The new year can feel a little… much. Everywhere you turn, it’s all about dreaming big, setting goals, and sprinting into a “new year, new you” mindset. It’s like the world collectively decided January 1st is the beginning of a marathon we’re all supposed to run—whether or not we even like running. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we’re so set on making January the starting line?
Rethinking January: Why the Year Didn’t Always Start Here
Here’s a fun twist: January hasn’t always been the official starting line. For much of history, the new year began closer to March, when spring was waking up the world.
Take ancient Mesopotamia, for example. Their new year celebration, akitu, started on the first new moon after the spring equinox—when day and night were perfectly balanced, and the season of growth was just beginning. Their 12-day festival was all about fresh starts tied to planting and harvesting, aligning perfectly with nature’s rhythms.
Can you imagine Times Square’s ball dropping in March instead of January? Honestly, it kind of makes sense. Spring feels like a natural time for fresh starts—energy rises, things bloom, and the world is ready to stretch and grow.
But here we are, living in a modern world where January kicks off the year, smack in the middle of winter—a season that’s naturally designed for slowing down, recalibrating, and building strength beneath the surface.
The Misalignment of January Hustle
Winter shows us what reflection and recalibration look like: trees shed their leaves, animals hibernate, and the earth itself seems to take a deep breath. But instead of following nature’s lead, we’re told to crank it up to full speed just because the calendar flipped.
And here’s the thing: that forced urgency? It’s exhausting.
I’ve seen how this plays out. A client I worked with came into working together feeling overwhelmed and desperate to tackle everything at once. Despite my encouragement to focus on one small shift at a time, they felt like it wouldn’t be enough for “what they needed.” They pushed forward with too many goals, stalled for months without making real progress, and eventually stopped the project altogether because it felt like too much.
The misalignment of new year hustle likely means that by the time Q2 rolls around, we’re often frazzled and ungrounded. Our goals feel hollow, our plans overly reactive, and our energy reserves completely drained.
The Truth About Planning
January loves to shine a spotlight on planning. It’s when we cast a vision for the year ahead, decide what we want to do more of, figure out what we’re ready to let go of, and map out how we’ll manage it all.
But let’s be real: if planning were simple, would we have an entire billion-dollar industry dedicated to helping us figure it out? From physical planners to digital tools to time management systems, the market is packed with options because planning is deeply personal.
I learned this firsthand. Years ago, I realized my to-do list was running me, not the other way around. I was treating it like a priority list and tying my success to how many boxes I could check each day. It wasn’t sustainable. Eventually, I adopted a mindset shift that changed everything: my to-do list isn’t written in priority order. Instead, I use a few key habits to hold the rhythm of my week, letting other necessary and optional tasks fill the gaps. This approach gives me enough structure to stay productive, without tying my hands to a plan that can’t flex with the ebbs and flows of daily life.
And that’s the point—planning, prioritizing, and goal-setting aren’t about universal solutions. They’re about finding what fits your season, energy, and values. So, as you think about what you want your year to look like, give yourself some grace. The perfect plan doesn’t exist—and that’s okay.
Not a Slow Start; A Strong Start
By leaning into winter’s rhythm, you’re giving yourself permission to align with a pace that’s sustainable. Instead of rushing into action that might lead to burnout, you’re creating a season of clarity and intention. When spring arrives, you’ll be ready to plant seeds that are rooted in thoughtful preparation.
While you’re reflecting and recalibrating, consider these practical shifts:
- Live in Your Season: Before you map out where you want to go, look at where you are. What’s going on in your life right now? Your energy levels, workload, and season of life all influence how you navigate your next steps. If you skip this reflection, you might create a perfect plan—for someone else. Honor what’s happening in your world so you can move forward in a way that actually works for you.
- Start Small: Small shifts work because they’re manageable. The problem is, they don’t always deliver the instant, dramatic change we think we need. So we aim too big, too fast, and end up overwhelmed. Instead, start smaller. Tiny steps build momentum, and that momentum compounds into meaningful, lasting change.
- Goals Are an Intention, Not a Commitment: The goals you set today are based on the information, energy, and priorities you have right now. But life changes—and when it does, your goals should, too. Think of goals as intentions that guide your energy, not rigid plans that lock you in. You have permission to pivot when it makes sense.
So, if January feels more like a slow burn than a roaring flame, let it. Wintering isn’t laziness; it’s wisdom. The most meaningful growth happens when we’re intentional about what we nurture—and that starts by embracing the quiet strength of this season.
Root Your Priorities in Quarter One aka Winter
If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions right now, take a deep breath and remind yourself: Everything at once can’t be a priority. Winter is a season that encourages focus. It’s about slowing down, pruning back, and choosing what truly deserves your energy.
If this idea resonates with you, and you’d love more time and space to reflect on your leadership priorities, I’ve got a resource for you. The Leadership Priorities Worksheet is designed to help you reflect, review, and realign your goals so you can focus your energy where it matters most.
And the best part? It’s free. Click here to grab your copy and start your year rooted, intentional, and ready to thrive. To access the Leadership Priorities Worksheet, take our free 60-second leadership quiz. Once you take the quiz you’ll get exclusive access to the worksheets along with other free bonus resources!
Your Partner In Leadership Clarity
Hi, I’m Katie Taylor, founder of The Outsourced COO and a Loveland, Ohio business owner since 2018. Over the years, I’ve worked with leaders across industries—helping them uncover what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for their businesses. My approach is rooted in connecting the dots others might miss, turning complexity into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and confidence.
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