Ep 21: Why December is the New January (AND How to Make the Most of It!)
It all started when a wonderful lady I was speaking with said these words in passing, “Well, December is the new January…”
And even though it was the first time I’d heard those words, it felt like something I’d known all along. So, in this week’s episode, I unpack WHY I think this is such a powerful perspective and share my exact process for preparing to make the most of upcoming opportunities!
I love the idea that we don’t need to wait for January to move forward. And don’t feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing.
Statistics show that 80% of people drop their new year’s resolution by February. And according to Forbes, just 8% of people actually achieve their resolutions.
Why on earth would you want to model that failure rate?
So, I’m proposing we look at things differently and not accept that tradition as the only way to go about bringing goals/change to our life in the winter.
I believe opportunity it open to those who are looking ahead, who are looking for it!
I know I normally talk about finding and shattering our Glass Walls that we put up in our own way or something close to that. But every now and then, I think we need to remember WHY we put in good work like that. WHY go through the efforts to shatter your Glass Walls if you don’t have a clear vision of what life could look like after you step past them.
That’s why I propose to you that December is the new January. I’m going to share with you what has worked for me (a peek into my process) and I’ve created a worksheet for you to do the same. So, take notes if you’d like but I’m going to give you the whole thing after I explain it. K?
1. Pursue Something Big
If we set a goal that we KNOW is totally realistic and COMPLETELY doable, it’s not really a goal… it’s a to-do list item.
PLUS… It’s the best way to learn more about yourself and your world
And what I’m starting to observe (and have heard from others) is that it also attracts the best people! High-capacity individuals are not drawn to smaller ideas. We’re drawn to BIG things that really make a difference. SO… why not give your work, your dream, your goal the best chance of succeeding by not keeping it small so it will attract the best people??
2. Keep Asking WHY
Once you’ve decided on a goal or a dream for the next year, walk through this exercise to really anchor yourself emotionally, mentally and even relationally to the goal. Here’s what the exercise looks like…
It’s best if you have a partner or friend to work through this, but if you don’t, don’t let that stop you. Once you have that goal, ask yourself the question WHY.
– Then, ask yourself WHY
– Again
– And again
– Ask yourself WHY five times in total.
This will allow you to get past the superficial reasons for moving toward your goal and really get to the heart of things. It may sound overly simple or even annoying, but trust me, the process is really revealing (in the best way!).
I had the chance to speak to a really intelligent business coach last week, Matthew Pollard, and he shared that many high-capacity individuals have goals and dreams that belong to someone else… They could be what you perceived your parent’s goals to be, or your best friends goals, or someone you admire, but if they aren’t your own, it probably won’t stand the test of time.
Or… stand the test of “How much do you really want this?” headwinds. Is this term a new one to you? If so, I encourage you to check out Episode 7 on the concept of Lift. To boil it down, everything that climbs uses resistance to get there–even airplanes. They actually take OFF going into the headwinds and use those winds to climb.
That’s why this exercise is really good at drawing out WHY a goal matters to you! It’ll reveal if this goal is anchored enough in what matters to you to push through obstacles.
3. Write It Down
Did you now that we’re 42% more likely to make it happen if we write it down??
Once you’ve distilled your goal down to this beautiful reduction, and you’re really clear on your why, write it down! And place it where you can see it.
Can you imagine a crucial step would be so easy?? Refreshingly, it is. So, please don’t skip this super important step!
4. Surround Yourself With People Who Want to Move Forward Too!
Unfortunately, it’s not hard to find people who will nay-say your dreams and goals. Some of us know all too well the feeling of Tall Poppy Syndrome.
And I also know that the simple idea of making sure you surround yourself with others who don’t want to accept an 80% failure rate for their goals in 2018 will position you for MUCH more success!
We go further together.
That’s a large part of why UnSabotage exists.
And I hope you found today’s episode challenging and actionable.
In fact, I created a handout based on this episode just for you! It’s a step-by-step process of walking through these exercises with other tips and amazing secrets to reaching your goals one after the other!
Get access to yours now! Simply hop on over to: unsabotage.com/thenewjanuary
Until next week, don’t settle for a success method that has an 80% failure rate. You’re better than that and claiming that this December is your new January is a HUGE step forward in making that a reality.