By this time the last crumbs of panettone (a sweet bread served during the New Year) have finally disappeared from the table. This is probably my least favorite month of the year. This is the time when promises are transformed into reality, or, as is usual, just die.

It seems easier to be lazy with your dreams when you are far from home. When the world around you speaks a different language and the comfort of “knowing how” is gone, everything feels strange. Procedures, rules, and daily rhythms are suddenly puzzles to solve. In this space, the only person who can make your dreams a reality is you.

After a well-deserved holiday, it is time to start working on your life. No more limoncello for now! Remember those wishes you promised to follow from next year on? I have news, the new year is officially here.

January is a crucial period. This is when motivation either leaves the room or doubles down. This year, you aren’t quitting. There is a reason you desired these things in the first place. Be true to yourself. Being an expat is actually the best opportunity you will ever have to explore your desires. Here is why:

• Freedom to fail: Try something new. A silly sport or an unusual hobby that people back home might laugh at. Here, you might know ten people or a hundred, but they didn’t grow up with you. They don’t see you as the person who has always done things a certain way. Use this anonymity to explore.
• Connection through action: The more you do, the more people you meet. Whether you’re signing up for a language course, tackling the Italian driving license, or volunteering, it isn’t just about the skill. It’s about finding your community.
• The proud mom: An expat’s mother is always proud, but she’s even prouder when she sees her child thriving on another continent. It does not matter the child’s age, whether 25 or 50 years old. Tell her about your small steps; her encouragement is the perfect fuel when you feel like giving up.

Sometimes, just surviving daily life abroad feels like enough. Adding a task can feel like a chore. The secret? Think of it as a reward, not homework.

Being an expat is no excuse for skipping goals. Whether you’re buying a house or simply reaching a B1 level in Italian, no goal is too small. Excuses are everywhere.  It takes too much money from me. It takes too much time. It takes too much bureaucracy. The only thing you truly need to begin is will.

It is strange how priorities shift when you start from zero. You had routines before, and now you feel lost. The key is simply to start somewhere. Start asking questions, start planning, and start your projects. But don’t do it all at once.

Clarity is your best friend. Revise your commitments, make a list of what truly matters to you, and select the goals that are realistic and achievable.

Give yourself a deadline. Map out the steps. Knowing exactly where you are helps you to stay motivated. Focus on three main goals, order them by importance, and write them down in a notebook. Dedicate some time to these goals. Fix a specific time in the week to take actions.

Follow your progress and celebrate the milestones. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate or a walk through a local market. Take a moment to breathe. This year, you aren’t just surviving in a new country, you are building a life you love in your new home.