The stories of New Year’s resolutions and promises that are dead by mid-January are legendary. It happens to the best of us. Will that be you again this year? And note, this post applies to both your personal life – AND your business life.
Allow me to present a line from the film Vanilla Sky: “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”
Lots of us prefer clean breaks to start fresh with new goals or new resolutions. New Year’s. First of the month. Monday morning. End of the quarter. But when you realize and learn that you can decide – at any given moment – to grab control of your emotions and your life – and fulfill the promises to yourself right then and there – it will change your life.
Here are five ways to take back and keep your momentum:
1. Write them down. Seems like every day I read some advice about written goals, plans, dreams. But it’s true. Until what you want to accomplish is written down, it’s just a thought and dream in your head. If you haven’t done this, remember that every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around, so jot them down now.
2. Review every day. You need to hold yourself accountable – every day. Take those written goals, and review with yourself every day. All you need is five minutes. Do it while getting dressed in the morning. Make a commitment to see if you are on track. If not, remember that every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around. Stop reading this blog right now – review your list.
3. Allow for bad days. We are human, or at least most of us. We will stumble. We will slip up. Don’t punish yourself harshly. Many people make one slip up and decide at the moment that all is lost. Remember, every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around. Get back on that horse, now!
4. Spend time with positive, uplifting people. I read somewhere that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If you spend all your time with unmotivated slackers, you will become that. So don’t. Find people you respect and admire. Grab coffee, or take them to lunch. I promise it will inspire you and make you feel better, and being with uplifting people will remind you that every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.
5. Have fun. This was the hardest lesson for me to learn. Sometimes, you need to just have fun. Every single person defines this differently. Playing sports, listening to music, seeing a film with someone special, visiting a museum, reading a book, etc. It is good for the soul to let go of daily life and cut loose. It recharges you and clears your mind. The good vibes you feel from enjoying life remind you that every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.
Good luck, and here’s hoping we all achieve our goals and dreams. Please share other ways you keep your momentum going. And pass this along to anyone who needs a little push. Thanks!
Todd Schnick. Be Intrepid. http://intrepid-llc.com
