Early Extra Credit

Get a jump start on your New Year's resolutions

Much like doing extra credit at the start of a school semester in case you bomb a test later in the year, I like to get a jump start on my New Year’s resolutions.

So I’ve been working out more than usual since November to bank calories to enjoy the Christmas cookies; and here it is December 30, 2024, and I’m publishing on Substack!

Success!

Part of my inspiration behind the early motivation today is that I signed up for and listened to Mel Robbins’ free two-part training Make it Happen, where she talks about the importance of simply taking ACTION.

For those of you who find inspirational speakers cheesy, you must admit that you have your own version of this very same rule. So please don’t roll your eyes or pooh-pooh her maxim just yet.

I’ve long been a big proponent of just take one step. I vividly remember in high school, when faced with a long list of high school homeschool assignments, if I could just get started, a natural high would overtake me, and I’d get on a total roll. Sure enough, I’d knock out the simple stuff, start crossing things off my list, and voila! I was two-thirds there in no time! (Then I’d wake up at 4am and finish things up. Tight deadlines have always made my synapses fire.)

In her training Mel asks the question: What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months?

I found myself jotting down a list of six action items. SIX! And they all stemmed from an epiphany I had in strength class this morning to build my arm muscles. (Menopause has done the strangest thing to my arms in the last 12 months, even with incessant hot yoga, Pilates, and HIT classes. I’m determined to fight back.)

Just as it will take heavy weights to rebuild my once-toned arms, it will take intentional action to accomplish my List of 6 over the next 6 months.

But here’s the thing. My internal reaction to taking action today – listing my goals, sending a few emails, making a call -- is already revving my engine for tomorrow.

One person almost immediately emailed me back. We booked a meeting. I even shared part of my List of 6 with my husband for his feedback.

It’s like casting a fishing line and already getting a bite. I’m encouraged, motivated, and already feeling more alive.

Go ahead. Get a jump start on your New Year. You have 24 hours to take action.

What do YOU want to accomplish in the next 6 months?

Thanks, Mel.