Jump Start 2018

Every year most of us try to reflect on what we can do to improve the upcoming year. The most common resolution is a healthier lifestyle. We all want to get in shape and have stronger eating habits, but let's face it, most of us put it off, and by this time next year, we are making the same resolutions.

For years I've told myself, "This year will be different!" although it never is. Life gets hectic, and we make excuses and put things off. So I've decided enough is enough! I'm serious about making certain personal changes in my life, and there is not a better time than NOW! You heard me, not in an hour, not tomorrow, not next week. Chances are you won't do it. Stop what you are doing and take ten minutes to read that chapter in the book you keep putting off. (I would know. Last year I had a goal to read one book a month. Needless to say, I am still working on that one book, twelve months later.)

Let's say you want to drink more water? Cut back on caffeine, or energy drinks, soda, etc. Drink a glass of water right then and there. Step one is the hardest and that means taking actions and initiative. Maybe you want to walk more or jog. Get off that couch and put in ten minutes. Even if it's a small amount, effort goes a long way. That first step is all it takes to get started.

Don't you just love feeling pleased with yourself? That accomplished feeling, there is nothing more rewarding than satisfaction, am I right?

Let's think about just what resolutions are. They are personal goals we set in hopes to better ourselves. Sounds pretty good, eh? Who doesn't want to be a better version of themselves?

Sometimes having a friend to encourage you while you're working towards your goals can be helpful. However, having your buddies around can also be a distraction. I personally have found depending on others is harder to do when you're trying to get something done. I guess it all depends on your own willpower and having the motivation you need to push forward and knowing what's going to be beneficial to you and working towards your goals.

Don't overwhelm yourself with an unrealistic goal. Start small, then work your way up to bigger things. If you're trying to be a happier person in life, find 1 thing a day to be grateful for. Then after a week, try to work your way to 3 things you are grateful for. The more you realize you have to be grateful for the less you will worry about insignificant things.

Maybe you want a change in jobs, or not sure how to save your money for that concert you never can afford. Start simple. Take five minutes of your time to email your resume off to a few companies. Even if you only send one a day, you are still being productive towards your goals. When it comes to saving money, it doesn't have to be such a dent in the paycheck. Try taking a small amount every check. Putting $10-20 aside can definitely add up in a few months.

Whenever we find ourselves overwhelmed, we have a tendency to give up or throw the towel in. Nothing is impossible, especially when we put our minds to it. Mind over matter is really a powerful thing.

Try using the Independent rule. Not sure if it's a real thing because I kind of made it up, but it works! It's similar to the two-minute rule. If something takes you less than two minutes to do, do it. So the Independent rule goes, if you think about doing something, don't wait to do it. Jump on board, and go for it. Right then and there! Being independent is such a confidence booster.

You are more likely to do things when you have higher confidence levels. That's another thing that should motivate you to jump-start those revolutions. Just imagine this time next year, instead of counting down from another dreadful and unproductive year, you could be boasting about all your accomplishments, feeling fantastic! Can you remember the last "great" year you had? If you're like me, it's been a while, so let's make 2018 count. Starting NOW!