As I said in the previous blog post, this is my favorite time of the year. However, as soon as I said that, this became one of the most annoying times of the year.
There’s suddenly a strange mix of pumpkin flavored everything served with a side of “make sure you end the year on a high note” level of pressure.
Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy a lot of the 30, 60, 90 days to a new you content. It’s very inspiring to see people doing the work that’s transforming their lives and highlighting the process to motivate others to do the same. It just seems like this type of “reinvent yourself or business right now” content is all over the place. Like there’s a sudden pressure to make sure we don’t get too comfortable in the final days of the year because the new year is coming and we need to be ready for it. Yet, nature (grass, trees, flowers and animals) is getting ready to hibernate and go dormant for the most part.
So which one is it? Should we focus our efforts on sweaters, soups and warm spices or strategy, scaling and new skills.
Before I share my thoughts let me highlight the pros of each side.
Point A: Finish The Year Strong
This point focuses on doing what we can to finish the year with intention. There’s still time to accomplish some, or at least one, of our goals. We don’t have to wait for the new year to get started. Also, finishing the year strong can mentally help us start the year feeling accomplished.
Point B: Take It Slow
The other thought says if nature is taking a break then maybe we should to. There’s actually research that argues that Spring time is the best time to begin working on our goals because it follows the natural rhythm of creation. I actually saw this different point of view gaining more traction last year as many people, even one of my own coaches, posted they weren’t setting any goals during the winter and will spend that time allowing their mind and body to rest.
So which one is it? Should we go all out or relax in this season?
I suggest we do the things that align with our future self as well as what we individually need right now. The most important word in that sentence is align.
According to dictionary.com align is defined as:
- place or arrange (things) in a straight line.
- give support to (a person, organization, or cause).
Here’s what my suggestion looks like when I mix it with the definition of align:
I suggest we take this time to arrange things in a straight line that will lead us to our future goals as well as support ourselves in the areas where we need assistance right now.
If you would like to take action towards doing that, then look below for a few actions steps. Of course the most important thing is for you to do what you feel is best. You can finish the year strong, go slow, get some rest, create a new business plan, or even try a new skill.
Just make sure your actions are in alignment with your future self and you’re getting the support you need.
Also, don’t give into peer pressure. This is your journey. Therefore, you get to decide.
Please note, the following steps are only suggestions. Feel free to add, remove or adjust anything you need to help you become more successful in completing your goals. Also, I can’t guarantee your success.
Take Action
Step 1: Find a quiet place or go for a gentle walk. Allow yourself to be in this place for a few minutes before you begin.
Step 2: Think about how you want to feel at the start of the new year.
Step 3: Write down the things that will help you accomplish that feeling. For example, if you want to feel motivated and ready to start the new year, then consider what would help you to feel motivated. Or maybe you want to start the year feeling relaxed, what habits can help you to release stress and enter the year with more ease?
Step 4: What kind of support do you need right now? For example, do you need an accountability partner, a mini vacation, or a mentor, etc.
Step 5: Write 1-3 small, doable actions that will help you accomplish Step 3 and Step 4.
BONUS: I highly encourage you to do this with someone. “Research studies have shown that publicly committing your goals to someone gives you at least a 65% chance of completing them. However, having a specific accountability partner increases your chance of success to 95%.” (medium.com)
And for the shameless plug, I’m happy to be your accountability partner through my coaching services. You can learn more about that here.
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