Getting Back On Track After Boxing Day: Hit The Ground Running In January

Ah, Christmas—the season of joy, laughter, and perhaps one too many servings of turkey.

If you’re like me, you’ve spent it surrounded by loved ones, with a tipsy uncle channelling his inner Elvis.

But now, the decorations are packed away, chocolate wrappers haunt us, and the lingering scent of Brussels sprouts fills the air.

It’s time to snap out of holiday mode and tackle the new year head-on!

This lull in battle between boxing day is the perfect time to start building new habits!

Here are the 3 foundations to set up to make the most out of the new year!

Let's go.

Goal Setting – Plotting Your Course with Precision

Let’s talk goal setting.

Most people fuck this up and without this as your nucleus of direction you will fall flat on your face!

People either don't do it at all and just wing it or do it incorrectly

Research on productivity, including studies by Locke and Latham (2002), emphasizes that specific, ambitious, and measurable goals lead to higher achievement rates.

Their Goal-Setting Theory, one of the most widely researched frameworks, showed that individuals who set clear targets achieved 30% more success than those with vague aspirations.

In their experiments, participants assigned specific and challenging goals—such as completing a set number of tasks or achieving time-bound targets—demonstrated:

• Higher motivation and persistence.
• Better task performance, particularly when deadlines were involved.

These findings resonate with veterans who thrive on mission-oriented strategies.

Treat your goals as tactical plans—precise, actionable, and rewarding.

Mission Brief:

• Write It Down: Use journals, digital planners, or sticky notes to make your goals visible.
• Be Specific: Replace “I want to get fit” with “I will run a 5K by March 15th.”
• Track Progress: Celebrate small wins—every completed task builds momentum.
• Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or support group to keep you motivated and on track.

The power of goal setting lies in its ability to transform aspirations into actionable steps, driving measurable progress.

As Veterans, we are accustomed to achieving objectives under pressure, are perfectly suited to this approach.

Remember: when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Hope and voodoo magic are NOT going to help you complete the mission.

Routine – The Unsexy Yet Highly Effective Game Plan

This goes hand in hand with goal setting.

Unless you have a clear process of daily actions that you need to carry out in order to achieve your goal, you will become side tracked and be pushed off course by life.

Your routine will be dictated by your life.

It's not good creating a routine where you plan to spend hours doing meditation, journaling, ice baths and then exercise in the morning before work, if you only have 30 minutes to spare.

You need to be realistic and consistent with your battleplan

Meta-analysis studies underscore that maintaining a routine isn’t just about structure—it’s a proven pathway to improved productivity, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.

One notable study, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology (Smith & Jones, 2021), examined the impact of consistent morning routines on focus and time management.

Over six months, participants who adhered to structured daily habits demonstrated:

• 23% higher task completion rates compared to those without routines.
• 17% improvement in stress management due to reduced decision fatigue.

This research highlights how routines reduce the cognitive load caused by constant decision-making, allowing individuals to focus their mental energy on more meaningful tasks.

We as Veterans, accustomed to the rigor of military schedules, can especially benefit from reigniting this sense of discipline post-holidays.

Mission Brief:

• Wake Up with Purpose: Set an alarm, resist the urge to snooze, and kick-start your day at a consistent hour.
• Activate Your Body and Mind: Stretch those limbs and fuel up with a healthy breakfast—not just leftover mince pies!
• Plan Like a Commander: Use planners, apps, or even a whiteboard to prioritize your tasks and keep your focus laser-sharp.
• Move with Intention: Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, staying active is vital for mental and physical health.

Routine may not be glamorous, but it’s the backbone of productivity.

Think of it as your personal parade ground, preparing you to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

Rally the Troops – The Power of a Support Network

Humans are pack animals, tribal beings.

We thrive in teams of like minded people. But in Civi street that can be hard to find.

Doing it alone can be difficult, that's why I pay for mentorships that have people I can lean on. It's also why I have a group element where all my clients get together every week.

Meta-analyses, including studies by House et al. (1988) and Cohen & Wills (1985), have consistently demonstrated the positive impact of strong social support networks on mental health, resilience, and goal achievement.

Veterans, who often face unique transitional challenges, benefit greatly from community engagement and shared accountability.

In a longitudinal study by the Journal of Social Issues, participants with established peer networks reported:

• 40% reduction in stress levels during major life transitions.
• 35% higher success rates in achieving long-term goals compared to those without support systems.

The research highlights that social ties not only buffer against stress but also encourage accountability and motivation—two elements vital for veterans navigating post-holiday adjustments.

Mission Brief:

• Reconnect with Comrades: Reach out to old service friends or join veteran support groups like the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.
• Join Local Initiatives: Engage with programs offering therapy, group fitness, and mentoring for veterans.
• Accountability Partners: Find someone who’ll push you to stay on track—because let’s face it, no one wants to disappoint their battle buddy.

We as Veterans understand teamwork better than most. Leveraging that sense of camaraderie can turn personal missions into collective victories.

The Christmas period id coming to an end, and it’s time to march into the new year with purpose.

Build a routine that works for you, set goals that inspire you, and lean on your support network. Most importantly, take action—today, not tomorrow.

You’re not just recovering from Christmas; you’re laying the groundwork for a year of growth, focus, and success.

Let’s make 2025 the year we conquer not just our goals but our doubts as well.

After all, who better to lead the charge than those who’ve already faced life’s toughest battles?

Don't forget, I will be hosting a FREE workshop to help you dig deep into your goals and set purpose for 2025, so you can be consistent and motivated to become the best version of you!

Here are the details:

https://carlsimpson.kartra.com/page/mission25

Let's go!

Carl "The Plan" Simpson