Hello, 2016! As we welcome in the New Year this week there is no better time to begin planning the year ahead. The old saying ‘it’s a New Year, it’s a new you’ is popular for a reason – a fresh year means a fresh start. Gone are the 365 days that were 2015, and with them any mistakes, embarrassments or mishaps that you may have suffered. You now have an opportunity to improve your life and lifestyle, in whatever way best suits you. Make this your year to shine – achieve your goals, live your life fully and be the best person you can be!

What Do I Want to Achieve in 2016?

First and foremost: establish a few aims you want to fulfil this year and write them down. I recommend having at least one big goal, and then several smaller ones. Don’t write down anything you know is completely unattainable, or things that are ridiculously simple. Choose something that you have to work towards to achieve, which will change a small or big part of your life in some way. What do you wish you did last year? Do you really want to travel? Have you never been white water rafting? Is there a course out there you’ve always wanted to complete, or a career you dream of pursuing? What about hobbies? Do you regret not taking up the saxophone in 2015, or wish you hadn’t given up on tennis or painting? Once you’ve decided on a few goals (and remember, you can always add to the list as the year goes progresses), put them somewhere you can see. Some people say to put them away and look at them at them in December; I believe being exposed to them on a daily basis will motivate and inspire you even more to pursue them. Pin them to a corkboard or tape them into the front of your diary on some cute paper.

Mentality is Magic

My best advice for 2016? Start the year with the mentality you want to hold throughout it. Here at Angela Stone we are all about positive vibes – kindness, confidence, optimism and energy are the fuel that keep our team powering through the good times and the bad. When you have a positive outlook on life, you feel better and brighten the day of those around you. There are times when being sad or frustrated are warranted, of course, but in general if you try to see the beauty in day to day life and the many different situations and experiences each day brings with it, you will be a happier person and have a happier year. If something is getting you down, think of someone that inspires you, or do something that you enjoy. If swimming is what soothes you, go for a swim. Call up a girlfriend and let them cheer you up, or grab your favourite coffee and take some time out. Having a positive mentality is a choice – while we don’t actively choose to be upset or negative, it is our choice to stay in this mood or get out of it. Lift yourself up instead of dragging yourself down this year ladies!

Reinvent Your Image

If there is anything you have been wanting to change about yourself, now is the time do so. Tired of your hairstyle, or sick of feeling unconfident about your ‘problem’ area? Over your current wardrobe and looking for some motivation? Change all that this year! Enlisting the help of a professional stylist such as myself is a fabulous way to revive your image and help you feel and look great, but there are smaller ways you can change your image on your own. Firstly, decide what you like and don’t like at present. Are there particular colours you no longer want to wear, or an item you want to buy? Which, if any, of your features are you hoping to improve? From here you can make a start. Go through your closet and clear out any items you no longer like, fit, or feel good in. Then, go shopping! Try on EVERYTHING before you buy it, and take an honest friend along for advice. If you want to work on a particular area of your body, find some exercises that target it – for example, squats and lunges are great for toning thighs. Doing the above will help inspire you and lift your spirits, as well as give you something to maintain throughout the year.