The new year starts in February

True or true?

Even though this is obviously a joke, it does make sense.

Hear me out – One can say January is a trial version of the year. You get to see its goodies and do whatever you can with the trial version. Things just seem to sort of work. Maybe it is the new year, New beginnings vibe.

But trial versions are however available for only a limited time. To have unlimited access, you would need to pay a subscription fee. In this context, the fee is you putting in the work to continue having it good for the rest of the year.

Summary, January is over and so is play time.

Eish, slow down what is with all the pressure? You might be thinking this. And this – we are still in a soul-draining pandemic, also things seem to be working fine without me overthinking it.

Simple message is: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

I hope my personal experience inspires you.

For the past year I have not been getting the traction I would like in these 3 aspects of my life: Fitness, Finance, and in my Career. Things are good but not great. As we began the new year, I was excited like most. That excitement however did not immediately convert to drafting my 2021 vision/goals. So how did I move from a “lost to a I know what I want” kind of person. It was not hard, and you can do it too.

“From Lost to I know what I want” in 3 simple steps

I usually have ideas pop up at the oddest of times, (really great ideas) and the first step has to do with this.

First Step – Have a journal or an idea book. A physical copy or one you keep on your phone, laptop, or any other device. This gives you insight into what you desire and who you are. Put together those ideas and you are looking at your goals

Its funny how pride made me lose some great ideas. I always remember everything, I used to say to myself, but this has turned out not to be true. I do not have an eidetic memory and most likely you do not. So, write that idea down.

A plus for writing is the re-inspiration every time you come across it. So, give that a go.

Second Step – Vision and Execution Sheet

Bursting with ideas but never been able to implement? That is your procrastination speaking.

What has helped is to have a vision and execution sheet (I have both an excel and word copy). You could have this on a physical paper if you prefer. A simple example of what the different column headings of the table could look like:

SMART Goals / What it means to me / Skills needed / SMART Actions /Monthly Tracker (break this down into the various months).

Give this sheet life by naming it according to your vision. e.g. Vision PaK (productivity and knowledge). Cool right? Personalize it as you wish and look at it as often as possible (daily/ weekly is most recommended)

Third Step – Schedule and Track

Many swear that following a schedule is just stupid. Maybe so.

But you know what is more “just stupid” listening to yourself everyday say I should have used my time properly.

Goes without saying – Scheduling works. Allocating a time slot to various activities helps you manage your time better and get more work done. Set alarms to remind you that the time slot for a particular activity has elapsed.

You do not even have to be frigid eg You can allocate time to social media instead of just jumping on it any time of the day. You are having fun and still getting work done in time.

Also track your activities. Seems weird to track brushing your teeth but if your goal is to have fresh breath and a beautiful smile (my goal), then it is not. Turns out I do not brush my teeth enough. Gross (sticks out tongue).

The 3 steps are simple enough to help you set the ball rolling. Like the Chinese proverb, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.

The day you start is your day of reawakening. Let that day be today, Happy New year!!