Is it the Frog?
So many of us enter the New Year brimming with resolutions. We're filled with hope, anticipation, and a sense of possibility, yet by the end of January, a startling 80% of people have already abandoned their goals. Why does this happen? Some never get started, or they don't start the right way. They procrastinate and quickly label themselves as failures. Or, they try, don't perform as well as hoped, and quickly revert to old habits. "I failed. This isn't for me," they think.
But consider this: we don't live life one year at a time, so why should our goals be confined to this timeframe?
I want to encourage you to start February, and every month thereafter, with a new paradigm. Look at your goals as life goals, life missions, which can be broken down into smaller, manageable objectives. Some with strict deadlines, some without, but always aligning with your broader vision for life. Remember, you only truly fail when you quit. Otherwise, every setback is a learning experience.
Perhaps it's time to approach things a little differently. Or maybe it's about getting back up, dusting yourself off, and trying again. Learn from setbacks. Is there a different, more effective method? Do you need support or accountability? Are you clear on your goal and your 'why'?
Exploring and understanding these aspects are crucial. But, fundamentally, the most important step towards achieving your goals is action. You can plan, strategize, journal, and meditate about your goals all you want, but without action, you won't progress.
And this is where we come to the crux of it all: Eat the Frog First.
This saying originates from Mark Twain, who famously said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the rest of the day knowing the worst is behind you. Your 'frog' is your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on.
By tackling what's difficult or undesirable first, you can reward yourself with the easier tasks later. This habit shift requires discipline and time. And remember, if you don't manage to 'eat the frog' today or tomorrow, it doesn't mean you can't do it the day after. The key is persistence – there is no failing unless you stop trying.
So, what are your goals? What do you wish to achieve? Not just in 2024, but what is your overarching goal? What legacy do you want to leave behind? What habits do you want to transform?
Don't wait for a life-threatening scenario to change harmful habits. Stop procrastinating, take action, tackle the challenging tasks first, and you will start moving towards your goals. And remember, I am here to support you on this journey. Together, we can turn challenges into victories and transform our lives for the better. Let's eat that frog and pave the way to success! ๐ธ๐
Statistics and Factual Information Sources:
- University of Scranton research suggesting about 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February.
- Psychology studies on procrastination and goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of immediate action.
- Mark Twain's influence on popular productivity strategies.
If you need further information or support in achieving your goals, feel free to reach out. Let's make this journey together!