Start the Year Smart
Why January should be about preparation, not performance.
Welcome to 2025!
I hope you have kicked off this new year by doing…very little.
Not the motivational statement you expected from a health optimization coach?
I wrote this post to offer you a radical new approach and some much needed reprieve from the outdated (and somewhat predatory) January campaign, “New Year, New You.”
Keep reading if you want a simple reframe and ritual that focuses on preparation instead of performance.
The best year of your life will unfold as you go. Don’t rush.
Stay with us — I’ll be sharing new ways to optimize your health and feel more joy every day.
xCelia
Reading this substack is an investment in your health. Help me continue to create this content and grow this community—we are rebelling and redefining what it means to “be well.”
THE REFRAME: “January is the warm-up”
January arrives in the heart of winter — a season for rest, reflection and conservation. Nature wants us to slow down with shorter days and colder nights. Studies show that humans tend to feel more tired and become less active during this time of year.
Layer that with the whirlwind of December, arguably our busiest and most depleting month, which leaves us exhausted. Read [this] if you need a NAD+ boost.
Yet, every January, we expect to come out of the gate swinging with boundless energy and unshakable motivation to tackle our ambitious goals. It’s like starting a marathon on an empty tank.
What if, instead of forcing major transformation during this naturally slower season, we shifted the narrative? Let’s reimagine January not as the start of the race but as the strategic warm-up.
Imagine the impact a month dedicated to preparation, reflection and alignment could have on your ultimate success.
By embracing this, “slow down to hurry up” philosophy we can focus on building a solid foundation, prioritizing effectively and setting an intentional course for the year.
If you are ready to start your wellness journey and want more personalized support, book a session with me to collaborate on your 2025 plan.
THE RITUAL: “Setting the stage”
Dieting and fasting for me in winter feels misaligned with nature’s cycles. Personally my body craves more calories right now to maintain energy and warmth. This period of introspection represents a different kind of cleanse.
Step 1: Declutter and Delete
Making literal and metaphorical space allows for new energy and ideas.
Put on an upbeat playlist and start sorting your closet, pantry and inbox. Goal is to keep only what you love or need and discard the rest. Be ruthless.
Take Back bags from Trashie: easily recycle unwanted clothing, textiles and tech. Fill the bag, ship and get rewards to use on new products or services.
Step 2: Audit and Organize
Before you start a new routine or set goals, do an audit of your health and finances.
Book your wellness exam, bloodwork panel and/or DEXA scan to get a baseline and identify areas of improvement. Use CELIA15 for 50% off labs
Subscribe to Origin (similar to Mint) to understand your spending habits and set your budgets. Takes only a few minutes to link your credit cards and bank accounts for a crystal clear picture of your finances. Click here for 25% off
Step 3: Identify and Choose
Envision the kind of person you want to be in 2025.
Instead of focusing solely on the actions needed to achieve your goals, shift your mindset to embrace the identity behind them. When you are the kind of person who values health and strength, the actions, like going to the gym, naturally align.
Goal: Go to the gym consistently
Action-Focused Mindset: “I need to work out more”
Identity-Focused Mindset: “I am a healthy and strong person.”
Anchor your year around a few meaningful words that serve as guideposts for your actions, decisions and intentions.
In 2024, I chose Delight, Explore and Prosperity as my guiding words — they influenced every aspect of my personal, romantic and professional life. Each day I made choices to honor these words allowing for flexibility and empowerment — far more liberating than being confined by the rigidity of resolutions.
