The New Year is a time of renewal, a blank slate filled with possibilities. But for many women—especially women in business and women with ADHD—it can also bring pressure, overwhelm, and a feeling of needing to have everything figured out. Instead of diving into the New Year with rushed resolutions, what if you started it with grounding rituals and practices that inspire hope, clarity, and direction?
Let’s explore how creative rituals can set you up for success and provide detailed examples to help you begin the year with purpose and joy.
Why Rituals Matter
Rituals help us step out of chaos and into intentionality. They create structure and meaning, helping to:
- Ground us in the present moment.
- Foster hope by focusing on what’s possible.
- Provide clarity by reflecting on what matters most.
- Build direction through small, intentional steps.
For women with ADHD, rituals are especially helpful as they create consistency and focus in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
What Does a Grounded New Year Look Like?
A grounded New Year feels less like a sprint and more like a gentle unfolding. It looks like:
- Reflecting on past wins and lessons learned without judgment.
- Setting intentions based on your values rather than societal expectations.
- Using creative and personalized practices that align with your unique personality and needs.
Creative Rituals to Start the New Year Right
1. Reflective Journaling
What It Looks Like: Dedicate time to reflect on the past year and envision the year ahead.
- Example: Sarah, a business owner with ADHD, sets aside an hour with her favorite journal. She divides her pages into two sections: “Wins & Growth” (highlighting her accomplishments and lessons learned) and “Vision & Intentions” (imagining how she wants to feel and what she wants to achieve in the New Year).
What She Tells Herself:
- “I am proud of how far I’ve come, even if it wasn’t perfect.”
- “This year, I will focus on what lights me up and aligns with my values.”
2. Create a Vision Board
What It Looks Like: Visualizing your goals through images and words that inspire you.
- Example: Lisa gathers magazines, scissors, and glue to create a collage of what she wants to experience in the coming year. For her, the board includes pictures of serene landscapes (representing balance), confident speakers (reflecting her goal to present at conferences), and a passport (symbolizing her dream of travel).
What She Tells Herself:
- “I’m creating a visual reminder of the life I’m building, one step at a time.”
3. Set a Word or Theme for the Year
What It Looks Like: Choosing a single word or phrase that captures your focus and guides your decisions throughout the year.
- Example: Emily, a creative entrepreneur, chooses “Simplify” as her word for the year. She writes it on sticky notes and places them on her desk and mirror as daily reminders to prioritize what matters most.
What She Tells Herself:
- “This word reminds me to let go of what no longer serves me and focus on what truly matters.”
4. Rituals for ADHD-Friendly Goal Setting
What It Looks Like: Breaking down goals into manageable steps that feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
- Example: Amanda, a woman with ADHD, uses colored index cards to write down her goals and their individual steps. Each morning, she picks one card to work on, keeping her focus achievable and clear.
What She Tells Herself:
- “Small steps build big results. I’ll celebrate each one along the way.”
5. Gratitude Practices
What It Looks Like: Cultivating an abundant mindset by focusing on what you’re thankful for.
- Example: Rachel starts a “Gratitude Jar.” Every evening, she writes one thing she’s grateful for on a slip of paper and places it in the jar. At the end of the year, she plans to read through her notes.
What She Tells Herself:
- “There’s so much good in my life already. Gratitude helps me see it clearly.”
6. Meditation or Mindfulness Rituals
What It Looks Like: Carving out time for stillness to connect with your inner self.
- Example: Mia begins each day with a 5-minute guided meditation, focusing on her breath and setting a positive intention for the day.
What She Tells Herself:
- “Even in stillness, I’m creating space for clarity and inspiration.”
7. Celebrate and Release
What It Looks Like: A symbolic act of celebrating your achievements and letting go of what no longer serves you.
- Example: Jessica writes down what she’s letting go of from the past year (self-doubt, overcommitting) and what she’s celebrating (her resilience, her growth). She safely burns the list in a fireproof dish, watching the smoke rise as a symbol of release.
What She Tells Herself:
- “I release what no longer serves me and make space for what’s to come.”
How These Rituals Help Women in Business and Women with ADHD
- Hope: Reflecting on your wins and visualizing your future helps you see possibilities rather than limitations.
- Clarity: Breaking goals into smaller steps or choosing a single theme simplifies decision-making and reduces overwhelm.
- Direction: Creative rituals provide a tangible path forward, helping you focus on what truly matters.
Final Thoughts
The New Year doesn’t have to be about hurried resolutions or unattainable expectations. By grounding yourself in thoughtful rituals, you create a foundation for hope, clarity, and direction. These practices aren’t about doing more; they’re about being intentional and aligning your actions with your values.
Call to Action: Start Your Year with She Simply Impacts
At She Simply Impacts, we believe in the power of intentional living and meaningful rituals. Our community is here to support women—especially women in business and women with ADHD—in creating lives filled with clarity, balance, and impact.
Join us for live group coaching, workshops, and a supportive community that helps you turn your intentions into reality. Together, we’ll help you build rituals and practices that lead to a grounded, inspired, and successful New Year.
👉 Join She Simply Impacts Today and step into 2024 with hope, clarity, and direction. Your year of possibility begins here.