Why is it that at the start of the new year we re-evaluate
our lives? It is something I have never
understood, but has been engraved into us by society. New year – new you. Out with the old, in with the new. Please insert other relevant cliché phrases.
I have spent the last few months getting organised, and
ready for 2019. In the middle of
November I started a new job, and needed to be prepared for that. At the same time I was also able to sort my
marketing plan and the aspirations I have for 2019 for this blog. Regardless if you blog for a hobby or as a
professional, having a plan will keep you on track as I have mentioned before; ‘How to successfully promote your business’. I
have found that keeping a diary, and writing in it, has helped me organise work,
blog and whereabouts and has actually given me time to spend with friends which
I am sad to say I have neglected.
Being organised at work, especially working in hospitality
and events, has been a must. It is definitely
something I had to concentrate on and become better at over time in my career. However, this has impacted on my social and
home life, which I had become lazy at – putting things off, being unreliable,
messy and chaotic. Not words I want to
be associated with. The skills I have are
so easy to put into my actual life, and it seems so odd to say I do not know
why I did not do this before.
So, if January does have to be the annual ‘Get Organised
Month’ then I would encourage you to do so.
Truly consider what things you want to focus on, and more importantly
how you are going to do it. Perhaps you
want to keep your personal and work spaces tidy, or want to remember birthdays,
anniversaries and other important dates, or it is just a messy draw or cupboard
that you cannot close because it is crammed full.
There are many tools you can use to help you stay organised
from apps, professional organisers to an old-fashioned notepad and pen. This month is the perfect time to think about
investing in those things and getting your mind, body and environment organised.
January is Creativity Month
For me, I will be embracing Creativity Month. Never underestimate the power and importance
of creativity in your life. It is
important to think outside the box, pick away at ideas, or follow the thread of
that wild notion. Whether it is writing,
photography, design, or something crafty it is always good to be you and
exhibit it in your own way.
Creativity is an attribute that is all too often underappreciated,
which is unfortunate. As I have said
before in ‘Does high school education really matter?’ the academic system stifles
those who do not stand out. This can
continue into adulthood and into business, where it can be difficult to break
free of those self-imposed limits. Not
everyone is an artist, but I believe everyone could benefit from a bit more
creativity in their life.
Could January become Hobby Month?
The odds are you are not far away from the creative realm
anyway. We have always done things to
keep ourselves busy. More than ever, we pursue
our interests from travel to cooking, gaming to knitting and are encouraged to document
and share this with our friends and family on social media.
January is a great opportunity to become hobby month and can
be done on a low budget too. Can you
take a up a sport that you used to enjoy in high school? Walk around your local area, not only will
you discover some incredible scenery or places you did not know existed, you
can dabble in photography or drawing. Can
you sing, or dance? Even if you do not
plan to be on the West End stage, doing this in your kitchen can help lift your
mood and wellbeing.
Am I saying you need a New Year’s resolution?
No, I am not. If they
work for you, then that is fantastic. However,
January really is the perfect time of year to refocus and set goals. I do not think resolution is the right
words. Yes, it means to make a firm decision,
to be determined and is an action of solving a problem, but it is also seen as
a negative word. We are made to feel
guilty for not sticking to the commitment, or for having a wobble.
Getting yourself organised and allowing yourself to be
creative is the way forward. It is also
ok to get off track without the repercussions of a solemn vow of disappointment.
Whatever you want to achieve in 2019, make
sure it is something that you enjoy and happy planning!
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