Chapter 1: The Pressure of New Year’s Resolutions

As the new year rolls in, I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to define every goal I want to achieve for the year ahead. I suspect many people experience this same sensation. The intense marketing campaigns from various industries don't help either, with phrases like:

"Kick off the year right with a gym membership!"

"Launch the business you've always dreamed of this year — don’t delay!"

This self-imposed pressure frequently leads us to shy away from goal-setting, create unrealistic aspirations, or lack a clear strategy for execution, ultimately resulting in failure to follow through.

Establishing goals is vital, but it’s essential to recognize that you don’t have to have everything figured out as the year begins. This time of year is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our current state and feelings.

The reality for many is that we feel stuck and dissatisfied with our progress — and that’s perfectly acceptable. There’s still time for change. To make that change, we need to develop a practical plan while simultaneously addressing our mental barriers.

Below, I’ll share the habits, insights, and strategies I've adopted over the years that have helped me improve various aspects of my life — from health to finances and overall happiness.

Stop Worrying About Others’ Opinions

One of my favorite quotes circulating online goes:

"When you're 20, you care what everyone thinks; when you're 40, you stop caring; when you're 60, you realize no one was ever thinking about you." — Unknown

Many individuals hesitate to start a business, launch a blog, or hit the gym due to fear of judgment. The truth is, most people are too busy with their own concerns to pay attention to you.

When I first began working out at the gym, I was intimidated by the equipment. For someone unfamiliar with fitness machinery, it can feel like trying to use alien devices. In hindsight, I wish I’d sought help or hired a personal trainer instead of wasting time watching YouTube tutorials, driven by fear of asking for assistance.

In reality, gym-goers are often friendly and eager to help. This generosity extends to professional settings as well. I interact with numerous successful individuals who are more than willing to share their insights, resources, and recommended readings that have influenced their journeys.

The takeaway: Identify your aspirations and don’t hesitate to seek help. Most importantly, don’t assume others are scrutinizing you — they likely aren’t.

Confront Unresolved Issues — Therapy May Help

A hard truth I faced was recognizing the unresolved childhood trauma stemming from my mother’s passing and my father’s inconsistent presence in my life. Therapy enabled me to release long-held resentment. Once I let go of many negative emotions associated with my upbringing, my productivity soared, and I began to set and pursue my goals.

Therapy instilled in me the belief that I deserve success and happiness. By making diligent efforts and responsible financial choices, I can achieve financial independence. It also made clear that many of my decisions were rooted in fear and scarcity, stemming from childhood experiences.

Understanding the source of my fear of "losing everything" allowed me to shed limiting beliefs and progress forward. Therapy significantly boosted my confidence, leading me to leave a job that no longer fulfilled me and to enhance my earning potential.

Monitor your thoughts and self-beliefs; if you find yourself expending energy on negative reflections about others or your past, it may be time to seek help to move forward.

Goals Require Action Plans

A goal is ineffective without a clear execution plan. Documenting your strategy for achieving objectives is crucial. Here are a couple of examples:

Goal: Increase monthly income by an additional $500.

Execution Plan: I will begin a side business as a sales consultant. To be successful, I will:

• Post daily on LinkedIn, five days a week, showcasing my industry expertise.
• Reach out to three small business founders weekly to discuss potential collaborations.
• Develop a website detailing my services, pricing, and value proposition.

This planning approach also applies to breaking unproductive habits, like excessive late-night social media scrolling.

Goal: Reduce social media use to 15 minutes daily.

Execution Plan: Instead of scrolling, I will replace that time with reading when I feel bored at night. Additionally, I'll set a timer to limit my social media use.

Having a specific plan significantly increases your chances of achieving your goals rather than merely stating intentions.

Calendar Everything

I believe in scheduling everything — from blog writing to leisure time. If I don’t write down tasks, I often overlook them. Furthermore, saying "yes" to unimportant tasks can mean saying "no" to my priorities.

For those balancing a side business with a primary job, using a calendar becomes essential. It can help enforce deadlines for your side projects and prevent important tasks from being overlooked.

For instance, I work in tech sales while residing in Austin, Texas. Often, people forget to consider my location when scheduling meetings and will send invites for late hours, which I reserve for working on my blog.

By blocking out my evenings in my calendar, I avoid unnecessary meetings, allowing me to prioritize my goals.

Final Thoughts

Achieving maximum productivity is a continuous journey filled with ups and downs. By identifying the reasons behind your lack of motivation or progress—be it past trauma or internal struggles—and developing a plan to address these challenges, you position yourself to define and attain your goals this year.

Clearly articulating your goals on paper and dedicating time to pursue them simplifies the execution process.

All readers of Making of a Millionaire can now enroll in our free personal finance 101 courses available here.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. Consult a financial professional before making significant financial decisions.

The second video titled "How To UnF*ck Your Life" discusses practical strategies for overcoming mental blocks and achieving personal growth. The insights shared in this video are beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and overall well-being.