Want the ultimate start to a successful year? Begin with a clean slate.

I love the new year. It feels wonderful to start fresh, to open a new calendar, bursting with potential. New beginnings are invigorating and exciting.

To start fresh, we must wipe the slate clean. Don’t carry old burdens into the new year. Leave them behind.

What should we eliminate to start the new year with a clean slate?

Here are 10 ideas…

• Regrets – let them go.

• Bad habits – replace them with positive ones.

• Negative self-talk – speak possibilities, not put-downs.

• Unrealistic expectations – set goals that are aspirational yet attainable.

• Toxic relationships – surround yourself with people who support you.

• Worry about the future – take control of what is in your power.

• Discouragement – focus on what is possible.

• Bitterness – forgiveness is freeing.

• Stuff you no longer use or enjoy – donate or discard.

• Apathy – start each new day with purpose.

What else might you eliminate to create a clean slate?

With a clean slate, what new beginnings are possible?

Here are 10 related ideas…

• No regrets – every mistake becomes a learning experience.

• New healthy habits – start with small steps, one good habit at a time.

• Positive self-talk – choose words of affirmation, speak them often.

• Realistic expectations – set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Reward your successes.

• Supportive relationships – cultivate and nurture your connections.

• Hope for the future – envision a better tomorrow and take steps to make it so.

• Encourage yourself and others – give praise and say thank you sincerely and often.

• Forgive – yet maintain healthy boundaries to prevent future hurt.

• Maintain an uncluttered environment to work, live, and play.

• Wake up each day with gratitude, a growth mindset, a plan, and an openness to change.

What other new beginnings are possible?

For more on a new start in a new year, check out these previous posts:

• Want to achieve your goals? Reflect first, then take action.        

• Strategizing for success in the year ahead? Reflect first, then take action.        

• Want to create habits to achieve your goals? Do first things first.        

• New beginnings        

• It's time to write 19 for 2019        

• Does your new year need a fresh perspective?        

• Achieve balance in the new year: Establish priorities that bring you joy.        

• What does the future hold?               

“You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be.” ~ Brendon Burchard

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