As we progress into 2025, January moves to February, now is a good time to stop, think, reset and form new habits to ensure you continue to a achieve your 2025 goals.
Motivation versus Discipline.
Motivation is generally driven by an external influence - a book, a documentary you’ve watched, a speech you’ve listened to or an inspiring conversation. Motivation is great to kick-start new, healthy and positive routines, to make changes, to follow goals and reach our dreams but can be short-lived and therefore the effects of that initial motivation can fade quickly. The quote from American motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar acknowledges this reality “People say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing - that’s why we recommend it daily.”
To sustain a new behaviour, we need discipline, and discipline is knowing what you should do, even when you really don’t want to do it. Discipline will carry you across the finish line long after motivation has left because discipline is an internal force therefore within your control and comes from establishing good habits daily.
Once you’ve established discipline and set it into motion, habits become second nature and procrastination is lessened. New Year’s resolutions become much easier to follow through, whether it’s a new eating and exercise plan, learning a new skill or committing to being more organised or completing a pet project.
Here are a few areas you might like to consider:
Personal Growth
1. Set a Theme for the Year: Choose a guiding word or phrase, like "balance," "adventure," or "focus," to steer your decisions throughout the year.
2. Learn Something New: Commit to mastering a skill, language, or hobby you've always been curious about.
3. Declutter Your Space: Start the year by simplifying your environment - clean out a room, wardrobe or your computer.
Health and Wellness
4. Create a Consistent Routine: Design a morning or evening ritual that includes time for self-care, meditation or exercise.
5. Focus on Hydration: Begin a habit of drinking more water daily; even small steps like carrying a reusable water bottle.
Relationships and Connections
6. Reconnect with Loved Ones: Reach out to someone you've lost touch with or schedule regular check-ins with family or friends.
7. Practice Kindness: Make it a goal to perform a random act of kindness every week - small gestures - big difference. Career and Finances
8. Review Your Finances: Start budgeting, tracking expenses, or setting financial goals like saving for a big purchase or paying off debt.
9. Invest in Professional Growth: Take an online course, attend a workshop, or build connections in your industry.
Fun and Adventure
10. Plan an Adventure: Whether it’s a short road trip, an international journey, or simply exploring a local park, schedule something exciting to look forward to.
And remember... "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want". Zig Ziglar. Every Tuesday, you can take time out for yourself with the free mindfulness session from 7.15 pm to 7.45.
For more information visit https://www.francesdunning.com or contact me, Fran Dunning on 07973 819867 for details of mindfulness zoom link.
