How many new systems, protocols, rollouts, or even workouts are slated to begin the first of the year? Sounds like a great idea, right? There are so many rational explanations for this type of thinking, such as: Start the year off on the right foot! Let’s just wait until the first of the year when there won’t be as many distractions! Don’t rock the boat during the holidays! I hear this often and it makes me nuts! Here are 3 reasons why starting something new is better suited for December.
Shift your mindset – My business partner is an endurance athlete. If he’s got a big race slated for January 9th, he isn’t going to start preparing for that race on January 1st. He starts training for the big day 4 to 6 months in advance. The same mindset can be applied for anything you’d like to implement in 2014. Let’s say you want to expand your service territory by 50 miles in 2014. That can be a tricky endeavor, as it will encompass several moving parts, such as: employing additional staff, exploring the reach of new competitors, or changing some core operating procedures. Rather than thinking in terms of starting that expansion in January, think in terms of having it up and rolling by January, which creates a sense of urgency. Use December for research, planning, and training, and you’ll have the major pieces in place by January.
Get started with your habit today – Endeavoring to create a new “First of the year” habit requires a fair bit of self-discipline. Let’s say you want to start a new habit like consistently going to the gym beginning on January 3rd. In reality, this usually means changing from a steady diet of very little exercise to a consistent exercise regimen that’s going to require a lot of dedication, energy and willpower. Most of us will preface the decision to begin this awesome new habit with: “I just need to get through the holidays. Then I’ll be in a better place to start in January!”
When we think of ourselves doing something in the future, we tend to think in terms of a more ideal self. This means we picture our situation, our resolve, and our habits to be somehow better than they will actually turn out in the future. So, be honest and ask yourself: “How is January “really” going to be different from December, November, October, or any other month for that matter?” For most of us, the temptations and distractions will still be there. If you want to get in the habit of doing something new in January, get in the habit of doing something new today. Think of some simple ways of easing into your new habit in December such as taking a 30-minute walk twice a week, or taking the stairs vs. the elevator. This will start you on your new habit, and you can take with you into January.
‘Tis the season to be testing – December is usually a slower month for most businesses, which makes it an ideal time to road-test something new. Say you have a new client management system you want to implement in January. Use this slower time to work out the kinks. Typically you’ll have fewer clients to meet in December, (ironically, because they’ve put you off until January). Now is a great time to get familiar with your new system by entering the handful of prospective clients you’ve met at all those holiday parties. You’ll be all the more proficient at using the new system by January, and that’s when you’ll need it most.
It’s easy to write off December and wait until January to get rolling with your next new thing. The exception, of course, would be for folks in the resort business, retail business or F/B industries whose time it is to strap in and hold on, because the ride is just starting!
If you are not in those industries, use this time to start making your success come early ….instead of hoping for it to show up with bells on for the New Year!
