If there is one thing the year 2020 has taught is that tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. Whether it be plans to travel the world, compete in a marathon or simply wake up to enjoy another day on this great planet. Reactions from governments around the world to lockdown transportation systems, restaurants, gyms and many places to name created a shock for most people and their way of life. I am not here to debate any actions taken, instead we will take a trip to memory lane and ask ourselves what changed in a years time within our lives. Did we follow through with our New Year’s resolution or make changes towards improving our lives.
For most of us the answer is no.
2020 was the year to throw a monkey wrench in the cogs of our lives. The year in which we can come up with every excuse in the world to sit at home, watch TV, play video games and wait for the following year to bring us better times. Studies from the University of Scranton found that 77 percent of people quit new years resolutions within on week. 19 percent fulfilled within two years. And that small number will prove to be even smaller during the days of the Cerveza sickness. What was hard became impossible for most. I see resolutions as FADS. Something to talk about until the time to put in the work arrives.
Than we have those whom choose to change their lifestyle, making healthy choices, learning some new skills or work on personal finances. All are great ways to begin a journey towards self improvement. The percentage of people that stick with lifestyle changes are even fewer than those that choose to fulfill a resolution. In my experience, there have been factors that were noticed with clients and people in my circle as to why they quit. The first and most noticeable one is the lack of patience. Now a days people want everything immediately, wanting to drop weight from high bodyfat percentages to low within weeks. Want a promotion or higher income without having the proper skills or knowledge or even falling for the get rich schemes instead of putting in the work needed to achieve financial freedom. So what will help us with staying the course when it comes to fulfilling our goals and sticking with lifestyle changes? We will go over some tasks and things we can do to keep us from quitting, but first let us go over the benefits that come from sticking to a lifestyle change and testimonios. My accountant whom I have used for the passed few years was overweight with a pretty high bodyfat percentage. One day while going over my accounts, she began to ask me questions as to what she can do to lose weight without going through surgeries or taking pills and potions. Her entire life she had been overweight and was just frustrated with herself after trying diet fads, crash diets and weight loss pills. After going over with her to stay committed to a training program and sticking with a diet that would work for her, she decided to go for it. She began training and went on a ketogenic diet. Within a year, she dropped over 50 pounds of fat and gained some lean muscle mass. This has become a lifestyle change for her, she will never go back to the same eating or living an inactive lifestyle according to her. Than I have a personal friend who decided to improve his lifestyle as well by signing up for trades school and improving his physical fitness. He began with a solid weight training program and a typical bodybuilder diet which includes lean proteins, healthy fats and low glycemic carbohydrates. Three months into it, he stopped training followed by dropping out of trades school. When asked for reasons why he quit, the good old response we get from most people now a days. He has been too busy. These are just examples of what outcomes are in accordance to our decisions. If we put in the work, time and put train our minds to focus on the future outcomes, we will wreak the benefits. There are many ways to help us stay on the right paths.
Below are some examples:
One of the most important things we should start with is surrounding ourselves with like minded people. People who have like minded goals or lifestyles and our positive. Staying away from negative people or slackers is a must. If you hang out with four losers, you are the fifth loser.
Study up on whatever it is that you are committing to. Information is free and at your fingertips today with cellphone and media like Youtube. Many information on apps like kindle, blogs like this same one you are reading and google search come in handy. Practically anything you put your mind to, can be found through the great invention of the internet. Reading books is by far my favorite, as well as listening to books on apps like Audible and Podcasts.
Take accountability for all your actions. This one hits home for me. I have always respected employees and people who accept their faults or mistakes, not only is it classy, but it helps them improve and learn. We all fail. But we should blame ourselves for whatever the outcomes are. Entrepreneurs that understand this have higher chances of succeeding with their business goals and gain respect from their team.
Do something everyday that will get you closer to reaching your set goals. Write down a list of things to do daily, If fitness is a goal, prepare foods for the entire week when time is limited. There are companies now a days that prepare food and ship to homes for those who are in need of these options.
Hire a coach, I am not a fan of motivational coaches or anything like that. But a business coach, a fitness coach, trainer or a tutor may help. Take courses or learn the skills needed. None of this will help unless you are willing to stay committed and take actions.
So let us start a new year by taking actions everyday. Whether it be a New Year’s Resolution or a lifestyle change. The only way to succeed at anything is to jump in, take risks and be disciplined. Gym closed? Train at home. Craving unhealthy foods? Remove them from accessible areas or dispose of and replace with healthier choices. Don’t have any ideas on business start up? Look for problems that potential clients may need a solution for. For any negative, there is a positive. Have a great New Year and much success.
Do the Work!
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