Oftentimes when we are faced with something we don’t want to do, or think we can't do, we will go to the ends of the earth to avoid it. It’s called procrastination and we all do it. The very thought of certain tasks can be overwhelming either because we anticipate the time and effort it will take, or it’s taking away from something we would rather be doing.
For many of us, the holidays can create a layer of anxiety as we approach the end of year. All of the fears seem to rush in about goals not accomplished, money not saved, the book not written, or the weight not lost. We start to beat up on ourselves and that becomes our story heading into the New Year.
Maybe the reality begins to sink in that if only we stuck to the plan, or committed just a bit more we would be in a much better place.
Although this may be true, it is still no reason to look down on yourself. Don’t throw your plans away. Rather, rework them so that you are not focusing on resolutions but results for 2022.
Saving money can be difficult but not impossible. Determine the steps you need to take in order for that to happen – creating a monthly budget, eliminating expenses you don’t need, reading a book on finance, seeking professional advice, etc. Your circumstances have to change in order to get the results you want.
People will often tell me that they want to write a book, and ask how to get started. I tell them simply: write. You have to know what you’re writing about and who you’re writing to. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to write, network with other writers, take a class, research, etc.
Everything we do in life requires some type of preparation. We have to get into a space to receive the very things we want. This includes making sacrifices and holding ourselves accountable.
No one is perfect. But when you fall off track or get discouraged, know that it’s okay and you’re not a failure. Procrastination may rear its ugly head every now and then. Try and focus on the end goal. What are you doing this for?
As we approach the end of 2021, have no regrets. You can’t go back and change anything. What you can do is create space for the year to come and set actionable goals. You owe it to yourself to not give up and live the life you desire.