How wacky am
I, right? Implying that September is the beginning of the new year. Follow me
here: I think it is an even better time to make plans for productivity than the
real start of the new year. Let me explain.
The “New” Can Begin Now
On January 1st, we
all think about how we are going to do better in the coming year, whatever
doing better means: work harder, work less, get in shape, lose weight, make
more time for family and friends, learn a new skill.
You name it,
we promise ourselves we’re going to do it. But it is a pretty dreary time of
year and no one wants to jump in feet first when it’s dreary, so we put things
off. Besides, we have 12 months to get all those things done, right?
But here we
are in September, and summer is in the rearview mirror. That alone makes me
grouchy. And to think that there are still some things left on the table from
my resolutions last January – it can get a
little depressing and defeating.
So, here’s what I suggest you do to battle the blues: get out a piece of paper and write down a few things you would like to accomplish before we say goodbye to 2024. They can be personal, professional, family and friends. They can be whatever you think you can and should improve in that much time.
Want to date?
Don’t wait until January when you could be snuggling with someone by then if
you start now. Want to get in shape? Why not get a head start?
See how much
can change in just a few months and you will feel great about yourself by just
pushing a little harder right now. Don’t waste the time and say that you will
do it after December. You won’t. You know you won’t. Do it now.
I Can’t Do Anything Until After X Mindset
I have a friend
who always says that she can’t do anything until X is over. Then X comes and
goes, and she can’t do anything until Y. Now, she still has Z hanging out there
not getting done.
When I talk with
her, it is clear that the needle never moves forward in her life, that
absolutely nothing changes. It makes me sad to think of all that time burning
away when she could be accomplishing more by just moving one foot forward.
Make Your Plans Now
When you think about
September, it makes perfect sense to use it as a springboard for action over
the last few months of the year.
So, pretend this
is New Year’s Eve and you are making plans, not for the next year, but for the
next few months and just see where that thought leads you.
You might find that there are a lot of small “resolutions” you want to make before 2025 shows up: something as small as reading that book that has been on the nightstand all summer, or wanting to make some gifts for the holidays. Or how about taking piano lessons?
I guarantee that
if you sit down for just a few minutes and jot out a couple of items that might
be nice to start on before the holidays kick in, you will find that you feel
great about the initiative that you took to get started or finished, the
productivity that you put into action, and the results of your efforts.
Then, kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy everything that accomplishment allows you to feel. Enjoy the last month of the year and get ready to make your list again for 2025!
What items are you going to put on your list for September and the following months? If anything is stopping you from moving forwards, what is it? Please share your thoughts with the community and let’s have a discussion.