If you’re watching national news, scrolling social media, or even taking a step outside, you feel in the core of your being that the world is a chaotic place.
It is hard to work towards goals when you constantly feel the ground shifting beneath you. And then throw in the bout of sickness that seemed to spread over the holiday and slide into the new year, it’s difficult to muster not only the energy but the motivation to work towards goals at this moment.
I can’t tell if I’m just paying more attention or if the world has gotten more chaotic in these last six years. But this year is my year for trudging ahead, for doing my best to remain disciplined. Last year, I fear I settled for comfort instead of the hard work that’s needed to look forward. Now it’s time to get to work.
Ruthlessly eliminate
The first step is actually to say no. We are often saying yes to way more than we have capacity to. And while there are seasons in which we might have to say yes, we can’t constantly be running on more responsibilities than we can handle. Think of holding apples in your hand. The more apples that get placed in your palms, the harder it is to carry all the apples together. You need to get rid of some apples to sustainably carry them for the long haul.
What can you limit and say no to? You could declutter your closet. Less clothes, less stuff you need to organize. Clear out your pantry or fridge. Remove apps from your phone. Turn off the TV (my current culprit). This includes saying no to organizations that you had time for in one season but have no time for in your current season.
The more you remove or limit that’s unnecessary will give you more time and space to actually get to what you need to get done.
Related Post: The paradox of rest in American culture
Start with rest
There are those who believe in waking up at 5am and launching into their day without adequate nutrition or water. Don’t be like them. You can only do a routine like that for so long before your body forces you to rest.
Considering we’re in the middle of winter, get some more sleep. (Counterintuitive, I know) Go to bed earlier and sleep longer. Drink water when you wake up. Have warm soups and broths. Trying to reach your goals from a place of anxiety means you will be running on fumes eventually. If you are rested, you’ll at least have the capacity to work harder for longer. Even if you don’t always feel motivated.
Dedicate a space
If you’re wanting to work on job applications like me, then you need a desk, ideally an office to get to work. If you want to work out, you can clear a space in your basement, or a space on your living room floor for a yoga mat. What if you want to read more books? Create a book nook. Place a lamp and books on your TBR on a small table nearby.
The point being is you don’t want to be needing to fix your space everytime you need to get to work on your goals. The less friction there is from starting to accomplishing your goals, the better.
In my case, I need to even clear out my web browsers to make digital space for all the applications I need to get to. (The procrastination hits hard!)
Related Post: Why Not Me?: A Guide to Make Progress on Your Dreams
Have several blocks of your time in your week
If life feels different everyday, if there are different obligations that come and go–it is best to have multiple times in your week where you can achieve the goal that you’ve set for yourself. For example, I want to get my driver’s license this year. I have two slots in my week that are free for driving lessons. When it comes to job hunting, I have times in my day where I know I can get online and look at LinkedIn for potential opportunities.
The more potential spaces in your week to achieve your goals, the more likely you will actually make some progress.
Persist
This last one is probably the most important. It is said that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions don’t get achieved (would be cool to find a source on this stat but it is widely reported). The best way to get closer to what you want is simply to keep going.
I often find myself trying to create the perfect conditions for a day. A strict bedtime, a particular morning routine. While those are lovely things, life happens. It’s best to know that even when life is not going as planned, when you sleep past your alarm, when you have 0.0% motivation, you know that you can pick yourself up and start again. You don’t have to do it perfectly. But as long as you try, it’s a good place to start.
Signing off,
Gigi
What goals are you starting this new year? How are you planning on making progress?
Studying Life with Gigi 