A lot of us are used to seeing certain events and milestones as a new beginning. So many resolutions are formed during New Year’s, on our birthday, for the new school year, etc. And when we fail to keep up with them, as we so often do, we assume that that was it. Instead of trying again, we sort of just
But do you know what? There is a reason why I never wrote a post about New Year’s resolutions. And there is a reason why many people argue that these milestones don’t need to carry as much meaning in our lives.
While the end of the year is indeed a great moment to reflect on everything you have accomplished and decide on your next goals, it’s definitely not the only time.
In reality, every day is a new beginning. Yesterday doesn’t have to define what you do today. Every morning you wake up is an opportunity to make the most of it, and to be the best version of yourself you could possibly be.
Every day is going to be different
One of the major reasons why you shouldn’t rely on milestones alone is that every day is going to be different. On some days, you’ll wake up full of energy and ready to take on your to-do list. On other days, you’ll be tired, sick, or lack motivation. And you know what? That’s normal. And it’s actually okay not to feel motivated every single day.
And since every day is different, your goal for the day needs to be in tune with how you’re feeling. In my opinion, discipline and productivity are not defined by how much we accomplish when we’re at the top, but rather by how much we can still get done when we really don’t feel like doing anything.
If you have an unproductive day, don’t beat yourself up about it. They happen, and they happen to everyone. Instead, acknowledge how you felt. Why were you unable to be productive? And is there any adjustment you could attempt tomorrow to make the situation easier for you?
Acknowledging that every day is a new beginning gives you the constant opportunity to make today better than yesterday.
The calendar doesn’t define the time for a new beginning
Failing a new year’s resolution can quickly make you feel like giving up. There’s no point in starting again when it’s already June, right?
And yet,
You can look for a new job in the middle of the year. You can pick up a new book anytime you like. And most of all, you can decide to become the best version of yourself today, no matter what happened yesterday.
Milestones are often just excuses we make to stay inside our comfort zone. We try to make ourselves feel better by planning our goals for the next year, instead of focusing on today.
So next time you feel like following a new goal in the new year, don’t wait. Start it now, and start again even if you happen to fail. Every day is a new beginning, so take advantage of it!
Consistency is the key to change
Our lives don’t change because of something we do once a week. What really impacts our lives are the things we do every day.
So, every single day is a new opportunity for you to contribute to a habit. Every morning you decide whether you want to take advantage of the day or not. Every day you have the possibility to follow your goals.
But this not only means that it’s never too late. It also means that every day is equally important. So instead of deciding to work out in January and do 2 hours a day, only to quit by the end of the month, try incorporating little steps towards your goal into your daily routine.
Work out a little bit every day. Spend time with your family every day, even if it’s a 5-minute phone call. Take little steps towards the things you want to accomplish, and you’ll suddenly notice how far you’ve come.
Use every single day to create the life you want. And do not ever, ever wait for some sort of milestone to do what you want to do!
It’s never too late for a new beginning
On a final note, I wanted to acknowledge a feeling I’ve often encountered. Being in my late twenties, I often see successful people who are much younger than me. Or I hear people talking about how they’ve been working on their dream since they were seven.
If you’re anything like me, these things might make you feel like it’s too late for you. Like you’ve already missed your chance.
And yet, we can’t forget that everyone is on their own path. I did not know what I wanted to do when I was little. But I know now, and so I’m going to work for it.
You don’t have to have a successful career by the time you’re 30. You don’t have to reach your goals as quickly as other people. And you don’t have to have everything figured out by a certain age!
So instead of trying to comply with some
It’s never too late for a new beginning! And whenever you find yourself wishing that you started something earlier, remember that you might not have gotten to where you are now if it wasn’t for the experiences you’ve had.
So what is your experience with new beginnings?
Also, if you liked this post, please be sure to share it with your friends! 🙂
”discipline and productivity are not defined by how much we accomplish when we’re at the top, but rather by how much we can still get done when we really don’t feel like doing anything.” This is so well said! I love how you said that there’s no need to wait for a specific event for a new beginning.
Sometimes if I wake up feeling lazy I give myself time to just chill and do nothing. Then in the middle of the day, I decide to start fresh and be productive. Choosing a new beginning whenever we feel a need for change is a great thing.
You’re so right! Not only every day but also every hour and every minute is a new beginning. Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when your morning wasn’t productive, but it really doesn’t mean that the rest of your day won’t be!
This is just spot on. I quit my job few months before I turned 30. Moved to a different continent and killed my old self. Everyone was telling me that I shouldn’t but I didn’t listen. I carved my own path. A lot of people will benefit from this article. ♥️
I love that you had the courage to do that! This is the kind of thing that we often just need to do, even if no one else gets it because otherwise, we’ll end up regretting that we didn’t even try.
This is such a great post! A positive approach to life is amazing.
I am pinning this x x
Thank you! 🙂
I wish I would have read this first thing this morning! It’s been one of those days where I could use this reminder. Thank you!
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I’m glad that you found this helpful! 🙂
Agree. Every day is a chance to start again!
It really is 🙂
Brilliant teaching here. Every day is a new beginning. Our sunset and sunrise is natures gentle reminder of that for us. A closing of the day, a new beginning. Thank you for sharing here – “THE CALENDAR DOESN’T DEFINE THE TIME FOR A NEW BEGINNING” – love this!
Thank you! I’m so happy that you liked it! 🙂
So true, every day is new. It is hard sometimes to stay motivated, but on those meh days, I just go with it. Relax. Read a book. Regroup. Make a list. And move on the next day. I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions years ago, so cliche and unnecessary. I do try to re-evaluate about every three months, or so. Great to read this first thing in the morning, now I am ready for a new day!
I love the idea of re-evaluating every couple of months! It’s a great way to make sure that you’re still aligned with your goals. So glad that you found this post motivating! 🙂
I love this so much and sounds like we have a lot in common…much of the same viewpoints!! Don’t get down worried about anyone younger than you…I am 46 and feeling like I am newborn to life as I am waking up out of the funk of wrongly believing those things were for everyone else..in fact I just wrote about that yesterday! May you have a beautiful day and thanks again for a great article!
Thank you, I’m so glad that you liked the article! After reading your comment, I went straight to your blog to find that post you were talking about. 😉 I really enjoyed what you wrote about not judging people for making different choices or having different beliefs!
Yes absolutely right, it’s ok not to motivate everyday because we are humans we experience ups and downs everyday, sometimes with a little success we feel motivated and sometimes don’t, it’s perfectly normal
Exactly, so it’s totally fine to have less productive days once in a while!
I love this! I think it’s so easy to get fixated on things that don’t matter and give up because you think it will never happen or it’s too late. As long as you are taking little steps, you are headed in the right direction.
Yes exactly, and remembering this makes it so much easier to keep going!