Reinventing January

January has never felt synonymous with newness for me. So, several years ago, on a cold January day, as I dragged myself to acupuncture—full of guilt for feeling so tired, my heart lept at my acupuncturist’s explanation that my need for rest aligned with nature. They further explained that the concept that I (and we) push ourselves to start over and produce more than ever during the coldest part of the year was actually counterintuitive when everything else in nature is hibernating.

That makes sense, right?

I’d love to say that I left acupuncture that day resolved to give my body and soul the rest they craved. But, I did not. Instead, I tucked the new insights into the recesses of my mind and kept trying to produce in volume because I am an achiever, a hustler—and we sleep when we’re rich and not a moment sooner.

Rinse and repeat.

I followed this cycle of winter fatigue, guilt, and shame for the next several years. But, in the winter of 2021-22, my body and soul nearly quit on me. There were literally weeks when I had nothing to show for my hours in the office because I just could not produce. I was at burn-out’s door, and it scared me enough to finally make some changes. After all, one of my primary reasons for going into business was to “own my energy.” And, this was a prime opportunity to do just that.

Here’s how I’ve made the shift:

1. Acceptance - I hate winter. I don’t have to feel bad or force myself to love it. I just have to accept that as long as I live where I live, it’s coming…every year. It’s going to hang in the air until at least early April. And, it’s going to affect my energy levels. Instead of dreading it because of how uncomfortable I find it, I can prepare for it personally and in my business.

2. Preparation - I put a self-care plan in place that includes daily vitamin D capsules, a SAD lamp, a very, very warm and long coat (so simple, but I hadn’t done it), and trips to warm places as often during the cold months as possible (once a month for a few days is my plan).

3. A Redefined New Year - This is where things really became transformational for me! Since January is not a time of high productivity for me, it no longer made sense to identify it as my new year. So, I now treat it like someone else’s birthday. Sure, I’d get dressed up, go to the party, and have a good time. But, it’s not my celebration. Instead, I would align my business and personal calendars with times and seasons during the year when life actually feels new and highly productive for me.

Then, I created a new rhythm.

• January - March: Hibernating & Nurturing

  It’s that time of year, so I’m being gentle with my mind and body. I’m reflecting, learning, resting, and nourishing myself. In business, I rely on others to nurture the work I’ve produced and captured. While I do lots of planning during this time, production is low. This is the midpoint in my business year. So, I’ve removed the pressure to run hard and fast by allowing this time to reflect on the work leading up to it.

• April - June: Awakening

  My personal new year begins on April 1st. It’s my birth month—a time of year when I always feel awakened and renewed. I am ready to engage and put new plans into action. This is prime business development season for me!

• July - September: Building

  My business new year! I’m seeing fruit from the business development I’ve done in the prior quarter, and I’m in high production mode. The sun is powerful, days are long, and I’m outside — which means business development continues with ease.

• October - December: Harvesting & Storing

  My energy is still high during fall, and the momentum from spring and summer produces enough to allow me and my business to flourish through the remainder of the calendar year in preparation for a quieter, less productive season ahead without feeling anxious or guilty.

Here’s the catch—rejecting what we’ve always known is not easy!

I have had to be very intentional with myself to avoid the traditions of the January reboot that just doesn’t work for me. But, nearly two weeks into 2023, I must say, I feel much less stress and anxiety than I have in recent years, and my business is thriving too.

Best,

Nakeia