Start now
As the end of the year approaches, it’s tempting to put off our goals and think, “I’ll start fresh in January.” The beginning of a new year feels like a symbolic reset - an opportunity to put our aspirations and intentions in focus. With the new year, resolutions are made, and change feels natural. While January 1st feels like a powerful day to begin your journey, it is also just another day!
If you’re wanting to make changes for the betterment of your life, mental health, or even physical health, why put it off any longer? Starting today can be the most powerful decision you make.
The allure of a New Year’s start
Why do we save our goals for a new year? Setting New Year’s resolutions is an age-old tradition that gives the sense of a blank state. Because it is often planned ahead, we feel comfortable placing our potential and effort in the hands of this fresh energy.
In acknowledging the freshness of January 1st, it’s also worth noting that many people set ambitious goals only to feel discouraged and give up early on. This happens when there is a large gap between what we think we can achieve and what effort we truly place on our goals.
The cycle of setting and abandoning resolution creates a sense of “failure” and self-doubt, making us question our ability to change. When we put our goals on hold for a special date, it can lead to procrastination. We may genuinely think we will be more motivated in January, but by putting it off, we allow pressure to build and make it even harder to begin.
The truth is, motivation often comes with action, not the other way around.
Small steps towards big goals
Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to implement change, consider taking small steps towards your goals now. Whatever you would like to change in your life, there’s always some step you can take now to avoid an intense overhaul in January which can lead to the abandonment of your goals.
Smaller, manageable actions give us a sense of accomplishment, motivating us to keep going.
Want to prioritise your physical health? Start with a 10-minute walk today and build yourself up. By January, you will be at a point where the change won’t feel as daunting.
Want to lean into gratitude more? Purchase your journal today. Begin writing in it, and by January, it will have already become a habit.
Want to welcome the new year with the gift of therapy? Find a Psychologist who you would like to book with today. Make your first appointment and by January, you will have already had one, or a few more, sessions in your pocket!
Starting now not only avoids overwhelming yourself with a sudden commitment in the new year, it also helps build momentum. Each small step towards your goal reinforces the commitment to change.
Don’t let “perfection” stop you.
If you still have hesitations, it’s probably because you feel you aren’t fully prepared. However, perfectionism is not only the enemy of progress, it is also unattainable. Whether you start today or in January, there will always be an excuse in the way. Instead, I encourage you to embrace where you are now so that you can freely begin your journey.
Each day is a chance to move closer to who you want to become. Whether you take this chance or let it pass for the excuse of the “perfect” moment is up to you! The power is, and always will be, within you.
This year, consider skipping the traditional resolution and instead focus on gradual and sustainable change, starting now.
Warmly,
Ruchi.