Do It Now

The end of a year and start of another is always good cause to review both the good and lesser events that transpired the last twelve months. For many Americans, the economy has yielded many heart-wrenching and sleepless nights while electing the nation’s first African-American president has inspired joy and hope alike. This annual review seems to prompt us to make certain “promises” to ourselves to do better in 2009. A scan of the Sunday newspaper ads in January will tell you Exercise and Health are often big resolutions after the overindulgences of the holidays.

The tricky thing about goals is how you sell them to yourself. Typically, we regard goals as tedious objectives that just need done. That’s where I always get stuck by mentally sabotaging things before I even really get started. Then another year goes by and you’re still sporting those extra pounds, haven’t finished that front porch project, or keep putting off publishing that book or going back to college.

Some time ago, I composed a personal proverb, wrote it on a piece of tape, and affixed it to my computer screen. This three-word motto is action oriented and helps me cut through the mental sludge that I use to procrastinate (more often than I care to admit). I even, briefly, considered getting it tattooed on the inside of my wrist, but concluded that idea was a little severe.

Time is usually the biggest barrier to establishing new routines (especially with our already exhaustive schedules). For me, the process of over-analyzing the “how” inflates that molehill into a mountain faster than my dog can chase a cat up a tree! Some experts advise finding ways to make your goals fun so you’re more likely to do them. OK, so listening to an iPod while working out can make that particular activity more enjoyable, but certain aspirations are just plain not fun, so what then?

That’s where your personal proverb becomes crucial. Some might label this a self-imposed “guilt trip” or mental kick-in-the-pants, but too often our brain is the thing limiting our accomplishments. Cut that part out of the equation and all you’re left with is Get It Done, Just Do It, or (my personal favorite) Do It Now. Start anywhere and anytime without imposing restrictions on yourself. Remember, any effort and improvement is better than where you were yesterday, right? That old Greek fable The Tortoise and the Hare teaches a lesson we too often forget: Slow and steady wins the race.

Getting started feels good and soon you won’t have to work at making time for the new routine. Overcoming fears of publishing and reader feedback has been an obstacle of mine (despite having a Bachelor’s Degree in English). After reading a December 2007 gardening article referencing the writer’s blog site, I decided blogging might be an avenue for me, so in January 2008, Flowermama Rocks was born. Granted, it’s not a book on a Barnes & Noble shelf, but it is a place to publish my work, analyze feedback, and hone my craft. It’s been a long and arduous year at times (especially with my husband being deployed in Iraq), but the writing has taken on a life of its own and is just part of my routine much like that wonderful first cup of morning coffee or a swim on a hot day.

So, right now, write a personal proverb of your own that inspires you to get going on those New Year’s promises to yourself. Keep your eye on the goal, but enjoy yourself along the way to make the journey worth continuing.