Come January, it is typical for most to reflect on the successes or failures of the past year in order to map a path forward into the new year. We begin afresh, with renewed motivation, as we list out our goals for the months ahead. These goals are often lofty and well-intentioned. They have to be. This is going to be the best year ever! (wink wink).

I subscribe to James Clear’s newsletter 3-2-1 Thursday. If you’ve never heard of him I highly recommend his book Atomic Habits and also to sign up for his newsletter that comes out every Thursday. It’s a weekly dose of inspiration that is automated and free. Perfect. I bring it up as in his first newsletter of the year he quotes himself:

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”

This resonated with me on a deep level. I realized that moving into this new year I want to focus on who that person is that I wish to become. What action does that woman take on a daily basis? What are her daily habits? What values inspire those habits? I also realized that creating change is not about achieving big lofty goals but more about developing consistent and ritual action.

It’s no surprise that we are more likely to develop and continue a habit if we are connected to it on an emotional level. Thinking about your values, and deciding what you can create in your daily life to express or reflect them out into the world, can be a great source of inspiration. No matter how simple the action may be, you might be surprised how it can propel you towards better outcomes in your life. I’ve always wanted to be the type of person that makes their bed every. single. morning. That woman is disciplined and decisive.

Sounds like a good place to start.

So…What’s your first new habit of 2023?