For many, December 31st is a day of nitpicking and heavy self-criticism and self-flagellation. Lists of what was NOT accomplished abound and from their ashes is borne a brand new unrealistic to-do list.
New Year's Resolutions can be divided into two categories: easy stuff and hard stuff.
This may sound like a ridiculous oversimplification, but the truth is that if you have to create a list, there may be some blockage/obstacle/self-sabotage associated with those items you know you have to tackle.
The really easy stuff doesn't require a place on a list or alerts set up on the phone.
1.Weight Loss
How about making a list of fun stress-reducing activities. A major cause of overeating and physical inactivity is emotional stress.
I've observed from many years of teaching and working with humans that when people 'fail' to accomplish a particular goal, they deny themselves pleasurable activity. It is a form of masochism. If you don't get the expected raise, turn on music and dance; otherwise, you might eat your feelings.
Dance, sing, laugh, and play regardless of the outcome of your efforts. Consider what you learned through a process even if the outcome is not what you'd hoped. If you learn nothing from unpleasant experiences and results, time is truly wasted. Analyze your successes more than your 'failures'
2. Change Careers
Before you pursue a different Line of Work, set up an appointment with a Career Counselor, which you may be able to do free-of-charge through a local college or library. Otherwise, make the investment and pay for a career coach to help prep you for the next phase of your work life. Never leap without the net of talking to a professional and doing research. You can also go to networking events, join a meetup group or attend a free small business workshop.
Small steps instead of a big leap.
3. Become more organized
The best way to know what happens with those 24 hours is to keep a time journal, which is similar to a food journal. Wasting calories on junk food is akin to wasting time on things over which you have no control. Do you spend hours discussing the same issue over and over again with the same people?
It might be time to loosen or undo ties with the time suckers in your life.
4. Big Art Projects
Writing the next big American novel?
Take a writing workshop and stay in touch with fellow workshop participants. After participating in a structured workshop, you can continue to offer each other writerly support via Google Hangouts, iCall or in person.
Set aside time each day for writing -- Internet and Phone free -- and share your progress with fellow writers who can praise and critique.
Be social with your goals. Share them with friends online and irl. People will cheer your incremental changes, achievements and efforts. You can be kind toward yourself as you work toward revitalizing your life.
