Now we are in 2019, what are your plans for this year? Some will use the term New Year’s resolutions and others will call it planning. Whatever title we give it, action is required if we would like to see the results.
The quote “everyone wants the results but no-one wants to put in the work” springs to mind. There is no way of seeing results if you do not change your approach. We can observe and admire others who have put plans in place and achieved their desired outcome but do we know what sacrifices they made along the way?
I have often wondered how extremly successful people have achieved what they have, given we are all granted the same 24 hours. I realised it is what they have done with their 24 hours which has brought them to where they are today. They have put strategic plans in place, some of which have probably fallen through along the way. Failure is a part of life and it should serve to push us nearer to our goal as oppose to wallowing in self pity and wondering “why me?”.
In my opinion, extreme changes do not work long term. For example if you wish to become healthier/slimmer, cutting out a whole food type or booking five evenings a week at the gym is unlikely to work. If you wish to read books more regularly, starting with two books a week from none is too much of a jump. Introducing small gradual changes is often recommended as it takes at least 30 days for habits to stick.
In order to be consistent with your plans you need to know your “why”. Your why will keep you focused when you would rather be watching Netflix, socialising with friends, browsing the Internet. Your why will keep you focused on reaching your goal even when you face obstacles. Your why will remind you why you are making the sacrifices.
What are your plans for 2019?
What will you do differently?
What did you learn in 2018?
organisedlady 
Good read Phoenicia! Trying to rush for tasks generally causes failure of resolutions in the very first month. Tasks we so in smaller chunks brings success. The quote -“everyone wants the results but no-one wants to put in the work” is apt. Daydreaming cannot do any wonder for us, we have to raise up and put in our effort. My goal for this year is to be fit and improve my blogging skills.
LikeLike
Thank you Tushita. Bitesize chunks are easier to manage than big bites. Great goals- I hope you achieve them.
LikeLike
Well said as always Phoenicia. My “theme” for 2019 is Self-Mastery and that will be reflected in my writing and projects. To focus my efforts I’ve set half a dozen very specific challenging goals to achieve and created a timeline. I have a bad habit of adding to my task and goals list as I come up with new ideas which greatly dilutes my efforts, so that will be the first habit I am going to break. What are your plans for 2019?
LikeLike
Well you will certainly be busy in 2019! My plans? Work on my mini book on overcoming rejection, move onto a senior leadership programme, more quality time with the family, read the bible in a year, read a new book every week, plan rest time.
LikeLike
You’re so right about knowing the why behind what we do. Too many times we plunge into things without stopping to think why we want a particular thing to take place in our lives. Pondering the why behind our actions is critical.
LikeLike
Thanks for your encouragement Rose Mary. We always need to go back to our “why”.
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Phoenicia! My biggest plan for 2019 is to get the second volume of Chocolatour written. I’ve got it partly done and just have to lock myself up for the winter and forge forward to get it done. Wish me luck and all the best in reaching your own goals.
LikeLike
Your plans sound exciting Doreen. I always look forward to reading your posts. I think it may be something to do with the chocolate content!
LikeLike
Your suggestions make a lot of sense. A huge commitment is scary, but if it is cropped into smaller pieces, it will seem more attainable. That works for me!
LikeLike
Small chunks are a lot easier to bite! Thanks for commenting on my blog.
LikeLike