A new year brings fresh hope, and you’re probably looking ahead to all the positive things you’ll do in 2022. Before you do, though, you must be sure that nothing will hold you back from achieving your goals.

Learning to tie up the loose ends is the perfect first step on the road to creating a better future. Focus on the following factors and you won’t go far wrong.

Step one: treat injuries

Losing weight and getting fit is the most common goal shared by both men and women at the start of a new year. Before you begin a diet or fitness plan, though, you must focus on treating injuries. Suffering from shin splints, for example, will stop you from consistent cardio training. Resting your shins while enjoying a little weight training is the best solution. 

Other injuries may require physio, rehab, or surgery. Either way, the right treatment will make future exercise far more enjoyable and prevent future problems. As for nutrition, you may wish to take a food allergy test. Otherwise, eating the wrong foods could set you back.

Step two: repair the home

Building a better home environment will be another popular goal for 2022. Not least because we are spending more time at home since the pandemic. While you may have thoughts of building a luxury pool or home gym, you must prioritize function. For starters, you won’t be able to enjoy the luxury additions until the basics are under control anyway.

Completing the essential home maintenance projects should be at the top of your agenda, along with security measures. You should then move on to ideas like finding a better mattress or boosting the shower pressure. Once your home is comfortable and functional, you can look to add the extra touches that will take your entertainment to new heights. Perfect.

Step three: address financial issues

Financial stability is another popular resolution for the new year. Again, it arguably feels more important than ever before thanks to the fallout of the pandemic. You may have plans of starting a business, reviewing your current spending, or asking your boss for a raise. Before that, though, you should correct issues that are holding you back.

Seeking punitive damages after someone caused a road accident will beat the financial problems linked to the episode. It’ll also provide emotional closure. You can also look to clear debt and build a better credit history before applying for loans or other issues. This foundation will make all financial upgrades in 2022 feel even sweeter.

Step four: sever damaging links

Whether you are currently single or in a relationship, the hold of an ex can be very damaging. Therefore, blocking them from all social media and digital channels is highly advised. When you no longer have the temptation to contact them, you will be able to focus on yourself and the people who matter. Out of sight, out of mind.

Past partners aren’t the only issue, though. Friends and relatives can be equally problematic, whether they mean it or not. If they lead you to poor decisions, manipulate you, or always borrow money without returning it, you must address this. Otherwise, they will continue to drag you back just when you think progress is being made in life. It’s ok to be a little selfish.

Step five: know what goals are still left from 2021

If you made a list of goals for 2021, or even 2020, you probably couldn’t do them all. The pandemic made sure of that. So, before writing your list for the year ahead, it’s best to revisit your past plans. Any items that were not checked off during this time should sit at the top of your list for 2022. Otherwise, you will keep dwelling on them when working on new goals.

Of course, you may find that some of those unfulfilled goals are no longer relevant. When this is the case, you can lose them. Following this, you must take the time to organize your thoughts and create a clear list of goals for the new year. Knowing what you want to accomplish in this time will also help you prepare and set milestones along the way.

Step six: forgive yourself

Whatever your goals are for 2022, they are probably focused on being a better person. However, it is very hard to achieve this when you hold a grudge. We all make mistakes in life. Whether you’ve hurt loved ones, been irresponsible with money, or had abusive relationships with substances doesn’t matter. Now is the chance to move on.

Accepting that you can’t change the past will give you the impetus to truly move on with your life. Crucially, you’ll have a clear mindset and will be far more likely to achieve your objectives for the year. Right now, good mental health is probably the greatest thing anyone could ask for in 2022. Gaining inner peace is truly the best first step you can take.