Hello , and welcome to Friday Coffee with MAP!

As our recent newsletters have dived deep into New Year's resolutions and habit forming, we thought we would take this week's Friday Coffee to urge a more reflective and wellness-based approach to the year's first month. Indeed, it may be the case for many of us that we get the most productivity out of January by taking our foot off the gas, stopping the push for unsustainable or unattainable changes, and adopting a quieter pace. We hope this week's piece inspires you to pause and recalibrate as the year begins to pick up speed.

Happy reading!

“4 Ways to Make January Work for You”
_{by Sairah Ashman for Forbes}

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January often gets a bad reputation as the month of abandoned resolutions and post-holiday blues, but what if you could transform it into something more productive by intentionally slowing down and focusing on practical change? The following four strategies can help you make January work for you, transforming it from a month of winter doldrums into a foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.

It's the perfect time to practice a little hygge, hibernation and self-care: Don’t let resolution-based urgency ruin your mental health. January's cold, dark days make it ideal for slowing down, staying cozy indoors, and focusing on rest and rejuvenation rather than pushing yourself too hard. Embrace the Danish concept of hygge by creating warm, comfortable environments and prioritizing activities that nurture your wellbeing. This is a season for recharging your batteries and being gentle with yourself.

Use it as a time to reflect and review: Take advantage of the natural pause at the start of the year to look back on what worked and what didn't in the previous twelve months, learning from your experiences to inform your path forward. This reflection helps you identify patterns, celebrate achievements, and understand what changes might be needed. Honest self-assessment now can save you from repeating mistakes and help you build on your successes.

Set goals and intentions for the year ahead: Rather than rigid resolutions that often fail by February, establish meaningful intentions. Set clear, practical goals that align with your values and what you genuinely want to achieve in the coming year. These goals should excite and motivate you, rather than ones you feel obligated to pursue. Make sure they're specific enough to be actionable, but be flexible enough to adapt as circumstances change.

Make a plan and take action: Transform your goals into concrete action steps with clear timelines and accountability measures, so you're not just thinking about change– you’re actually implementing it in your daily life. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks that won't feel overwhelming. Consider who or what can help keep you accountable, whether that's a friend/collaborator, a journal, or regular check-ins with yourself.

Remember, January offers a psychological fresh start: The new year provides a natural reset point that can boost motivation and help you approach your goals with renewed energy and commitment, even though meaningful change can happen at any time. This "fresh start effect" is real and powerful, making it easier to break old habits and establish new ones. Take advantage of this psychological momentum while also remembering that you don't have to wait for January to make positive changes in your life.

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So tell us: How do you approach January to make sure it sets the table for a productive, fruitful year?

Thank you,

The MAP Team

MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors | A Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC
10345 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 110
Los Angeles, CA 90064
OFFICE: 310.601.4095
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