This time of year there will be a slew of posts on making resolutions.
But simply wishing for something different, better or changed is frankly a waste of time.
Most people have no problem making a list – virtual or otherwise – but rarely, if ever, do you hear someone arrive at 31 December and say they have delivered on their resolutions…
Future gazing is one thing, but having the will, passion, commitment and fortitude to keep pushing forward is difficult.
We get stuck in now.
This year, instead of wishing for something out there, imagine what it would feel like (in the present) to change one substantive thing. It must be something that you feel strongly about (you must ardently desire it) so that in those dark and uncompromising days to come you won’t give up on yourself.
It is always a good idea to write things down but don’t let that stop you from talking it up.
I suspect that this issue is not something that you are going to beat into shape in 21 days – the normal time that most experts will say that you have to apply yourself. No, this is something that you will want to work on for the rest of your life but you can see by making changes, subtle or otherwise, it will make a massive difference to your life.
If I have one tip it is to stay curious. Don’t go for the vanilla type of change – go for something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
If it helps think of the person who you most admire for having this quality or ability that you wish to strive for in the coming year.
And don’t just think of it in a career context. That is too easy. No, think of something that gives you a window on a new world.
One of the best hacks I know for making sure you keep pushing through is to write your ‘goal’ out on a 3 x 5 card and read it once a day. Yes, I know it sounds stupid but trust me that positive reinforcement – until you don’t need to be reminded – will be transformative.