For many, a new year prompts a list of New Year's Resolutions. Time management is closely related of course. I thought I'd talk about a few things I've learned about myself and what works and what doesn't work. For me.
These tips can be applied to many things, but not all. There are definitely some circumstances when you just need to face something head on and make hard choices. But if you're the type (like me) that sometimes has a hard time implementing positive changes, you might be able to relate.
Can't see the video? Watch it here.
Video Notes
Common sense perhaps, but here's what helps me:
Tip #1: Ease Into It (so you don't feel like a loser)
If you're like me and tend to fall off the wagon when it comes to making big changes in your life (losing weight, getting out of debt, getting organized, managing your time, etc.), my vote is to start small and ease into it. Instead of launching a huge program with lots of lofty goals, choose one thing you can do for ten minutes for 3 days. That's it. One thing, ten minutes, three days. Commit to that. I'll bet ya a doughnut you'll decide after those three days to keep at it because the starting is the worst part. The key here is to celebrate what you're already doing right!
Tip #2: Deprivation Leads to Excess (for some people)
I don't know about you, but if I deprive myself of something (e.g. I'm not going to eat any more sugar, or, I will not buy any books/clothes/shoes/gadgets for 6 months), I tend to obsess about the very thing I'm supposed to avoid. Then, when I've either given up or my allotted time of deprivation is over, I go hog wild. In many things, moderation really is a great option. Not only does it keep you from obsessing, it is also a lot easier to maintain long term.
The bottom line
As you work through Tell Your Time and Step 1 (Purpose) and Step 2 (Plan), focus on the the "gimmes" first. You probably have a number of Roles & Goals you're already doing well. Be encouraged that you've got a great start! Slowly add more, thoughtfully and purposefully. And slowly cut back on the things you want to see reduced until you've created a good balance. Slow and steady, both ways.
(If you're just joining me, you can buy Tell Your Time here.)
What about you? Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
Other posts in this series
- 7 Principles to Live By in 2013
- How I Deal with New Year's Resolutions
- How to Create a Weekly Schedule Using Google Calendar
- 4 Steps to Better Blogging Time Management
Hey Amy, seconds 32-35, you left a "Title Text Here, Subtitle Text Here" in your edit. Great video. I happen to be a fan of P90X which is exactly what you are against (for you). However, it is tough to find an hour a day when you are trying to launch a new site that you do all the writing for. I've actually found water fasting (though extreme) to be a great way to detox, reset your appetite, and lose weight. But the key, of course, is to get on better eating habits after the fast, or you'll gain it all back. Great video!
I stopped making resolutions a few years back after seeing that I never was able to push through with it after a month or so.
However, when I stumble upon posts such as this, I get to thinking about giving it another try. Easing into the changes might indeed be one good advice to take as I've noticed that some habits are just a little too hard to break, and going at it head on full force often is futile. Easing into it and being steady and consistent are the keys to successfully carrying out one's resolutions, I suppose.
I love the chocolate cake example, that is so me! Right now I am trying to deal with a few pounds I put on when I had to stop exercising due to an injury, and I am finding if I leave a bit of room in my calorie count for chocolate I do much better than trying to avoid it all together.
Amy, great post – thanks! I'm like you: too much restriction and I go hog wild the other way. But a great article I read this year talked about just making one resolution per year – just focus on one thing that's really important to you, so that's what we're doing this year, and our one resolution is debt freedom. We're going to kick it big time in the area of "not spending" by doing no extras money-wise for an entire year.
It's a lofty goal, given my "aversion" to tough discipline, but setting just this one goal seems like it's helping me to stay on track, even if it's a tough goal.
Oh, and accountability is another huge motivator for me. We're blogging our journey, not just to help others, but so that I know I've got readers keeping an eye on me
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Good luck in keeping your 2013 resolutions, everyone!
Hi, Amy! I've been subscribing to your blog for a couple months now, and I'm loving all your tips. So thank you!
I really like #1 above, especially after the life problems that last year involved – some of my own making, some not. So now I'm trying to accomplish things without adding stress, and I think your "one thing, ten minutes, three days" may become a mantra for me. Cheers!
Some great tips, Amy! I doing something different this year and joining up with OneWord 365, and not doing resolutions, but picking one word to define and shape my year. The philosophy is about focusing on a way to be, rather than things to do. For a person like me–a chronic do-er–this is a refreshing change of pace. My one word, by the way, is Trust.
Hi Amy!
That is what I am doing this year….slowing into my goals. For some reason the first month I burn myself out just trying to accomplish a year's worth of goals. Before the year began praying about what I needed to do to accomplish my goals. He showed me what I needed. I need to slow into my goals. Work on one at a time and overtime each goal will be accomplished.
What great suggestions! If I want to make each day valuable this year, first I need to seek the Lord about the changes He would like to make in my life, and second to go about making those changes slowly. I want every day of this year to matter!
Blessings,
Janis
I don't normally, but after the 2012 I had, I did this some this year – or really just one. I want to live with purpose and to find joy in my everyday life. It's so straight forward, but somehow insanely profound as well.
So true.