Somehow the holidays always feel like the season of free passes: to overeat, to overspend, to stay out too late, and if you’ve been looking for a job, to put it off until next year.
The problem, of course, is that nothing’s ever free. Now that the holidays are over, the ill effects of those unhealthy and unproductive habits have taken their toll. And what may have seemed like a little harmless frivolity here and there has added up to a few extra inches around the waist, a sluggish lack of focus and a loss of momentum.
We all know that New Year’s resolutions are for suckers. It’s not enough to say you’re going to do something. You need to make it concrete by planning – whether it’s exercising, looking for a job or eating better. Here are some real steps you can take if you really want your groove back this year.
Commit to Your Calendar
You probably already have a calendar that you use to schedule appointments and social engagements. But you may not be using it to its full potential. The first step in achieving anything worthwhile is to make a plan. And once it’s in your schedule, it’s more likely to happen – from career planning to grocery shopping.
It’s not enough to say, “I plan to exercise some time tomorrow.” Make it concrete. Figure out the best time and the actual activity, say a 5-mile jog or a spinning class, and make an appointment to do it. Think of your calendar as mission control and check it diligently, first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night.
Keep a To-Do List
Your To-Do list goes hand in hand with your calendar. Some calendars even have a To-Do list feature and there are numerous to-do list apps available for smart phones. But whether it’s paper and pencil or electronic, create one daily. The list should include immediate goals that need to be tended to right away, and long term goals that need to be broken down into steps that can be transferred into your schedule.
Without a To-Do list driving your schedule, your calendar is nothing more than a reminder for appointments rather than an action plan or playbook.
Create a Meal Plan
Creating a meal plan might seem like something that only busy families do to make sure the kids are fed, but anybody who’s interested in eating right and saving money can benefit from one. And no, you don’t necessarily have to be a great cook to have one. There are many healthy things you can make simply using a can of black beans, corn tortillas, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, and prepackaged salad. Eating more intentionally will help you eat better, cheaper and less wastefully.
Get Your Work Space in Order
Over the holidays, you may have neglected your job search and gotten lazy about updating your social media profiles or posts. Now’s the time to get organized again starting with your workspace, which could be an actual desk with a computer or an electronic desktop.
Make sure your LinkedIn page and other professional documents are updated. Organize your job leads and make a plan to tackle them. Start scheduling lunches and social engagements with professional colleagues. Try to clear as much physical and mental clutter left over from the holidays as possible so you can more easily focus on what’s ahead.
Stick with Your Routine
The holidays are not a routine time, which is what makes them so enjoyable. But too much unstructured and undisciplined time can leave you craving for a little order. Once you’ve got a routine going, stick with it. While it’s fine and even encouraged to indulge in a little spontaneity here and there, it’s best to remember that veering too far from your plan, whether it’s flaking on exercise or binge watching “The Walking Dead” rather updating your portfolio, will only stall your progress. Resolutions aren’t enough. Following a plan is the only real formula for success.
