10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference Last Year

Every year I revisit this post, 10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference Last Year.

It allows me to share what worked best and helps me decide what I want to carry forward into the coming year,

But this year, on New Year’s Day, my Mom gathered us around the table and read a blessing and a prayer over our lives and something she said stopped me in my tracks.

“As you know, last year was the Year of the Snake,” she began.

“We all spent time shedding what no longer serves us.”

“This year is the Year of the Horse. So, I challenge you to charge ahead on your wildest goals and dreams,” she continued.

I don’t know why, but it wasn’t until she spoke those words that I even realized I had spent most of last year shedding what no longer worked.

Looking back though, that’s exactly what I did.

I spent an entire year shedding unhealthy habits, mindsets filled with limiting beliefs, scarcity and self-doubt, loose boundaries that left me feeling like a doormat, and clothes, makeup, skincare and home décor items that no longer fit my style.

It was tough at times.

But the year was also filled with beautiful life changing moments as I fully embraced the journey of reinvention and growth.

I know some of you are also on a growth journey this year.

So, I wanted to share 10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference Last Year in case you’re looking for simple tips and tricks to help you get back on track or easy ways to create a more beautiful life too.

Here’s a look at 10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference Last Year…

*This post was updated in January 2026 with additional content.

Anxiety Medication and Therapy

This year, I went back on anxiety medication and started seeing a therapist again.

It took a lot of careful prayer, consideration and research.

But it was truly one of the best gifts that I gave myself last year.

My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner because it’s been life giving.

As always, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional so they can provide you with a comprehensive plan that best fits your specific needs.

More Empowered Healthcare Decisions

In January of last year, my Mom was diagnosed with something that affected our entire family.

That diagnosis ultimately led my sisters and I, as well as a few other family members, to go through additional testing of our own.

For my sisters, the tests came back as valuable pieces of information for preventative care.

For me, the tests set off a domino effect of ultrasounds, MRIs, surgery, a drastic change in diet and continuous monitoring.

Honestly, I was shocked at the results, because before I went through all the testing, I felt perfectly normal.

Over the years, I’ve rarely been sick save for the occasional cold and flu, a nasty bout of food poisoning, and an extended period with COVID.

My test results revealed challenges that required immediate attention though.  

I know finding quality healthcare at an affordable price is not always easy, but I can’t convey how vital it is to know your numbers and to understand your body.

It can truly save your life.

Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge

Last Spring, my Mom and I put together a Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge, and it was so much fun.

Not only did it get us out of our comfort zones, but it also gave us something to look forward to between testing, doctor’s appointments, work, and daily responsibilities.

Ultimately, it made us realize that no matter what you’re going through, life is what you make it.

The time is going to pass anyway.

So, you may as well take advantage of the opportunities placed on your path and celebrate every moment you are given.

Taking Time to Celebrate

We’ve always been the family that celebrates the holidays from New Year’s Day to New Year’s Eve and everything in between.

We’re big on birthdays too.

But this year, we made a concerted effort to celebrate all the big and little moments of our lives.

Things like finishing my certification classes, redoing the back patio, my nephew making a record setting number of extra points as the kicker of his football team, my niece getting her driver’s license, my middle sister getting promoted, my baby sister taking on new clients, my Dad getting an eagle on the golf course, my Mom driving her dream car, completing the work at Loblolly after Hurricane Helene, my aunt beating cancer, watching a meteor shower for the first time, snow in Florida, special trips, care packages, sleep away camp and so much more.

At the end of the year, we decorated an accomplishment cake, and I could not get over how many big things and small things we had to celebrate.

If you’re not used to recording the special moments that have happened to you over the course of the year, I encourage you to make time to not only write them down but to also celebrate them.

It makes a big difference and gives you motivation to keep going!

Developing and Maintaining Daily Planning Pages

While I’ve always considered myself fairly organized, there were moments last year when I woke up with a theme for the day but without a solid plan for the day.

Inevitably, I would check some things off my to-do list each day.

But the lack of a proper system also left me wondering how I spent my time.

It took a lot of refining and testing.

But I’ve finally developed a simple system that works through sickness, health, caregiving, busy days and lazy days and everything in between and it feels good to be back on track.

Hoping to share these soon!

Journaling

Recently, I completed one full year of journaling, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

I’ve journaled off and on for years, but this is the first time I’ve ever been able to keep it up for an entire year.

Looking back, it was a beautifully therapeutic experience and allowed me to tell my own story.

I can’t wait to keep it up again this year too.

If you’re interested in learning more about journaling, read this post, The Easiest Way to Start a Journaling Practice.

Walking Outside

Mornings come early for us, and I know they do for so many of you too.

I used to walk both indoors and out.

Most especially, relying on the treadmill during the rainy season.

But this year, I committed to walking outside more and it changed the perspective of my entire day.

There’s something about hearing the birds chirping, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair that makes you appreciate being alive in a way that walking indoors on a treadmill can’t do.

A Skincare Routine for Mature Skin

One of my life goals has always been to cultivate healthy skin habits.

Last year, I incorporated red-light therapy masks into my skin routine for my face, neck and decollete.

I also started trying new skincare products including Tretinoin and Korean Beauty.

It took about 6 months to fully see how everything was working, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely an investment in both time and money.

But your skin is one of the body’s largest organs. So, that alone makes the investment worth it to me.

As always, talk to your heathcare provider about red therapy masks and other skincare treatments.

Filling my Closet and Drawers with Good Things

I used to be the person that dug through my drawers for the “good bra,” the “good jeans,” the “good socks,” the “good workout clothes,” and the “good pajamas.”

Truly, it was comical the amount of time I wasted looking for the “good stuff.”

I finally realized I could stop digging if my closet and drawers were filled with things I loved and actually wanted to wear.

So, I slowly started replacing all of my foundational pieces with items that were comfortable and gave me confidence.

No more holey socks, bras that don’t fit well, threadbare pajamas, or workout clothes with sweat stains.

It seems like such a small change, but it made getting dressed a more enjoyable experience.

I also created a game day uniform for my nephews’ sports events, and it’s been such a time saver.

Now, I no longer stand in front of my closet wondering what to wear. I simply wear the same outfit with their school colors to every game!

You can find more small closet tips and tricks here.

A Home for Everything Mindset

Decluttering and organizing our home is something we’re constantly working on and have gotten so much better at over the years.

It takes commitment because you have to be intentional about what you bring into the house.

Especially, if you love all things home decor, DIY, and holiday or if you hold onto sentimental things, or if you like to save things for “someday.”

While it almost sounds too simple, the best way to go about decluttering and organizing your home is one drawer at a time, one cabinet at a time, one bin at a time, and one room at a time.

It doesn’t happen overnight and sometimes you might only be able to work on something 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

Keep at it though!

There is nothing better than being able to locate something you need the minute you need it and having space to put things up right away.

You can find our 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge here if you need help getting started.

Bonus Tips…

Organizing the Week on Sundays

Every Sunday afternoon, I sit down with my calendar and go through the week.

Sometimes, it’s a quick 30-minute check-in and sometimes it takes a little longer.

But it’s always time well spent because it sets our entire week up for success.  

I highly recommend organizing your week on Sundays as part of your weekend ritual if you haven’t given it a chance already.

It saves us so much time!

Asking Better Questions

One of my biggest goals has been to ask better questions. I’ve literally questioned everything, and it’s made a massive difference.

Sometimes the questions are simple ones…

• “What do I need most right now?”
• “What is one thing I can do to make this easier?”
• “How can I support you better?”
• “Do you want me to listen or help you problem solve?”
• “How can I be more proactive with this situation?”
• “Why do I feel this way?”
• “How can I make this meal healthier?”
• “What small step can I take today to make things better?”
• “What do I need to do tonight to set myself up for a successful tomorrow?”

Taking the time to ask and answer these kinds of questions has helped to improve our lives because asking better questions leads to action and action leads to clarity and clarity leads to making confident decisions and healthy choices.

Creating Soundtracks That Stick

When I first read Jon Acuff’s book, Soundtracks, I was desperate to find a solution to curb ruminating thoughts and to stop overthinking every. little. thing.  

Truly, it was such a disruptive season of my life.

Since then, I’ve gotten really good at motivating myself with simple phrases that help keep me on track whenever I feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Things like…

• “Don’t put it down, put it away.” (when I’m tempted to drop my things at the door)
• “Just give it 10 minutes.” (when I don’t feel like exercising)
• “Your future self will thank you for this.” (when I feel like procrastinating)
• “Clarity comes from action.” (when I feel overwhelmed about taking the next step)
• “Simplify the complicated.” (when everything feels like a priority)
• “There’s more where that came from.” (when I’m presented with an unexpected income opportunity)

On the surface, it seems like such a small thing.

In reality, though, those simple phrases help me get out of my head and out of my own way, each and every time.

Sometimes the thing that holds us back the most isn’t lack of time or money or support, it’s our mindset.

If you’re wondering how to get started on mindset shifts or just need a refresher, you can find our favorite self-discovery books here.

Entering a Fresh Season…

As we enter a fresh season, I hope you’ll find tools that help you as much as these 10 Things That Have Made the Biggest Difference This Year have helped me.

Never doubt your ability to create an extraordinary life.

As always, I’m cheering you on!

Other Posts from the 10 Things That Made a Difference Series to Explore:

10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference in Quarter 1

Quarter 2: 10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference

10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference in Quarter 3

How to Host a Restorative Retreat at Home

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo