybe you pushed too hard and ended up sore and discouraged. A week later, you tried again, but between your work schedule, routine, and body exhaustion, running felt more like a struggle than a joy. Eventually, you gave up.
But if running still excites you, spring is your chance to get back to it, with a smarter approach. Maybe that means starting with shorter runs, scheduling them at a more convenient time, focusing on consistency rather than intensity, and finding a free or paid program that will help and encourage you throughout this process. The key isn’t to force yourself into a rigid plan but to find a rhythm that works for you.
A Seasonal Shift in Energy
Finally longer daylight, fresh air, and blooming flowers, things just feel lighter. I naturally feel more motivated to get outside, see friends, and try new experiences. It is the perfect time to:
- Revamp your routine: Switch things up! Try an outdoor workout like walking or yoga at the park. Try matcha or tea instead of coffee, maybe a smoothie. Perhaps you wake earlier, it doesn’t have to be 5 am!
- Embrace seasonal eating: This is the time to lean into fresher more vibrant food. Think berries, beets, leafy greens such as Aragula, and protein such as salmon.
- Romanticise your life: I know it’s a cliché now, but there is something to it. It’s about finding small joy in your everyday life. It doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be happy all the time. It’s about creating joy. For example, go on a solo picnic at the park, read on a bench, pick up a hobby…do something for the sake of enjoying it.
It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again
There’s this unspoken pressure that if you didn’t start strong in January, you might as well wait until next year. But why wait? The beauty of life is that we can start over at any moment. Spring reminds us that growth is always happening, even when we don’t see it right away.
So if you need a sign to revisit your goals, refresh your mindset, and step into a new season with excitement. Let this be the time you move forward, not with pressure, but with curiosity, energy, and a little bit of magic.
Your Spring Reset: What’s One Thing You’ll Do?
I’d love to hear how you’re embracing spring as your second New Year! Whether it’s setting a new goal, picking up an old one, or simply bringing more joy into your daily life, drop a comment below, and let’s inspire each other.