Well, the holidays are over. It’s a whole new year and it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking. By the end of last year we were all deflated and over it. It was a long, exhausting year, and many of us are depressed that we have to start it all again. For many, this is just the beginning of another long, dead-end year of hard work, bills to pay, and maybe just enough money for a drink on the weekend.

What many don’t realise though, is that it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s all about the way you look at things.

Think back to New Year. Remember what your New Year Resolution was. Now is the time for action, in order for your goals to be achieved. We all have our different paths and journeys in life. However, there is no denying one thing: success does not come without a lot of hard work, and maybe a little failure and frustration along the way. Using the following, you will find new resolve as you kick start a brand new year full of opportunity.

 

1. Know what your end goal is. Whether it is to get that promotion or get that university degree, have this at the forefront of your mind. Visualise that piece of paper in your hand as you wear the black hat and robes, or that brand new office and pay cheque.
2. Keep visual aids of what you want to achieve. If it’s that big trip to Paris, stick a big picture of the Eiffel Tower to the fridge.
3. Don’t be afraid to explore your options, or take an alternate path. For example, that degree you’ve been working for now requires you to do a ten week work placement on the other side of the country. With your mortgage and children, there’s no way it’s going to happen. So you drop out of the course, right? Wrong! Check out what other universities offer. A different institution might offer the same thing at a cheaper price without you having to travel around the country. If you’re getting nowhere at your place of work, check out what other companies have to offer.
4. Maintain that balance. We all know that when the working year starts, it’s game face on. But that doesn’t mean it has to be all work and no play. If you go in all guns blazing and don’t give yourself any down time, you’re setting yourself up to fail. Try to allocate at least one day a week to yourself. On this day you can sleep in, catch up with friends over a coffee, and or go out for dinner and drinks with your special someone. This way you’ll be able to get through the next week refreshed, without neglecting your other responsibilities.
5. Don’t be afraid of change. If you’re feeling deflated, ask yourself why. Are you unhappy with the direction your life is taking you, or is the way you’re going about it all wrong? Have a good sit down and evaluate things. Do you want a career change, or do you just want a change of scenery? Weigh up your options and see if these sorts of changes are possible, and if they are what you’re looking for.
6. Make sure you embrace each phase of the year. We all love that summer holiday time, but there are also many times to look forward to during the rest of the year. When special occasions like Easter, birthdays, and Christmas in July roll around, embrace them and enjoy them to the full.

 

Remember, at the end of the day we only live once. We work to live. We don’t live to work. While we have our own journeys and ambitions in life to conquer, it is important to embrace life’s other aspects like friends and family. When you maintain that balance between work and play, I guarantee you will get through the working year that little bit easier.

Leave a comment and give us a word on how your new year is doing!

xoxo Brett