It’s a new year, so let all that 2024 mess stay exactly where it belongs - in the past.

If you’re anything like me and love reinventing yourself, maybe 2025 will be your year to embrace your best self - or your messiest. Or maybe you’re giving grace to a soft year, full of rest and quiet wins.

This isn’t just a New Year thing. Reinventing yourself can happen whenever you want to start fresh (or run away). Here are 3 D’s for reinvention.

Declutter

Don’t let the mess from 2024 follow you into 2025. Clear out the literal and mental baggage to make space for what matters:

• Your phone: Delete apps that drain your energy and waste storage space. Clean up those random screenshots from your photo gallery and unsubscribe from those pointless emails.

• Your space: You don’t need to Marie Kondo your whole life but decluttering a drawer, a closet or even your desk can help create room for something new.

• Your mind: Reflect on the past year. Ask yourself what habits, routines or relationships brought you joy in the past year? What didn’t? Journaling, taking a long walk or praying on it can help you reset.

Basically, letting go of what no longer serves you gives you space for what truly does.

Downtime

Taking a break is just as productive as doing the work. Besides it’s not like your worth is tied to productivity. Give yourself permission to decompress and recharge.

• Mental Health days: Burnout can sneak up on us. Schedule proactive mental health days - even if you feel okay, who doesn’t love a day to recharge?

• Be mindful: Dedicate a few minutes a day to check in with yourself. It can be while brushing your teeth, painting your nails or winding down before bed, these consistent habits can build a powerful habit.

• Screen time: Our phones can be our best friend and worst enemy. Set limits on mindless scrolling - even an hour a week can work wonders.

Get out of the mindset that taking time to yourself is lazy or selfish. Rest isn’t just about relaxation. It’s an act of care and setting boundaries with the world.

Discipline

The secret to discipline is consistency, not punishment. It’s about creating habits that serve you.

• Bingo boards: If traditional resolutions feel daunting, try the bingo board trend. Design with goals - big or small - like going to a festival, saving money or trying a new restaurant. It’s a quick easy trend that makes setting goals a little less serious.

  
  

• Baby steps: Old habits don’t disappear overnight. Celebrate the small wins like practicing a skill for five minutes a day or cutting back on something gradually. Even small progress is progress, right?

• Accountability, your way: Motivate yourself without the guilt trip. Tell a friend, set reminders or use a motivational app to stay on track in a way that works for you.

Discipline isn’t about perfection, but persistence. Even on difficult days, you'll be able to show up for yourself.

I’m doing another year on this earth and I’ve learned life will always throw the unexpected at us, but it’s only now that I’m starting to accept it. The ups and downs might tip one way or the other but being able to show up for yourself is what helps keep you grounded.

2025 doesn’t need to be about chasing an ideal version of yourself. For many of us, just getting through it is enough. At the same time, you might have your best year yet. Whatever it is, make sure you give yourself some grace and take the pressure off. Here’s to reinvention, at your own pace.