It’s a new year and we’re all looking at a blank page. We ask ourselves, ‘What am I going to write here to make the year positive and memorable? To grow and to heal? Is change even possible for me?’
New Year’s Resolutions are a little like Marmite – some love them and make them every year (although sticking to them is another matter). Some have sworn off them after years of realising they haven’t made them happen.
And it’s true – making the goals is the easy part. Actually accommodating change is far more difficult.
We’ve all been there—staring at our to-do lists with a mix of dread and disbelief, wondering how to squeeze in time to drink enough water, let alone start that Pilates class or overhaul our skincare routine.
Change is hard enough, but add a jam-packed schedule into the mix, and it feels impossible. Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Here’s how you can make meaningful changes, even when life is full-on, and what’s been working for me..
Micro Habits Are Your Best Friend
The idea of “go big or go home” is outdated. Change doesn’t have to mean a complete life overhaul; it’s about finding small, consistent tweaks that fit into your day.
Want to drink more water? This is one of my top goals too. Start by adding one glass before your morning coffee. I’ve taken to filling an insulated bottle and leaving it next to my bed before I go to sleep, so that I can hydrate as soon as I wake up without any effort.
Thinking about improving your skincare routine? Introduce one new product at a time instead of splurging on a 12-step routine. I started with finding a really great moisturiser packed with actives and SPF 50 and that’s been the gateway to a whole new skincare routine.
Small wins build momentum, and before you know it, those tiny changes will snowball into a full-blown lifestyle upgrade.
Time Blocking Like a Pro
Let’s talk time blocking. If you don’t schedule it, it’s not happening—simple as that. Or at least that’s what I’ve learned about myself over the past few years.
Treat your personal goals with the same importance as your work meetings or school pickups.
Want to squeeze in a 20-minute workout? Pop it in your calendar. Want to meal prep? Schedule it.
The real secret is to start with just one or two blocks a week, and you’ll find the process far less overwhelming.Sunday afternoons are prime time for setting up your week, whether it’s prepping meals, laying out outfits, or planning that all-important downtime.
I’ve started to use my Sundays as a reset for all areas – spiritual, mental, physical and home life. It helps me get my week off to a better start, and I’ve definitely noticed the difference when I don’t do it.
Embrace the Power of ‘No’
Real talk: You can’t make changes if you’re stretched too thin.
Learning to say ‘no’ (or at least, ‘not right now’) is one of the most transformative skills for a busy life. If something doesn’t align with your goals or values, it’s okay to let it go.
Think of it as clearing space for the things that really matter—like finally finishing that book or testing out the new recipes you’ve saved on Pinterest.
Yes, those things are important too.
Track Your Wins (No Matter How Small)
Progress isn’t always obvious, so track it. Whether it’s ticking off days on a habit tracker app, jotting down wins in a journal, or simply taking a moment to acknowledge that you’ve stuck to something for a week, it’s all about celebrating the small stuff.
Even though I’m quite paperless, I’ve found that physically writing things down just hits differently.
Investing in The Little Calm and Happy Planner has really supported me to build on the small victories and see progress where it feels slow.
Positive reinforcement keeps the motivation flowing. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as ticking something off a list.
Leverage Your Existing Routines
Rather than reinventing the wheel, work with what you already do each day.
If you always scroll Instagram in the evening, swap 10 minutes of it for meditation or reading.
If you’re already prepping dinner or on your commute,, use that time to listen to an audiobook or podcast that inspires you. I’ve found Blinkist really useful to summarise the key ideas from a range of books and give me the top takeaways in a short form I can listen to in the car or walking my dog.
Change doesn’t have to feel disruptive—it can slide seamlessly into your existing routine.
Be Realistic (and Kind to Yourself)
It’s tempting to aim for perfection, but let’s be honest: no one has their life that together.
Set realistic goals and give yourself a bit of grace when things don’t go to plan.
Missed a workout? Try again tomorrow. Ordered takeout instead of meal prepping? It’s fine—nobody’s perfect. Don’t let one setback be an excuse to give up entirely. Forgive yourself, accept you’re only human, and try again.
The goal isn’t to change everything overnight but to create sustainable habits that stick.
Making change possible in a busy life isn’t about magic hacks or superhuman effort; it’s about finding what works for you.
Start small, stay consistent, and let go of the idea that you have to do it all. Progress, no matter how tiny, is still progress.
So, what’s one change you could make today?
Whether it’s setting an earlier bedtime, packing your lunch, or just remembering to breathe deeply for 10 seconds, start there. Your future self will thank you.
Liked this post? Check out my guide to time-saving beauty routines and streamlining your wardrobe for more ways to simplify your life while staying stylish.
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