2011 will be the year of keeping the momentum going. No losing focus in April…or January for that matter; just keeping going.
How many times have I/you set goals and resolutions only to sit back through January and accomplish nothing? If you’re like me, then too many to count. Not this year. This year we are getting it done.
If you live in the UK, my view is January and February are possibly the worst months to start the year on, it’s cold, dark and miserable outside, whereas if we could start the year in March, with its brighter mornings, how much better, and more motivated, would we feel?
As we have no control over the months or the weather, the motivation needs to come from somewhere else, so I’m making a new inspiration board; much like Lindy here, visual aids motivate me.
What motivates you to stick to your goals?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the creativity Lindy used for her inspirational board! So much more fun than using a poster board. I’m going to make me one, too! Time to whip out the National Geographic magazines.
Hope you’re going to show yours off, too. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year, Laura!
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Laura Reply:
January 5th, 2011 at 9:58 am
Christine: I’m doing a really simple one using ribbon!
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Cute! I need to brainstorm on something visual to reinforce my resolutions! One thing I’m doing that I hope will work well (we’ll see!) is that I’ve written out an explanation for each resolution. I am guessing that I might see the “why” as more motivating than the “what” come May!
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Laura Reply:
January 5th, 2011 at 9:59 am
ListfulWistful: Hello! it certainly helps to visualise your goals or resolutions!
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Oooh, I hope you’ll show us when you’ve made it!
x
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Laura Reply:
January 5th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Kat: I will, although it looks a little amateur!
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I mainly use spreadsheets or to-do lists for my inspiration…or a to do list in a spreadsheet.
I’ve gotten away from many of my productivity habits lately. I swear something happens to your brain after you have children that puts everything out of whack for a while. I must spruce up my trusty to do list. Oh do I miss it so.
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Laura Reply:
January 6th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
First Gen American: I’m not sure that my brain ever fully recovered!
I used to make a to do list every Sunday night when my children were young, it was the only way I could get through a working week. I feel for you Sandy, it’s not easy!
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um, I think the other day. I read this; Motivation follows action.
Sums it up for me really. Never the less. I love a list. And having a meeting and sharing that list (those intentions) with someone else. that helps. this year I have picked a word. Other people were doing it. I thought I would too. My word is Poetry. Mainly because it is about choosing the right words, honing things down, getting specific, and getting it spot on, getting rid of the waffle. But its also doing it with beauty and a sense of rhythm and poise. I like it. Heres hoping it sees me past February!! xx GOOD LUCK xx we’ll all be here, listening and keeping you on track!! Remember you are moving to portugal, right.. get your arse in gear!! xxxxx
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Laura Reply:
January 6th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Mo: I’m in gear! lol.
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Hi Laura: visuals inspire me too so I have a map of Canada that I’m bringing home from school to put on the wall near my exercise bike to mark off the kms as I “cycle” my way to PEI over the next 6 months. (Another bloggers idea, not mine but such a great one I am implementing it). I have started reading your move to portugal blog from the beginning but it might take me a while to get all caught up! Wow you are an inspiration to me and I am on a plan for moving also – I have 3 1/2 years to go while you are getting SO CLOSE!! Do you think you’ll continue to blog after your big move??
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Laura Reply:
January 6th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Jane: Hello, I love seeing you over here! Thank you for your very kind words.
Oh my you’ll be able to see how many times I’ve changed my mind on things..changed direction on things. It started out as pay off your mortgage in 5 years and move to Portugal..now it’s pay off your mortgage by 2020 and live simply and frugally in the mean time.
And yes I’ll still be blogging from Portugal…so exciting!
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