It Might Be the End of the Year…But It’s Never Too Late to Start!

By Christina Shipp

Ah, the holidays. In the midst of the joy the holidays bring, perhaps you’re finding yourself overwhelmed and overworked at this year’s end. Or perhaps you’ve overlooked those goals you set forth a year ago and now you’re down in the dumps about it. It’s the time of year when making excuses seems the norm, and putting off projects and tasks until January’s New Year Resolutions feels like the best (and easiest) idea.

I always used to feel so overwhelmed during this time of year I was unable to do anything for myself to move forward with my career goals. I made excuses for my holiday partying and found myself so far along in a downward spiral that, come January, I would have to completely overhaul just to pick myself up and dust myself off. I felt behind when the New Year started: unprepared, unfocused, and unmotivated. And I have to tell you, it was a pretty dark way to start a new year.

Instead of being open to possibilities and a fresh start, I was beating myself up for all of the things I had failed to achieve. There are SO many opportunities around this time of year to make excuses for our bad choices, our failure to act, and our paralyzing inability to take responsibility for the year’s actions. Instead of being invigorated with new goals and action steps to achieve them, I was making insurmountable lists of resolutions I knew in my heart I could never live up to.

After years of frustration, something happened. I met Jodie Bentley. The ‘type -est A’ Virgo I know. With her as my business coach, I started to realize that I was suffering alongside a ton of my peers and contemporaries—all feeling the same frustrations and overwhelm. That realization gave me a support system: a quiet and subtle reinforcement that I was not alone. I began to see that there were things I could do, things I could control, systems that had already been created to support me with productivity and time management. I began to apply these things in my life, to my acting career, and I started to see results. I started to change. No more second guessing my choices. I finally felt good about my career path and decisions, and I became empowered to live my life authentically.

This article is for You. Any and all of You, who like me, struggled or are struggling with overwhelm, loss of focus, and an inability to act because you don’t know WHERE to start. So here are some things to think about to empower you to action, to feel good about where you are right NOW, as this year draws to a close.
1. Start small: just start. If looking at a big picture throws you into overwhelm, taper it back a bit. You’ve heard the old adage “every little bit counts” because it’s true. Thinking about losing 30 pounds after the holiday binge can be a crippling thought. Try losing one. Then two. One small step can change your life. Just ask Dr. Robert Maurer.  Click HERE for an amazing book to help you on your journey.

2. Create realistic goals: and don’t stop there! Make them measurable and create action plans to achieve those goals. A year goes by in a snap.  Where does the time go? Well, wherever it goes, it goes. Set yourself up for success by implementing systems to support you. For example: Schedule your tasks in your color coded Google calendar—and stick to them! Use the Daily 6 System to chip away at your To Do Lists. Click HERE for my video tip on the Daily Six.

3. Be positive: don’t beat yourself up! Nothing good comes from kicking yourself when you’re down. Don’t be your own worst enemy and spiral into self-loathing. There’s no point in measuring your success and failures against the standards or successes of other people. Success is abundant: recognize that when people in your network succeed, it only makes you one step closer yourself. Try self-affirmations before bed to reprogram your brain that you are a wonderful, hardworking, talented human being: one who is worthy and deserving of success.

4. Be your own unique snowflake: don’t compare where you are in your career to others. You are on your own path and that it is exactly where you should be. You ARE a remarkable and unique snowflake! Recognize that there is no one else like you. No one has your essence. No one has your energy. That is yours and yours alone. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves how special we all are. Click HERE for a great video from Jodie & Kevin on Branding.

5.  Celebrate your successes: ALL of them. Perhaps you may not feel like you’ve had a great year in terms of career success, but just remember: you are not an actor career robot. You are a whole, complete person with a wonderfully rich life. Celebrate your relationships, the obstacles you’ve overcome, that tattoo you got, the trip you took, any and all discoveries you’ve had, etc. Then – Write Them Down! Remembering and cherishing those successes in your life will make you a more well rounded and delightful Human Being. One who is grounded and authentic. Celebrate that.Keep a journal or a notebook for yourself to have when you’re feeling that negativity take hold. Everyday write down 5 successes for that day and 3 things you’re grateful for.

From our Savvy Family to you and yours, Happy Holidays this season. Have a very Happy New Year, and Much Success– You Deserve It!

See you in 2012!

Tags: Control, Empowerment, Growth, Passion, Success