Freshen Up Your 2025: Five Ways to Revitalise Your January
Welcome to 2025! Somehow, we're already approaching the middle of January, and like many, you might feel a bit of disconnect between the optimistic vision you had for the new year and how things are actually unfolding. That disconnect can tempt us to abandon plans or feel cynical about New Year’s resolutions. But here’s an idea: what if you approached the start of this year differently?
In my book, How to Be a Productivity Ninja, I talk about one of the most underrated productivity tools: changing the view. When you're stuck in your thinking, simply changing your environment—whether that means taking a walk, sitting in a cosy coffee shop, or moving your desk—can help unlock fresh perspectives and creativity. This principle applies equally well to starting the year on the right foot. So, whether you're all-in on resolutions or prefer alternative ways to reset, here are five practical ways to bring some new-year freshness to January 2025.
1. Go on a Low-Information Diet
The end of 2024 likely brought an avalanche of noise, from news updates to social media rabbit holes. If you’re feeling drained, consider a low-information diet. Tim Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek popularised this concept, and it’s more relevant than ever.
Start by defining your own "rules of the game." For instance, I’ve been cutting back on Instagram and LinkedIn by removing apps from my phone and using desktop versions instead. Tools like Freedom can help block distractions and create mental space for curiosity and imagination to flourish. After all, when your brain isn’t constantly filled with external input, your own ideas can take centre stage.
2. Refresh Stale Meetings
Recurring meetings have a sneaky way of going stale. If you’re in charge of any, consider ways to shake them up: shorten their duration, move them to a different day, change the format, or rotate who chairs them. You can even ask attendees for their input—their ideas might surprise you. The goal isn’t to find the perfect format but to reignite creativity and keep everyone engaged. A fresh approach to meetings can make a big difference in team morale and productivity.
3. Create a Word or Theme for the Year
You don’t need a long list of resolutions to reset your mindset. Sometimes, a single word or theme can be just as powerful. Over the years, I’ve heard some great ones: "peace," "abundance," "be brave," and my personal favourite from a friend: "f**k it, why not!" Your word acts like a guiding principle, helping you navigate challenges and crossroads with clarity. What word or theme could inspire you this year?
4. Learn Something New
Learning a new skill can spark curiosity and shift your perspective. This Friday, I’m trying snowboarding for the first time. Between toe-edges and bindings, I’m completely out of my comfort zone—and loving it. Beyond physical skills, I’m also diving deeper into AI and rekindling my reading habit. Whether it’s a new hobby, an online course, or a creative pursuit, learning something new keeps your imagination in overdrive.
5. Organise Your Home Office
Over the holidays, I gave my home office a complete makeover: new paint, a better Zoom background, and some decluttering. The difference is incredible—it’s like I’ve created mental space alongside the physical. But you don’t need a big renovation to make an impact. Small changes, like rearranging furniture, updating photos, or moving plants, can make a tried-and-true space feel fresh again. Even subtle shifts can help pull your brain out of autopilot and reignite your motivation.
Embrace the Freshness
There are countless ways to signal to your brain that it’s time to step off autopilot. These small but intentional changes can ignite curiosity, imagination, and motivation, helping you see 2025 in a whole new light. If your January feels a little "same old, same old," ask yourself:
How can you freshen things up, create space, and spark your curiosity and imagination this year?
By experimenting with these strategies, you can make 2025 your most productive and inspiring year yet.
Looking for more ways to supercharge your productivity and take control of your year?
Join my 6 Weeks to Ninja course and transform the way you work.
Find out more and sign up here: www.grahamallcott.com/6weeks
