How to Make the Best of 2017
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
After talking about the best planners and podcasts to improve your life in 2017, now is the time to bring up new year resolutions.
This year I will not make any resolutions and neither should you. Instead, we should focus on getting new habits, one at a time.
This article is going to help you make a plan to improve your life in 2017 and stick to it. To help you, I created a workbook that you can download for free!
Resolutions vs Habits
Every year, we make new resolutions. A lot of resolutions. The first two weeks of January it’s all we talk about. We get a new gym membership, we don’t eat fast food, we save money, name your last year’s resolutions here …
But how long does it last? Do you remember when was the last time you stuck to your New Year’s resolutions?
I can’t even name one finished resolution for my past 29 years!
And you know why?
Every January I overwhelm myself with too many new goals that I start all at once.
Are you feeling the same?
This is why this year I am going to make a list of 12 new habits that I would like to acquire in 2017 and focus on one of them each month.
Does it sound like a plan?
The free workbook will help you make the best of 2017 by focusing on 12 goals and keeping track of them.
Let’s get started.
1. Find your theme
The first step to plan your year is to select an overall thematic. Your theme should be simple with only one or a few words. This is going to help you focus and make it easy to remind yourself of your yearly goal.
It needs to be a sentence that boosts and motivates you to make the changes you want in your life.
For example, I decided that 2017 will be the year of success and happiness. I want to be successful in my business and happy in my personal life!
What do you want 2017 to be?
Here are a few themes that you might like:
- Me (self-care)
- Adventures
- Being Intentional
- Serenity
- Freedom
- Finding myself
- Communication
- Living with less
Finish this sentence:
2017 will be the year of _______
2. Select your areas of focus
Once you know what theme you want to focus on in 2017, let’s dig deeper.
Think about which specific areas you want to work on to improve your life. It can be anything from your finances to personal growth.
Thinking about which areas you want to improve in your life, is going to help you to decide which new habits and goals you should focus on next year.
For example, two of my areas of focus are reading and personal growth, therefore I decided that one of the new habits I want to implement in 2017 is to read or listen to a personal development book every month.
See it’s easy. First, find the problem then come up with a solution.
You will find a list with 26 suggestions for areas you can improve in your life and also add your own in the free workbook!
3. Choose 12 goals and habits
Now that you know which areas of your life can be improved, let’s find ways to make it happen!
You can decide to implement a new habit in your life, like writing in a diary every night to help you sleep (link to post) or just go for a specific goal like a 90 day no spending challenge if you want to improve your finances or save money for a trip.
There are so many things you can do!
In the workbook, you will be able to write down 12 habits or goals. Select how often you will work on it: is it going to be daily, weekly or monthly?
I would also recommend taking notes on why you want to accomplish it, how it’s going to impact your life and plan how you are going to make it happen! At the end of the workbook, you will find checklists to use if you want to be more specific 😉
4. Create a bucket list
Why are new year resolutions and goals so serious? Where is the fun in trying to lose weight? Saving money? Etc?
This year you and I are going to make a list of fun things to do in 2017 and cross one off every month.
What do you think? Are you in?
So think about anything you’ve always wanted to do but have been scared or unable to make happen. By planning ahead you will have no excuses!
You know what? Why not share your list with your friends and family to see who wants to join you! You can put it on your fridge, send an email or create a private group on Facebook.
Here are a few ideas:
- Travel somewhere
- Jump from a plane
- Sleep under the stars
- Learn a new instrument
- Participate in a talent show
- Start a blog
- Run a marathon
- Try Archery
- Surprise someone
- Fly in hot-air balloon
- Anything you want (you got it)
5. Monthly check-in
Now that you know everything that you want to accomplish in 2017, let’s make it happen!
All you have to do is use the monthly check-in pages of the workbook and keep track of your activity.
First, select which item from your bucket list you are going to cross off.
After, decide which new goal or habit you are going to focus on during the month. Is it going to be daily, weekly or monthly?
Then, all you have to do is check the box for every day you are working on something!
Remember, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself so only add a new habit to your life when you feel ready. If it takes you more than a month, it’s okay, just take your time and make it happen!
You will receive an email in a few minutes!
Further Reading
- 5 Things You Need To Reach Your Goals
- The Best Audiobooks That Will Change Your Life
- The Best Tools To Improve Your Life And Be Happier
- Everything You Need To Know To Stop Stress
- 12 Secrets From Experts to Be Happy and Successful
Over to you
So are you ready to rock 2017? What are your goals? Share them with us in the comments below!
Nessa
December 27, 2016 at 6:00 amHmmm. I signed up but couldn’t get to the download link…
poetnessa
December 27, 2016 at 4:26 pmStill can’t download as indicated… the Make the best of 2017 workbook. Please help.
Julie
December 27, 2016 at 4:28 pmHi Nessa, can you give me your email address I will send you the download link directly 🙂
Sorry for the inconvenience!
poetnessa
January 29, 2017 at 3:22 pmOops, just saw this. My email address is poetnessa@gmail.com. Thank you!
poetnessa
January 31, 2017 at 10:04 amSorry, I just saw this… My email address is poetnessa@gmail.com. Thank you so much!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:21 pmHi There!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link! http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Kathy
December 30, 2016 at 10:24 amHi, unable to download workbook. Kathy
Julie
December 30, 2016 at 1:25 pmHi Kathy can you send me an email at hello@hellopeacefulmind.com I will send you the welcome email with the link 🙂
Raegan
December 31, 2016 at 4:35 pmHi there, I couldn’t get the download either!
Julie
January 1, 2017 at 6:25 pmHi Raegan, I just sent another email with the link to download the file named Happy New Year!
Can you let me know if you still haven’t received it so I can contact the service to fix the issue 🙂
THANK YOU and Happy New Year!
Audrey
December 31, 2016 at 6:00 pmI’m unable to download the book either
Julie
January 1, 2017 at 6:26 pmHi Audrey, I’m sorry about the inconvenience.
It looks like I’m having issues with the mailing delivery service I am using. I just sent another email named Happy New Year with the link to download the workbook.
Can you let me know if you didn’t receive it?
I am going to look into different services to deliver the free downloads 🙂
and Happy New Year!
Oana
January 1, 2017 at 11:45 amHey, I can’t download it either. Can you send it to me? My adress: oanabuzzi@gmail.com . Thank you!
Julie
January 1, 2017 at 6:30 pmHI Oana, Sorry for the inconvenience!
Can you check your mailbox again? I just sent an email named Happy New Year with the link to download the workbook.
Let me know if you haven’t received it again !
And HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Kimberly
January 1, 2017 at 1:01 pmI cant download either could you send it to me kimberly.anne.bgky@icloud.com
Julie
January 1, 2017 at 6:37 pmHi Kimberly, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I just sent out a new email with the link to download the free workbook. Can you let me know if you didn’t receive it ??
I’m going to look for another service to avoid this issue in the future 😉
jadyn
January 1, 2017 at 5:38 pmhi i cant get the download link either
Julie
January 1, 2017 at 6:42 pmHi Jadyn!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I just sent another email with the link to download the free workbook. Let me know if you didn’t receive it!
Chido Mutengwa
January 1, 2017 at 7:43 pmHey , I also subscribed but couldn’t get the pdf . Could you please send it to my email @chidomutengwa@gmail.com. Thank you.
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:22 pmHi Chido!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Sekaiya Kelly
January 1, 2017 at 8:27 pmHi, I also was not able to receive the download link for the workbook… Please help!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:24 pmHi Sekaiya!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Susan
January 2, 2017 at 10:46 amThank you Julie! Love it! Happy 2017!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:25 pmThank you Susan! How are you doing with your new habits?
burcu
January 2, 2017 at 12:02 pmHi Julie, Please share with me too… Thank you…
burcuatalay91@gmail.com
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:25 pmHi Burcu!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Elaine Dalton
January 2, 2017 at 1:28 pmI tried downloading and it didn’t work for me either. :/ Can you please send it to me at daltonwrites@gmail.com? thanks 🙂
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:26 pmHi Elaine!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Emma Brown
January 2, 2017 at 7:13 pmI was also unable to Download. Please email me a copy at emmabrown76@gmail.com
Thanks
Emma
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:26 pmHi Emma!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
feanyxx
January 3, 2017 at 12:39 amHi! I didn’t get the download link either. Could you please send me a copy to kucharczyk.eliza@gmail.com
Thank you in advance & Happy New Year! 🙂
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:27 pmHi There!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Gitte
January 3, 2017 at 12:01 pmI can’t seem to download it either… 🙁
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:28 pmHi Gitte!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Jenny
January 3, 2017 at 12:23 pmHi! I’m already subscribed but couldn’t get the workbook :(. Could you please send it to my email: marianita.1720@gmail.com
Thank you 🙂
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:29 pmHi Jenny!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I moved to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:30 pmHi Jenny!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Jacqui
January 3, 2017 at 11:06 pmHi unable to get the link
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:31 pmHi Jacqui!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Vespa
January 3, 2017 at 11:44 pmHello, my email is vespa.druidia@gmail.com. I, too, am having issues getting this book. Can you send it to my email? Thanks for the inspiration! Happy 2017!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:32 pmHi Vespa!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Camilla di Tondo
January 4, 2017 at 1:21 pmHi there! I’ve recently started reading your blog and I really like it. I’m interested in getting the 2017 workbook as it seems to really meet my needs for 2017, but the download doesn’t seem to work! Sorry to bother, but can you please help me? My email address is camillaelenaditondo@gmail.com
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:32 pmHi Camilla!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
E Jackson
January 4, 2017 at 3:57 pmhello can you email me the workbook as well. My email is erk4real@yahoo.com. Thank you
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:33 pmHi There!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Grey Maita
January 4, 2017 at 6:27 pmHi! Greetings from Venezuela. My email is goodkid182@gmail.com, can you send me the workbook, please?
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:33 pmHi Grey!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Lidia
January 4, 2017 at 11:57 pmHi, I signed up but couldn’t get to the download link of the make the best of 2017 workbook 🙁
Please help me 🙁
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:34 pmHi Lidia!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
wifemomcreator
January 6, 2017 at 1:59 amI love your blog! Could you send me the download as well? Thank you!
Shayna at wifemomcreator dot com
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:34 pmHi Shayna!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Aiman
January 6, 2017 at 6:25 amHey, I can’t download it either. Can you send it to me? My adress: oxcgen989@gmail.com . Thank you!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:35 pmHi Aiman!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Laura
January 6, 2017 at 9:03 amHi, i can’t download it either. I have submid but the link doesn’t appear. Can you arend it to me? Disseldorplaura@gmail.com
Thanks!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:35 pmHi Laura!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:42 pmHi Laura!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service because the old one wasn’t sending emails every time…
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Jeni Lee
January 6, 2017 at 8:32 pmHi, I would love a copy of your workbook, I have sent an email but not sure if you received it? Thanks and HNY!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:36 pmHi Jeni!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Donna
January 9, 2017 at 2:38 pmThank You so much for your workbook! What an amazing gift you just gave all of us. xoxo
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:37 pmThank you Donna! I’m so glad you like it! How are your new habits going?
Finja
January 9, 2017 at 11:00 pmGreat post, especially like the it on monthly check ins!:)
xx finja | http://www.effcaa.com
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:37 pmThank you so much Finja! What new habits are you trying to get in 2017?
cglberger92
January 11, 2017 at 8:41 amI have a goal this year to focus more on self care. While i do have many goals for 2017, including studying for the LSAT to be admitted into law school, self care is most important to pay attention than anything
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:38 pmThis is awesome! How is it going? What are you doing to take care of yourself?
Grace
January 11, 2017 at 4:55 pmHi – I’d love to download the workbook. I submitted my information but don’t see where to download
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:39 pmHi Grace!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:43 pmHi Grace!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service because the old one wasn’t sending emails every time…
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Kari Yokley
January 12, 2017 at 6:32 pmHello, would you please send me the workbook to kryokley@cox.net Thank you so much.
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:39 pmHi Kari!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service.
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
misspatty2304
January 16, 2017 at 8:47 amHi! I haven’t received the link to download the book. Thanks for your help!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:43 pmHi Miss Patty!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service because the old one wasn’t sending emails every time…
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
Mark
January 21, 2017 at 6:50 pmHi, could you please send me the workbook to mmeyers25@icloud.com. Thanks for your help!
Julie @ Hello Peaceful Mind
February 3, 2017 at 1:44 pmHi Mark!
Good news I finally fixed the issue with the workbook not being sent. I had to move to a different mailing service because the old one wasn’t sending emails every time…
Anyway you will be able to get the workbook on this link:
http://www.subscribepage.com/2017goalsworkbook
I hope you enjoy it.
And feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Julie
simplelotusliving
October 30, 2017 at 5:22 pmLoved this workbook! Thank you so much for creating it! I plan to link to it in my latest post about monthly intentions. I can’t wait for more people to check it out 🙂