Squaring Up to 2021

Squaring Up to 2021

By: Eleanor Hoover

With 2020 now behind us, everyone can take a deep breath and look forward to the New Year ahead. 2021, while it may not look exactly how we might have wished just yet, is bound to be an adventure and exercise in both patience and reflection. 

Starting the New Year on the right foot is more important than ever in 2021. But New Year’s resolutions can feel restrictive and unrealistic. Instead, taking a holistic approach to the New Year leaves room for growth and unforeseen changes. This guide will help you avoid the confinement of a single resolution and help you to develop the best version of yourself in the New Year. 

It is time to square up to 2021.

Goal setting

When it comes to setting goals, two words really sum it up: start small. It is impossible to achieve your larger goals without knowing exactly how you are going to achieve them. With that being said, it is crucial to not discount the importance of knowing what your larger goals are. 

Once your goal(s) are clear cut, you can start from the beginning with small, daily habits that can help you get to your end goal. Remember, progressing towards your goals is not always visible or tangible, but that does not mean you are not making progress. 

Goal setting will look different for everyone. Some may start with a vision board, some with lists, and some with absolutely no idea what they want their goals to be. Each of these, and all of those in between, are starting points! The most vital steps come next when you boil down your goals into small steps. Remember, timelines will change, and maybe your dreams will too, but starting small will guarantee a path to success that is unique to each individual.

Staying on track

Now that you have a goal in mind and the small steps that will take you towards it, you can only do so by staying on track. We have compiled a list of the best planners for different personalities and organizational styles.

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This Moleskine planner is for the ultimate minimalist who enjoys little to no distraction while planning and organizing day-to-day activities. With monthly and weekly layouts as well as a time-table and time zone map, the thin text and open spaces allow you to focus on tasks at hand in a clean and polished manner.

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Bold prints, bright colors, and vibrant stickers make up the Lilly Pulitzer planner's fun-filled look. Best for those who love to write colorful notes and add stickers to every item in their backpack, this planner will be sure to literally brighten your day every time it is opened.

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The new Papier Daily planner offers a wide variety of looks with over 200 different design variations. Simple pages allow for customization and the opportunity to make the book your own. The hardcover creates a sleek, book-like look, and a silk place marker will keep you on track with your schedule.

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Erin Condren’s Legendary LifePlanner is perfect for those who desire ultimate customization. Buyers can customize each element of the planner, from cover-to-cover and every page in between. Perfect for the creative type, the LifePlanner will be sure to keep you focused and bring joy to your day when you see your custom cover.

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Now that you have a planner, it is time to write in your routine. Creating a routine has been hailed as one of the most effective ways to develop consistency and peace of mind in your day. Maybe you start out with a coffee, a run, a podcast, or a walk with your dog. Whatever it may be, schedule it is as time to be with yourself. 

Carving out time for yourself will allow you to work towards your own goals and will enable you to be more present for those around you. There is no downside to self-care, and creating a routine is one of the best forms of self-love. 

Being the best version of yourself

On the topic of self-love, how about we pledge to make 2021 the year of finding the best version of ourselves? To do so, we must fuel our minds, bodies, and souls equally.

Focusing first on our minds, below is a list of books and podcasts that we recommend for you to dive into in 2021.

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Books

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Nick by Michael Farris Smith

Everybody Else is Perfect by Gabrielle Korn

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Podcasts

“The Skinny Confidential”

“Up First” by NPR / “The Daily” by NYTimes

“The Blonde Files”

“Absolutely Not” (by Heather McMahan, an Ole Miss alumnae)

“The Femails”

“Unlocking Us”

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Moving on to our bodies, these five at-home workouts will let you keep your body moving from anywhere!

Melissa Wood Health

The Sculpt Society

Tracy Anderson

Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide

Glo

And, finally, in 2021, we want you to fuel your soul. Do what makes you happy. Be with the people who support you. Eat what makes you feel good. Dress to feel your best. Just be you! Square Magazine is excited to be part of your 2021 and help bring you content that makes you smile!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @um.squaremagazine to keep up with all of our exciting projects coming up!

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