A Joyful Start: How to Step into the New Year with Positivity and Purpose

A new year has begun and we are feeling hopeful that it will be blessed, healthy, and joyful. Sometimes, fears and worries end up attracting exactly what we don’t want. They narrow our focus, cloud our judgment, and skew our view of reality.

The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” rings especially true here. Judaism places great value on the way we observe and interpret life. How can we shift our perspective to start the year positively and powerfully? Following are five powerful tools- some from motivational expert Tony Robbins, enhanced with deep Jewish insight.

1. Movement and Physical Activity

Getting your body moving boosts blood and oxygen flow to your entire system, especially your brain. If you’re feeling anxious, heavy, or sad, get outside for a walk. The fresh air, the movement, and the break from your environment will not only clear your head but help you see challenges with greater focus and clarity. Even short walks near your home or online workout sessions can help.

When you feel down, the natural tendency is to curl inward- but if you see this as a spiritual challenge, you’ll remember that G-d wants us to serve Him with joy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is drop everything, put on your sneakers, and go for a walk. It’s been proven scientifically to lift your mood, and it works.

2. Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing helps regulate emotion and improve focus. One method from Rabbi Ginsburgh, os based on an ancient technique by Rabbi Avraham Abulafia known as "ChadVaH":

• Chet – Inhale slowly for a count of 8.

• Dalet – Hold your breath for 4 counts.

• Vav – Exhale slowly for 6 counts.

• Heh – Rest, neither inhaling nor exhaling, for 5 counts.

Over time, this practice helps calm the mind and sharpen attention. You can even enhance it with Jewish visualization by focusing on a Hebrew letter during each phase of the breath.

3. Positive Speech

G-d created the world through speech. Our words shape our reality and for this reason guarding our language is so emphasized in Judaism. When we speak positively, we begin to think more positively.

The Ramban, in his famous letter, stresses thoughtful, kind speech as a key to personal growth and closeness to G-d. Simply pausing to consider your words before you speak can prevent unnecessary conflict and keep your energy focused on what really matters.

4. Gratitude and Positive Focus

Even in difficult times, focus on what's good. Noticing what’s working in your life- and giving thanks for it- can shift your entire mindset. The Sages teach, “In the path a person wants to go, he is led.” If you focus on negativity, it will grow. But if you focus on the good, that goodness will expand. Don’t take your blessings for granted- acknowledge them and express appreciation.

5. Volunteering and Helping Others

Doing acts of kindness not only helps those in need but lifts your own spirit. When you help others, you gain a different perspective. While you realize your life may not be perfect, others may be facing even harder struggles.

As a volunteer coordinator for a hospital organization, I witnessed firsthand how acts of kindness uplifted not just the patients and their families, but the volunteers themselves. As Rashi teaches, “If you bring joy to Mine, I will bring joy to yours.”

You can also bring joy to G-d by doing His will: learning Torah, keeping mitzvot, and doing good for others. Choose something meaningful and sustainable that will lift you up spiritually and emotionally.

These are just a few practical ways to invite joy into your life. Try them, or discover others that resonate with you. The key is to keep trying until you find what works.

Now is the perfect time to break free from negative emotions and take charge of your joy. G-d wants us to serve Him with joy and love- let’s make that happen this year.

Wishing you a year of clarity, strength, and happiness!