The secret to starting again.

At the beginning of every New Year, people make resolutions and it's no accident, it’s science.

Social scientists refer to the first day of the new year as a “temporal landmark”. This New Year resolution is similar to a navigational landmark, it gives direction to where we want to go.

While the start of the New Year may get the most notoriety, there are 85 other days where one can start fresh. It’s simple

These days are referred to as social or personal landmarks. January 1 is a social landmark as well as other days of the year where a fresh start syncs with our routine. The first day of the week–52 days, the first day of the month, 12 days, holidays.

Personal landmarks are birthdays, anniversaries, first day of the semester, graduation, first day on the job, etc.

My personal favorite landmark is my birthday, January 16. It follows the momentum of the New Year and gives me more time to focus on themes, objectives and goals for my life, not just the New Year.

My favorite month for starting something is February. The 28 days is a great number to create a routine over four weeks

My favorite season for fresh starts is Advent, the beginning of the new Christian calendar.

There are plenty of days for you to experiment with what works best for you. Even uncomfortable days can become good landmarks. Like a death of a loved one serving as a start of something new as a tribute to the individual.

It’s exciting. It’s fun and who doesn't need multiple times to start again?

Fast start practices for the New Year

Youth Ministers are busy!

Getting control of your time where you can be most effective is a battle. Here are some fast start practices for the New Year or anytime, that will help keep you focused and aware.

Six week vision on repeat.

Begin with the end in mind by looking at your calendar six weeks from today (February 17). Make notes on any significant events that fall in the six week period. Develop a sharp awareness of anything that is coming up on your calendar for the next six weeks. Make notes and plans.

Repeat every week.

Schedule focus periods.

Focus periods can be measured in minutes or hours, depending on what you have ahead of you on your calendar. Review your six week calendar and determine where you need to focus your work, then determine how much time you will need to focus and schedule it as an appointment.

Trimester mindset-Spring, Summer, Fall.

Each season in Youth Ministry has a unique rhythm. You can effectively plan by asking “when is the best time to ….” The timing influences teaching themes, events and outreach. Each community will also have its unique rhythms. Be attentive, evaluate each trimester and make notes for future planning.

Anticipate obstacles.

You cannot anticipate most obstacles but there are usually some hints upon further observations. Know your calendar well and make sure it is synced with school, family, church wide emphasis. Obstacles squeeze your time and your ability to anticipate those moments will help you stay on track.

4 Steps to starting fresh

Start now and you’ll be ahead of all those who are waiting for New Year’s Day. Here is a process that will help you year to year be organized and focus where you can keep your attention on other matters. Try it, you’ll love the freedom.

1. Organize for effectiveness. The primary focus of my organization is files, both paper and digital. I will update everything for the new year. This is my most time consuming project in starting fresh each year. It’s also the area that will usually show up first if I didn’t get it done well.

   I organize my files, book shelves, and desk. I try to purge things that are not necessary and clear space for things that are relevant.

2. Evaluate your workspace. This is an area that Student Ministers may underestimate the importance of. Oftentimes your office is not a good space or you treat it like a storage space before and after events. Try to rethink your space and make it welcoming to guests and inspiring to the work that you intend to do.

3. Create your rhythm calendar. Have a 12 month calendar in front of you. Look at significant dates during your year. If you use the same calendar year to year (recomended) then you can start by transferring important recurring dates.

   Note: you may be digital only but consider a paper calendar for long range planning and digital for appointments.

   After noting your important dates, start planning with events.

4. Envision your new year. What do you hope the next year will look like? What is your vision? A simple framework for visioning includes faith, family, finances, and fitness.

   Create a journal or written form of your vision. Review it often.

There is much more that could be said under each of these steps. This is just a start. Once you get started you will discover your own best practices.

Reset your rhythm for high performance

I recently learned that many high performing entrepreneurs have a daily one hour practice. For one hour each day they sit down to focus and get deep work done. It sets the stage for their day, week, and visionary goals.

While you may not be ready to take this up as a regular practice, taking time in rhythm will get you results.

This week, get started on a good lifetime practice.

Retreat for one hour. Be intentional about the space you choose to work from. Having a “go to” space will be helpful for future escapes for productive work. Music and candles are helpful for me. Find those things that work best for you and use the space and time often.

Be prepared to pray, focus and calendar. My goal during this week each year is to focus on all activities for the next two months. One of my ongoing mantras is “how can this be 1% better.” Slow down, pray, and open your calendar and visualize each day on your calendar until the end of January. Reflect on this time last year and make note of the things that caused you the greatest stress.

Have a white board or notepad available. Are there stress points from the previous year that can be addressed with better planning or preparation? Create a plan of action to address those stress points. Now take each event on your calendar for the next two months and create a list of things you can do to be ready ahead of schedule. Use a midpoint time hack by setting a reminder in four weeks to review your progress and get further ahead or get back on track.

Simple rhythms create big results. Pay attention and flourish.