Setting and Achieving Goals: An Expat’s New Year Guide in the Netherlands
As an expat in the Netherlands, starting a new year in a new country presents a unique opportunity to redefine personal and professional goals. This guide provides straightforward tips for staying on track with your New Year resolutions, ensuring you make the most of your expat experience in the Netherlands.
Setting Realistic Goals:
- Define Clear Objectives: Be specific about what you want to achieve. Whether it’s learning Dutch, making local friends, or exploring more of the country, clear goals are easier to pursue.
- Understand Your Environment: Acknowledge how the Dutch lifestyle can impact your goals. Understand local resources, weather patterns, and cultural norms that might affect your plans.
Creating a Plan of Action:
- Break it Down: Divide your goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Monthly or weekly targets can make even the most ambitious resolutions seem attainable.
- Utilize Local Resources: The Netherlands offers various expat-friendly services and communities. Join expat groups, enroll in language classes, or engage in local activities to support your objectives.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and strategies to set realistic New Year resolutions in the Netherlands, let’s bridge the gap between intention and action. In the next section, we’ll introduce you to a curated selection of tools and services designed to support and enhance your journey. Whether it’s for health, financial, or personal growth goals, these resources are here to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
Essential Health Tools and Services
TrainMore / Urban Sports Club
TrainMore and Urban Sports Club offer diverse and flexible fitness options catering to various interests and schedules. TrainMore is known for its unique concept where you earn a discount for every day you train, incentivizing regular workouts. Urban Sports Club provides a multi-venue membership, allowing you to access various sports facilities and classes across the city and beyond.
These clubs are ideal for expats looking to maintain or kick-start a healthy lifestyle in a new environment. The variety of locations and classes means you can find something that fits your schedule and preferences, making it easier to stick to your fitness goals. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people and integrate into the local community.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh delivers weekly meal kits right to your door (same goes for Marley spoon, complete with recipes and fresh ingredients. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and helps you to eat healthily. For expats adjusting to a new country, HelloFresh offers a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without the stress of meal planning or ingredient hunting, which can be challenging when you’re still learning about local food sources. It also introduces you to new and local flavors, helping you explore the culinary culture of the Netherlands.
Headspace app
Headspace is a popular meditation app offering guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and sleep assistance. It’s designed to help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being. Moving to a new country can be stressful. Headspace offers expats a convenient and accessible way to prioritize their mental health, with sessions that can fit into any schedule. Regular use can help you maintain a calm and focused mindset as you navigate your new life in the Netherlands.
Parship app
Parship is an online dating platform with a focus on building serious relationships. It uses a compatibility-based system to help you find a partner who truly matches your interests and lifestyle. For expats looking to start a new relationship or meet like-minded individuals, Parship offers a secure and thoughtful way to date. It can be particularly useful for those who are new to the country and interested in building long-term connections. With Parship, you can find someone who understands your lifestyle and supports your goals.
Effective Banking Solutions for Better Budgeting & renewing contracts
N26
N26 is a mobile banking platform offering a seamless, app-based banking experience with features like real-time transaction notifications, international money transfers, and budgeting tools. It’s designed for those who prefer a modern, digital-first approach to banking. For expats in the Netherlands, managing money across borders can be complex. N26 simplifies this with its straightforward app, favorable exchange rates, and free international transactions in many cases. Its budgeting and savings tools also help expats keep track of their financial goals in a new currency and economic environment, making it easier to manage and save money while abroad.
Independer Energie
Many energy contracts conclude at the end of the year, providing an opportunity to reassess and switch to a plan with lower rates or better sustainability practices as new deals emerge. Independer is an online comparison platform that allows users to compare various services, including energy providers. It offers a transparent view of the prices and services of different companies, helping you make informed decisions about your energy consumption. Utility setup can be one of the more confusing aspects of moving to a new country. Independer provides expats with an easy-to-use tool to compare and choose the most cost-effective and suitable energy provider in the Netherlands. This can lead to significant savings and ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible, contributing positively to your financial goals.
KPN
Internet service providers frequently introduce competitive end-of-year deals to attract new customers, presenting an opportunity to upgrade your service or reduce costs. KPN is a leading telecommunication and IT provider in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of services, including high-speed internet, television, and phone packages. Known for its reliable connectivity and customer service, KPN is one of the most established choices for digital services in the country.
For expats settling into a new home in the Netherlands, having a dependable internet connection is crucial for both personal and professional needs. Switching to KPN can provide a stable and fast internet service, ensuring you stay connected with friends and family abroad, work remotely without interruptions, and enjoy streaming and online entertainment. Additionally, KPN’s various package options allow expats to find a plan that best suits their budget and usage requirements, potentially leading to cost savings and enhanced online experiences.
Closing this chapter and starting a new one
As we close this chapter on New Year resolutions, remember that your journey in a new land is shaped by the goals you set and the actions you take. Embrace the Netherlands with open arms and a determined spirit. Let the tools and insights from this page be your guide as you navigate through the challenges and celebrate every victory, big or small. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and unforgettable experiences in your new home. Forge ahead with confidence — your most rewarding adventure awaits!