Start the Year in a Productive Way

18th January, 2017

Many of us moved into holiday mode at the end of last year and our attention was diverted to other things, so it’s now time to turn our focus, ‘gear up’ and build momentum for a productive and fulfilling year ahead. If we speed up while others remain sluggish we will put ourselves further and further ahead of the game (and closer and closer to our goals).

Learn from the people you are with

In December, you may have had the chance to spend time with old friends and family. You may also have met some new people. Hopefully you were able to enjoy yourself and learn from the experiences and expertise of those people while gleaning ideas from them. There is a vast wealth of free knowledge and experience at your doorstep so tap into it as often as possible.

Capture the energy

At this time of year there is generally a more positive feeling all around. If you notice that energy, feed off it. Bring more hope, joy and gratitude to your work and life. Raise your sights and be more positive by soaking up the positivity and goodwill around you. While you are at it, be a carrier of these emotions too, not just a sponge! It’s a new year and this brings a clean start and new prospects.

Reflect on last year

One of the most powerful ways to learn is by reflecting on your own experiences, good and bad, repeatable or not. While this can be done at any time, there is no better time than now to do it. Forward progress is nearly always aided by deep thought about both the past and the future. So, make this a time for reflection and learning, setting the stage for faster and more confident progress forward in 2017.

Encourage others

This is a time of year when people tend to share positive messages but rather than just sharing those warm thoughts, why not genuinely encourage and appreciate the people around you all year long. Share specific thanks and genuine encouragement. It may be the best gift you give this year and when you do this, you will see the truth in the adage ‘it is better to give than to receive’.

12 quick tips for a re-energised year

  • don’t sit and wait for things to come to you. Go out and make a change!
  • write down what you want to achieve today, this week, this weekend, this month, this year and tick them off as they are done
  • smile more
  • be excited
  • try new things
  • throw away clutter
  • minimise interactions with negative people
  • go to bed early
  • wake early, be fierce and fast
  • don’t gossip
  • show more gratitude
  • do things that challenge you
  • be brave.

Have a great 2017 everyone!!