How to set yourself up for the best year yet

It's been a funny couple of years, and life finally seems to be getting back to normal - but that's no reason to rest on your laurels! We've put together this guide to help you smash your new year goals, so 2023 can be your best year yet!

What is a New Year's resolution anyway?

We've all made promises to our future selves on December 31^st, but what makes a good New Year's resolution? The SMART principles are a good place to start - make sure your resolution is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. That means no more vague or fuzzy goals! Some good New Year's resolution examples that follow this formula might be "I want to try one new recipe every week" or "I'll get a pay increase of $10,000pa by the 30^th of June".

Top tips for the new year

Once you've got your resolution fine tuned, set yourself up with success by having everything you'll need on hand. We've added our favourite products for some of the most common New Year's resolutions below. Good luck!

Get fit and healthy

If you're anything like us, this won't be the first time you've promised to swap the donuts for downward dogs. But how often have you actually stuck with it? To truly embrace a healthier lifestyle, you need to make it fit within your busy life, so it's easy to maintain.

The first thing you'll need is a sturdy sports bra - the Berlei Shift is a favourite around the Harris Scarfe offices. Next, for healthy brekkies on the go, how about a glass smoothie tumbler from Avanti, available in three colours? And, don't forget the shoes! These Diadora runners are such a great addition to any wardrobe, in classic white with a pink trim. You can wear them with your activewear, or throw them on with a pair of jeans for a cool and casual look that will help you get those 10,000 steps in every day.

Kick goals in your career

You know what they say - dress for the job you want, not the job you've got. If your New Year's resolution this year is to snag your boss's job, or score that huge pay rise that you totally deserve, you'll need to look the part.

The Khoko Smart range has got you covered, with stylish workwear basics that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect corporate capsule wardrobe. A core blazer like this one is a must, and it can even do double duty for date night over a pair of skinny jeans. Wide-leg pants are always in fashion - simply tuck in a structured striped blouse and add a low heel for an effortlessly chic look.

Experiment in the kitchen

Maybe you jumped on the sourdough trend during lockdown, and are keen to improve your baking skills? Or perhaps you know hubby has the latest Ottolenghi book stashed away for Christmas and you need some quality knives so you can get your chop on?

This veggie knife from cult brand Global is a great way to kickstart your knife collection. You'll also want to grab a quality wooden chopping board, as plastic boards can attract nasty bacteria and glass can dull your knives. This Swiss Diamond chopping board is a huge 60cm x 40cm, so there's plenty of room for all your ingredients, and it's made from acacia wood, which is less porous than other materials thanks to high levels of natural oils.

Or, make 2023 the year you get creative with your cake decorating! There are so many video tutorials online these days that will teach you how to make anything, from cute Moana cupcakes to a super-cool NBA cake that even the teens will go nuts for. To get started, you'll need an icing smoother, a set of piping bags with a few different tips, and a fondant rolling pin. The kids will have the best parties in town, and you'll save a fortune on professionally-decorated cakes.

Embrace mindfulness

Most of the other popular resolutions require you do get off the couch and do something. Embracing mindfulness, however, is just the opposite. Instead of adding yet another task to your to-do list, mindfulness is all about attaining a mental state that allows you to focus on the present moment, and process your thoughts and feelings. Devotees say it helps them avoid anxiety and overwhelm, which sounds pretty good to us! Plus, it could help you achieve your other resolutions, too!

Essential oils are a must if you're going to shake off the stress of the outside world and find your zen. A gorgeous wood-look diffuser like this one from Purespa is a great way to incorporate the transformative power of oils into your home, without disturbing your decor. Simply pop in a few drops of your favourite oils, download a meditation playlist, and relax. We love this trio of oils from Ellia, which includes Be Centred, Let Go and Open Up blends - affirmations we could all benefit from.

Ready to start 2023 with a bang? Pick up everything you need to achieve your New Year's resolutions online or in-store at Harris Scarfe.