2026 Reset Series - RESET
When I think about a reset, in the context of a new year, I mostly think about my physical space. Clear space, clear mind. That sort of thing.
That could be anything from your bedroom, to your whole apartment or house (depending on your living arrangements). I like to do some form of this weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually. Sounds like a lot, but each one has different levels of effort.
At this time of year, I like to give each space some time to really go through my things. Do I use it? Have I used it this year? Why am I holding onto it? Of course if something has a sentimental value, then you should have a space to keep these things out of daily site. I generally keep mine in a box on the top shelf of my wardrobe.
For me this year, I have decluttered about half to two thirds of my clothes. I don’t wear them anymore, or they don’t fit or more importantly, they no longer fit the aesthetic I’m going for. Therefore, it’s gone. Same with things in my bathroom, my office space. This is such a great time of year to really dig deep into what you do and don’t use. At one point in your life, yes it served a purpose. But not anymore, and removing it from your space is ok. I used to hold onto things that I spent lots of money on, just because it cost me so much money. But that’s not helpful either.
There are a few clothing items I’ve kept that I haven’t worn in a while, and that is because while, I currently am not physically the way I’d like to be (need to lose some weight and exercise more), I’ve kept them for now, as they fit the look I’m going for.
As for my office space, I got rid of a WHOLE LOT of stationery. I know, shocker! But there are just things I don’t use anymore. I’m really taking 2026 back to basics. Simplifying as much as possible. My version of ti anyway.
I tend to do this process a couple of times a year. But there is some science behind resetting for a new year. It’s called the ‘Fresh Start’ effect. I’ve listened to some podcasts about taking this into other times of the year too. Like the 12 week year, or breaking your day into blocks.
Declutter your space. Anything that hasn’t been used, and you know you won’t use. It’s time to get rid of those things that you ‘might use one day’. If you haven’t yet, you won’t now. It’s time to move on from the ‘just in case’ mindset. We are in the era of ‘use it or lose it’!
Whilst this reset is generally for the physical space, by clearing your physical space, you create space in your mind too. Giving space for new ideas, new opportunities and giving yourself a fresh start.
Take this time to go around each area of your space, just one area at a time. We are no longer keeping things ‘just in case’, if you haven’t had a just in case moment for that item, what are the chances you ever will?
One other area I really like to dig into is my digital space. So much clutter can accumulate over the years. I’ve got a bit of an end of year routine going these days. I clear my downloads folder. I organise the other folders on my computer, but most importantly, I clear my inbox. Now, there are two ways to do this. One way is to go through each and every email, deleting where needed and filing away the others. Who wants to do that when they’ve got thousands of emails? No one. So what I do instead is create a yearly archive folder. At the end of each year I create this folder and anything still in my inbox gets moved in that Archived folder. So this year it’s called ‘Archive 2025’. Simple, easy. And super easy to find any emails needed. If I have time at the end of the year, I do try and go through and delete emails where I can.
The other benefit of doing this, is that as emails come through in the new year, you know which ones to unsubscribe to. Because we ALL end up subscribing to things during the year, usually without even really realising it.
So, put some time aside, go through your space. Get rid of what isn’t serving you anymore. We are at the end of a shedding year, it’s time to let go of what no longer serves us, to create space for what will.
R xx
