It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. Thanks to Steve Cesari for always pushing me to do and be better. This post combines his thoughts and a post I prepared on the same subject. If you’d like to apply for mentorship from him, please shoot me a message, he’s amazing!

I’m not really a New Year’s Resolutions type of guy because I believe that discipline and planning throughout the year are what make huge changes. I don’t believe having grandiose plans to make massive changes works. The holiday season makes it harder because we gain weight, workout less, and create new, bad habits during the three weeks leading up to the new year with holiday parties, food, and drink.

And why do we wait until January to do these things anyway? Your body and mind need time to process changes, so you’re theoretically already behind the 8-ball on the NEW YEAR, NEW ME train. I start my prep for the new year in December. When everyone else is taking a break, it’s the perfect time to step on the gas! So without further adieu…

Number 1 | Immerse yourself in gratitude-Get super appreciative of all the goodness in your life.

To Do: Think about your victories and accomplishments, both big and small. Write thank-you notes to those you are appreciative of. Call those who you are especially grateful for. Write an exhaustive list of all the things you are thankful for.

Thoughts: Who are the people in your life right now, who were not in your life a year ago, who you are grateful for? Who are the people are in your life today, that have been in your life for decades? Who are the people who, this time next year, you would like to be part of your life?

Number 2 | Develop a punch-list-Make a comprehensive list of all the things you need to accomplish before the end of the year

To Do: Create a list as detailed as possible. This will allow you to start the year with no loose ends. Try to have everything completed by Christmas so you can enjoy the final week. Take care of all your personal to-do items.

Thoughts: What are the things that you need to get done that will position you to go into the new year with lots of momentum? Are there maintenance items? Are there things you need to do with /car/house/school/doctor/etc…?

Number 2B (bonus number)| Clear the clutter– Clear the way for an organized year.

To Do: This one is two-part. 1) Go around your house, apartment, or condo and gather anything that you haven’t used in the last year. Have a clear and organized space to create more structure in your life. Donate the unwanted items to Goodwill so that someone who needs them can use them. Plus, get your $500 tax deduction from your donations! 2) Sit down and think of all the habits, activities, friends, etc. that don’t bring positivity to your life. Clear them out. If you don’t make changes with the people and things around you, you won’t change yourself.

Thoughts: What are things I need to get rid of to help clear my life for the new year? What habits do I have that create a negative impact on me and those around me? How do I best position myself for the most efficient transition into the new year?

Number 3 | Act the part.“Act the part, become the part.” -Begin doing the things now that you plan to start in the new year

To Do: Begin to act as if you have already become the person you want to be in 2020. Don’t wait until the new year to become a better version of yourself. “New Year’s resolutions are not goals.” You must be serious about things you want to improve in the new year.

Thoughts: What are the upgrades that you want to see in your life in 2020. If you’re acting the part of this revised version of you, what do you need to stop doing? What do you need to remove from your life?

Number 4 | Workout double-If you usually work out twice a week, work out four times a week

To Do: This is going to set a new pattern for you and build momentum. It will also help prevent the weight gain that affects many people during the holiday season. Sweat more, workout more, and listen to more positive mental nutrition. Instead of waiting like most people until indulgence of food and drink has ended, get a head start by starting now.

Thoughts: What are the physical results you want to have in your life? Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or learn a new skill? How do I plan for those changes? What classes do I need to take to create the positive change I want?

Number 5 | Rest and Relax– Take the time to rest and relax with your friends and family. Don’t plan too much.

To Do: Plan your three weeks of travel from December 19th- January 2nd and communicate those plans to family and friends. You will be able to do more, see more people, and have more quality time. After completing the above items, you will be able to REALLY relax and enjoy the time together with friends and family. You won’t be stressed about the new year because you will be WAY ahead of others!

Thoughts: Who do you want to spend the most time with? Are there grandparents or elderly family members that you won’t be able to see much longer? Are their friends you want to reconnect with after a long time away? How do you want to split time between you and your significant others’ family?

Most importantly, remember… Your Success Blesses Others! Plan, Act, Review, Repeat

GO, DO & GROW

-Jamey