23 Things to Do in January to Kick off Your New Year

Develop a 2022 vision. You want to make the vision so real that it has no choice but to become your reality. That could mean creating a vision board or compelling statement that will define your year. Then, say your vision in present tense to activate what you want to achieve. For example, Chicago Southsider will make the South Side of Chicago prosperous again by bringing over 1,000 residents together to invest in the future of our neighborhoods. If you want to be part of the mission, become an annual subscriber to help us create a sustainable platform for our community. The future depends on what we do today.

Set goals. What do you need to do to achieve your vision? Set weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals that will help you achieve the vision. For example, Chicago Southsider will consistently publish valuable content at least two times a week to reach 1,000 subscribers by the end of January. We currently have 850 subscribers. Thank you for your support!

Be grateful. Be grateful for what you have so that you can pave the way for greater opportunities to sweep you off your feet. Start every morning with a gratitude list to position your mind for success. Write down at least three things you are grateful for.

Make an impact. We were all put on this earth for a reason. There is someone who needs exactly what you have. What is one way that you would like to make an impact this year?

Identify your dream team. Who will help you achieve your goals? Think about the different coaches, mentors, and teachers who can get you one step closer to your goal. Also, think about how you can add valuable to them as well. Become the type of person you want to attract on your dream team.

Develop your learning objectives. What do you need to learn to become the person you want to be? Are there books you want to read or courses you want to take? I plan to read more books about the history of Chicago's South Side.

Eliminate distractions. What do you need to remove from your life to achieve your 2022 vision? Don't let distractions delay your destiny.

Check on your health. Have you scheduled your 2022 doctor and dental appointments? Make sure your health is in the best shape so you can prepare for what you seek.

Develop a health plan. How do you want to improve your food and fitness in 2022? Do you need to hire a coach? Are you going to join a Facebook accountability group?

Make time for self care. What does self care look like for you? Does it involve monthly nail and hair appointments? How about a nutrition plan or journaling? It could mean learning how to leverage moments of pause.

Calculate your money goals. Where are you now on your financial journey? Do you know your net worth? Do you know how much money you earn every month? Do you know how much it costs to be you? Get intimate with your numbers, and where you stand now. Then, determine where you want to go in 2022. If you are interested in learning more about passive income in 2022, check out Dividends Are a Queen's Best Friend.

Develop your career goals. Do you want to transition into a new career, increase your pay, or learn new skills? Make sure your resume and LinkenIn profile are up to date. Then, network with individuals who are doing what you want to do. Don't be afraid to pay them for their time, so they can help you accelerate your goals.

Read more. Have you heard the saying that readers are leaders? You can expedite your success by reading more. What are your reading goals? How about starting with 1 book a month? Here are some of the top children's books by Black authors, and some must-read books about the history of Chicago's South Side.

Clean your space. Declutter your life to prepare for what you seek. Throw away old papers. Give away clothes you don't need. Organize your digital space. Set aside a day or two this month to clean your space.

Find organizations that align with your goals. You shouldn't have to achieve all your 2022 goals on your own. There are organizations that may have the resources you need to accelerate your success. Write a list of organizations you want to join or inquire about. If you're interested in building your speaking skills, you can look into a Toastmasters club. Chicago Southsider shares a list of Toastmaster club meetings every week.

Plan a getaway. It can be a staycation or vacation to another country (when it's safe to do so). Changing the environment can work wonders on your performance. It also gives you something to look forward to.

Manage your mental health. What daily practices will help you feel more balanced? Do you want to listen to daily meditations using the Insight Timer app? Do you plan to engage in prayer calls? How about taking time out for mindfulness? Determine the best activities that will help you maintain your mental health.

Drink more water. Have you drank any water today? This sounds simple, but it's often neglected.

Volunteer. Is there a cause or program that you would like to contribute to this year? Reach out to the volunteer coordinator and get started.

Delegate. This is the year that you realize that you don't have to do everything on your own. List some common activities you have on your plate and determine if you need to be the one working on the task. Let's reclaim our time in 2022.

Plan a photo shoot. If it's been a while since you took professional photos, this is a good time to start planning for your next photo shoot. Your photos should reflect the type of person you will be in 2022. These pictures will help you attract what you seek.

Get more sleep. Don't use all your energy in January. Save some work for the rest of the year. Make sure you are getting more rest so that you can have the energy to achieve your goals.

Use your time wisely. Below are some upcoming events that may get you closer to your goals in 2022.