Career,  Life + Fun

Fresh Start to 2016

This year, I’ve decided not to make resolutions. Resolutions usually end up being lofty aspirations or very general changes, like “being healthier,” “working out more,” “read more books,” or “spend less.” Aspiring to do better is always great, but it’s easy to give up on such broad objectives. Sure, swapping the greasy pepperoni for some veggies on your pizza every day at lunch is healthier, but not by much.

So instead of establishing some broad aspirations for the year, I’m setting goals in 2016.

Why goals? Goals are measurable. Goals are specific. It’s a goal to start your own business or to read 50 books in a year or learn to cook a new meal each week. Goals give me something I can measure my progress towards, making it easier for me to put in the effort and plan to invest the necessary amount of time to get the desired result.

The biggest thing I’ve learned about myself in the last couple of years is that I’m smart, I’m dedicated, I like to be involved & I’m very capable and good at what I do (not bragging, you should be good at what you do!), but I lack focus. It’s tough to admit, but it’s true.

I’ve been finding it difficult to be present in what I’m doing at any given moment. I like to be very involved and do a bunch of things, but I’ve been very bad about being focused on whatever I’m doing. Unfortunately, it’s across all areas of my life, too. I find it difficult to focus on work tasks because I get distracted by email or notifications or multi-tasking (more on that later). It’s tough to power through writing a blog post because my cat wants to play or the phone rings or the internet exists. I suck at relaxing because I’m thinking about all the things I should be doing or could be doing or I get sucked into Netflix/Hulu/HBO.

Real talk: Life is tough when you have a five-second attention span and it’s your own fault.

2015 was a year of changes for me. I moved to a new city. I found a new job. I learned to really stand on my own. I found things I was passionate about and pursued the hell out of them.

2016 will be all about focus. Finding clarity about the things I do and why I do them. Being present and focused one what’s in front of me, not the whens, ifs and hows. Doing what’s in front of me and not being distracted by everything else. Tackling the goals I’ve set for myself (freelancing on my own, reading books on my To Read list, getting in better shape, the list goes on).

What will 2016 be about for you?