How I'm Getting Organized & Inspired for 2022

I’m not exactly sure what it is, but I have a really good feeling about 2022. 2021 was a very eventful year for me, between graduating from college, getting and starting my job, and moving into my first apartment in San Francisco. I made so many amazing memories and am grateful for everything I accomplished last year, but it was also so jam-packed that it felt like a bit of a whirlwind at times. Now that I’m settled into post-college life, I’m looking forward to slowing down this year and getting back into some of the goals and habits that got put on the back-burner these past few months. For my first post of 2022, I wanted to share the strategies I’m using to get organized and inspired for the year ahead. 

Planning it Out

For me, there’s nothing like the feeling of getting a fresh new planner at the start of the year. I’ve tried out a few different brands over the years, and this year I went with this cute Papier planner. I like how it’s a little less structured than other planners and gives me plenty of blank space to write in my meetings, appointments, and to-do’s for each day. Whatever structure you prefer, I highly recommend getting a planner to keep track of your important dates and commitments for 2022. Even just starting to pencil in the birthdays, trips, and other special events you have to look forward to is a great way to get excited for the year ahead.  

Goal Setting

I know everyone’s gotten a little tired of New Year’s Resolutions, but I still believe a new year is the perfect time to set some goals for yourself, both long-term and short-term. This year I’m taking the approach of setting monthly goals in 5 different categories: personal, career, financial, health/wellness, and social/hobbies. I think part of the reason New Year’s Resolutions fail is because it seems so daunting to stick to them for an entire year. I like this monthly approach because you’re only telling yourself you have to stick to a goal for 30 days, but by that time it’s likely to have become a habit that you will continue for the rest of the year. 

Making a Vision Board

Making a vision board for the year is something I’ve always been wanting to do, and I highly recommend it. It left me feeling motivated, energized, and clear on what I want this year to look like. Think of a vision board as the visual aspect of your monthly/yearly goals. You can either cut out pictures from magazines and paste them on a physical board, or make a Pinterest board like I did. This is also a great place to start if you’re unsure of your goals; noticing the types of images you gravitate toward can help reveal what’s important to you. Bonus points for making a desktop and/or phone background incorporating some of the pictures from your vision board. I did this using Canva, and now every time I open my phone or computer I feel inspired and reminded of my goals. 

Journaling

I’ve had a few different guided journals over the years, but after hearing so many good things about The Five Minute Journal, I finally decided to get one. Since it’s designed to be used first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, it’s an easy way to incorporate some mindfulness and gratitude into my day. Journaling (whether guided or freehand) is another great way to get clear on your goals and vision for the year, especially if you’re noticing recurring themes in your entries. 

Decluttering

I truly believe that the space we live/work in affects our overall mindset and productivity. How can one expect to be energized and focused in a space bogged down with clutter? As many of us continue to work from home, we have all the more reason to declutter our space. I suggest setting different times aside throughout the month of January to tackle small areas of your house/apartment, such as your closet, desk, and kitchen cabinets. This will make decluttering feel less daunting, and your space will feel refreshed and clutter-free by the end of the month. 

General Habit Overhaul 

Related to the physical decluttering I discuss above, I’ve also been taking some time to “declutter” mentally and emotionally. While I believe it’s healthier to view the new year as a time to take on new habits, rather than making limitations or giving things up, it’s also a good time to reflect on what should be left in the past year. What kinds of habits, thoughts, or even relationships are no longer serving you? Letting go of what’s creating unnecessary stress or negativity can make room for more things that will bring you joy and positivity in the new year. 

I hope you found these tactics helpful and that you try some for yourself to kick off this new year. Wishing you a happy, productive, and inspired 2022!