The start of a new year is sort of like getting a new pair of gym shoes. The first time you wear them, you feel inspired and full of hope. Shiny and new, they are a symbol of change, growth and future accomplishments.

Fast forward a few months and the same shoes have a random stain from red colored sparkling water you spilled, look dingy from stepping in a puddle and getting mud on them, etc.

When the newness wears off, it’s easy to get distracted and feel a bit fizzle drizzle about all the things we hoped to do, all the goals we wanted to achieve.

2020 taught us that nothing is certain, plans don’t always work out and that each and every day is a gift.

Instead of focusing on taking things away or setting goals to radically change an area of your life, why not focus on adding things that make you feel alive and fulfilled, work on consistency when working towards improvement vs. removing things that make you feel like you lost your best friend.

The following are 21 ways that might just make 2021 your best year yet!

1. Organize something and start the new year with a tidy space.

I always find myself feeling more creative and productive when I feel good about my surroundings. I love Marie Kondo and her encouragement in asking us to look at our “stuff” and ask whether or not it sparks joy. If you haven’t checked her out, she’s incredible!

2. Do a random act of kindness every week.

Whether it’s dropping off a treat on a friend’s doorstep, sending a card to let someone know you love them or paying for someone’s order in the drive-through, it will do your heart good.

3. Move more.

Take small steps to move your body more and reap all the benefits that endorphins provide, such as alleviating depression, reducing stress and promoting an overall sense of well-being.

4. Plan a few things that you can look forward to.

While 2020 made it impossible for us to make plans that we would be able to follow through on, writing down a few things that will bring you joy may give you a feeling of hope and that there are better days ahead.

5. Drink more water.

Doing so may help prevent and treat headaches, give you more energy and prevent brain fog.

6. Be grateful for your job.

Giving 100 percent at your job, serving those you work with and looking for ways to go the extra mile will invite new opportunities and blessings into your life.

7. Put it on paper.

Someone once told me that a plan is not a plan until it’s on paper. Writing things down that are important to you and looking at them each day makes it more likely that you will incorporate those things into your life more often.

8. Read a book.

I’ve seen some goals people make of reading one book per month or more, but don’t worry about that, just read.

9. Take a break from social media.

Whatever taking a break means to you, do that. Whether or not you give yourself a cut off time each day or cut down by an hour a day, it counts and can make a real difference in how you feel.

10. Take control of what you’re seeing on social media.

Author Mel Robbins said something life changing that is worth sharing. She said, “If something pops up in your feed that makes you feel anything less than inspired, empowered, encouraged and informed on subjects you care about, it does not belong in your feed. Protect your attention. Protect your mindset.Protect your mood. If it doesn’t lift you up, delete. Delete. Delete”.

11. Say no.

Stop saying yes to things that don’t line up with what you say is important to you. If you’re not looking forward to it, don’t feel passionate about it, it’s okay to say no.

12. Move on from people in your past if needed.

Sometimes we outgrow people because we were in a different place when we entered into a relationship with them. Some people move forward, grow and change. Some people stay stuck in the past, never growing or reaching for more in the various areas of their lives. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, support and love you is crucial. Spend time with those who make you want to reach higher, who are on a path of expansion in self awareness, who are continually trying to grow and improve, who align with where you want to go.

13. Laugh more.

Spend time with people who make you laugh like crazy. Watch movies or television shows that you love and make you laugh. There has never been a time when we’ve needed laughter more.

14. Learn something new.

Whether it’s developing a new skill that will help you in your career, trying a new recipe or taking a class, learning something new can make you feel alive and inspired in ways that remaining in our comfort zone cannot.

15. Daily affirmations.

Whether it’s using an app, quotes from a book or inspirational social media feeds, fill your mind with positive daily affirmations that remind you of your worth, that you have a purpose and that you are loved.

16. Get outdoors more.

Get some fresh air, take a brisk walk, appreciate the beauty in nature.

17. Be there for the people you love.

Life is hard and things get busy, but reach out, show up, get behind the things that matter to them and remind them they are loved.

18. Get more rest.

Sleep deprivation can cause a multitude of issues that we just don’t need in our lives. Design your sleeping area in a beautiful way that is peaceful and that has as few distractions as possible.

19. Pay attention to your mental health.

This has never been more important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or unusually anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone close to you who can help. Finding a professional to talk to can provide the support of someone who will walk along side you and help you find ways to cope during difficult times.

20. Pray.

When the world seems dark and circumstances so uncertain, trust that God cares about the smallest details of our lives. When we think things are hopeless and no answers in sight, look up and know that God’s promises are true and that when we wonder where he is in times of trouble, he is there and his timing is always perfect.

21. Develop a charitable spirt.

Find ways to give back to organizations that are meaningful to you. If you see someone struggling with a need that you’re able to meet, encourage someone by meeting that need.

May 2021 bring you more things that bring you joy, deepen your relationships and make your heart happy.