Reality check 2020
First of all, happy new month! May this month be prosperous and filled with success because let’s be real… 2020 hasn’t exactly had the best of starts. What with a WW3 threat, locust swarms, multiple prominent deaths, this Corona Virus and HOW many storms? And that’s just the highlight of the last two months… you could argue that 2020 is going anywhere else than up!
We all screamed this decade will be better, this year will be ours and things would be different but this wasn’t exactly the “different” we signed up for. On a whole, we can admit that the year has been pretty well... er shit tbh so I can see why people are feeling it in their personal lives too. You turn on the news (that’s if you keep put with it all) and see one depressing thing and then another.
You look outside and the weather is gloomy AF and it’s difficult to be hopeful sometimes. We’re all human, we have our off days I get it.. but saying we’re already in the last month of the first quarter? well, lowkey that’s a scary thought.
WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED SO FAR?
Let me not shout too hard at you! From what I'm seeing around me a lot of people are going through a change or transition period. Or maybe they’re in a new place and are slowly navigating. Don’t let me mislead you though, there’s a whole load of people who've kicked off the year with a brilliant start and are killing it each and every day! Well done you! No, genuinely (I know there’s a load of fake love out there these days), believe me I want you to win!
On the flip side, there are a lot of people feeling lost. Even me I can put my hand up and say that a few times I've felt like asking “what is the purpose of this situation?” or simply “can I catch a break?” Changes can be scary and confusing, especially if you’re not usually a risk-taker, and even if you are it can weigh upon your mind. What about those that have been waiting on something and it hasn’t gone to plan or those who are tied between two options? Faack it, you might just feel off. Simple.
I know many will clutch to things to make them feel like there is an explanation like “the world is in micro-braids again” (pls if you don’t get the reference, ask someone in the younger generation…) or “everything happens for a reason” but sometimes we wanna know “what was the reason?” * Cardi B voice * because even after it doesn't always make sense.
I’m sorry, I don’t have the answers to that, but I do know that it’s only the start still and we can’t allow the slightly off-start to dictate the rest of the year. The point I wanna make here is that it’s not too late to pick up the pace. Yeah, two slow months can be disheartening but if you let it consume you, they’ll be a load of months like that to come.
I find that if anything, a lot of people find it hard to get back into routine or discipline once they’ve fallen off. This can relate to work, social life, gym, etc. It’s literally the getting back that’s the hardest. Once you’ve found your routine and drive you’re back up and running.
Of course, with the aid of social media and access and insight into other people’s lives (remember it’s what they’re choosing to show you), it’s easier to give up quicker but, again, you’ll only be hindering your start date.
We have the whole of March to get back on the right foot and there are ways that can help. The best way to regain control and discipline over your life (or at least direction) is to be more organised and plan. In no particular order, here are some tips that might help:
DECLUTTER! From your room to your wardrobe to your mind… decluttering is your first step. Maybe your room has been a tip and you can’t find any clothes beneath the pile you know you don't wear anyway. In the same way you’ll cut off nonsense “friends,” it’s time to let that stuff go… and you’ll be better for it.
Refine your circle. Whilst I’m on the topic of friends, go back to the people you interact with daily or hold close to you. Do they have your best interests at heart? Are they improving you or slowing you down? Do you give the wrong people too much of your time? These are all the questions you need to ask yourself and cut out anything that isn’t working. You don’t have to be rude about it though!
Start a routine. Big or small, it’s best to start somewhere. Whether that’s ensuring you always tidy your room before you start your day, or you wake up earlier to increase productivity, make sure you are serious with it. Remember it takes 21 days to break or start a habit…. and you have a whole month left!
Clear your mind. Don’t underestimate this! We spend a lot of hours behind a screen or wheel and forget that our minds need rest too. Many of us are required to work overtime or feel like they’re obligated to do more and it can add many stresses on our mind.
Things such as taking a walk, listening to calming music, switching off from screens before bed, meditating and reading will all have positive Impacts on your mental health. Sleep is also a factor so try and maintain a consistent sleep/wake routine for optimal cognitive productivity.
MAKE A PLAN! This is integral to your growth and progress! If you’re more visual, I’d highly recommend that you write down SPECIFIC goals and targets to keep you on track. If you’re a little geekier, feel free to draw up a spreadsheet too. In fact, I’d suggest that everyone write down their goals and look at it as often as your bank account and e-mails.
Looking at the goals will give you a direction but start to break it down too into plans. How will you get to A to B to G? No matter how crazy it sounds at first, put it down and you’ll be shocked at how It manifests.
Put it into action. It’s easier said than done but now you’ve got it planned out you need to action it. Sit down and work out how you can fit it into your existing routine or how you can re-jiggle things so that it works. Do you want to turn your side hustle into a full job? Well, you’ve got to treat it like a job. Do you have a lazy Sunday most weeks? How about you spare a few hours towards your goals?
I know there’s a lot of talk and less action these days and if you’re anything like me, you give yourself farrr too many excuses unless you’re G checked by someone you respect. If you don’t have a friend like that, I’m going to be that friend right now and tell you that there’s always room to fix up.
How bad do you want it? Are your actions reflecting it? If not, why? Whether you’re religious or not, Lent started last week and at the very least you can promise yourself that you’ll be consistent for 40 days and nights. The key is to take each day as it comes and you’ll be proud of the progress.
Every year I hit up my mate Wusu and we talk about our goals for the Quarter. Have you done your list, are you on track? How’s it going? Those kinda things. We’re not always so disciplined of course, but having someone hit you up about where you are will help you feel like you’re in it together and gives you a motivation we all sometimes need. Consider finding someone to be accountable with and keep you going.
However your 2020 started, there’s always room for improvement. We have one more month left of this quarter and it’s time to make it count! Even if YOU don’t, I believe in you! Pick yourself up and go again... The world waits for no-one!
I’ll start doing a quarterly update to see where everyone’s at (tbh more me). This will help you track your growth a bit better or at the very least remind you to keep on job so let’s crack on, put our heads down and get going and I’ll see you next month with an update!
Liz x