We have all heard about why the new year is the perfect time to start fresh, whether it’s in your personal or professional life. But so often, advice simply states what you could consider instead of discussing why. And considering the plethora of exciting, diverse opportunities at our fingertips, what does ‘starting fresh’ truly mean in 2023? Here, Managing Director of Poppies, Chris Wootton, discusses why ‘out with the old, in with the new’ is a practice that should become synonymous with our new year rituals.
Resetting for a positive psychological mindset
What sort of cleaning brand would I represent if I didn’t mention the concept of having a ‘clean’ mind? There’s a world of evidence at our disposal highlighting the positive impact cleaning your home has on your mindset, so why not take the bull by the horns and do the same for your own headspace? It’s a cliché, but the new year truly does equal a new you, so wipe the slate clean, place yourself in a new frame of mind and make a change that will positively impact your attitude for the year ahead. That doesn’t mean forgetting all of the ups and downs that have brought you to where you are today, but there’s absolutely a positive in anything and everything. Starting the year off right with no looming stress or negativity is the ideal outlook to have when setting out plans and ambitions that will help you end 2023 having taken steps forward in your life.
Taking the teachings of the last year forward
You might not have realised it, but you have certainly learned something of value in the last 12-months, and the new year is the perfect time to reflect on and assess your skills. Which skills and attributes have you developed? What have you picked up that isn’t already championed on your CV? Having a skillset, as we know, is great. But understanding your skillset is invaluable. This level of self-awareness through understanding your strengths will give you a good idea of what the year ahead might look like and how you can put what you’ve learned into practice to help forge an even more positive path.
It’s not just you setting new goals
Why not consider aligning your goals and ambitions with a brand that’s also visibly making important decisions that will see them through the year? It’s not just people who make new year’s resolutions, with brands all over the world taking this valuable opportunity to lay the foundations to level up their own operations. Franchisors in particular use the new year as an opportunity to revise their plans and targets, but everyone knows that improperly set goals are an absolute zap on motivation. Some goals might be either too easily attainable or completely unrealistic, so placing yourself in a positive environment with a clear vision at the beginning of the year is vital to start your own development off on the right foot.
It’s never a bad time when you have the right attitude
During our discussions with prospects, by far the most cited reason for potential franchisees to not continue the conversation is that it’s not the right time. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Distractions in life are an inevitability but turning your back on what could be the best decision you ever make is never down to timing, especially when it’s in an industry that, time and time again, proves its evergreen nature. In fact, I’d argue that some of the best decisions and changes are made in the face of adversity. Yes, the new year is often cold and the post-Christmas blues may be looming over us, but there’s never an excuse for not prioritising personal improvement.
A fresh start in your professional life can only be made more positive if you move into an environment where you can see obvious development plans and a real mission that everyone can get behind. Whether it’s stepping up in your current role, taking on more responsibilities or making an even more drastic change, there is opportunity in everything. So, as we begin to consider how best to plan ahead, think about making 2023 the year where you don’t only take control, but put yourself in an environment that will nurture a positive mindset and development.
