Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
So, here we are. It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re getting ready to ring in 2021. And with the current state of affairs, a lot of people are looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020. But in reality, the new year is just a number.
Let’s start with the obvious; yes, 2020 has been a dumpster fire for most people here in the United States. From global pandemics to political upheaval, it’s been one for the history books to be sure.
A lot of people are focusing on making 2021 something amazing, especially since this year was so horrid. It’s a laudable goal and has great potential considering how low the bar is at the moment.
But as we are getting ready to march into the new year, you need to keep in mind that if you don’t address the issues that made 2020 such a bad year, what you perceive as “horrid” will only continue.
It Takes More than Just Good Thoughts
Like the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” It takes more than mere good thoughts and intentions to make the new year unfold in a positive way.
Sure, we can say we’ll accomplish more, write that novel, push out one million words while blogging, or making a certain amount of money from the website in 2021.
But without taking the steps necessary to achieve those goals, they become nothing more than thoughts.
Address Your Weaknesses and Grow
Don’t be afraid to look at your weaknesses. By looking at yourself with honesty, you will find those parts of you that are holding you back.
And when I say, “with honesty,” I’m not saying delve into those thoughts of not feeling good enough or exploring a low self-esteem.
Also, keep in mind that many people suffer from impostor syndrome. It’s extremely hard to face, depending on who you are and the circumstances.
I know it’s difficult, but you need to look at yourself from an objective point of view. Highlight your accomplishments and underline the things that are holding you back.
For example, I’ve been putting in a lot of effort recently into all of my blogs. That’s because a lack of effort was holding me back from succeeding in all of these things I want to cover.
It’s the same with the YouTube channel. How can I expect to grow an audience if I don’t create videos?
Find what was holding you back in 2020 and make sure it doesn’t do the same in 2021.
Put In the Effort to Be a Writer
Wishing and hoping to see your name on the spine of a book doesn’t make it happen. One of the most profound things I’ve ever said in a live stream was how I wanted to be a published author, “but just not enough to actually work on my book.”
It’s brutally honest, but it’s also very true. If I truly wanted to have a book published by now, I would have.
Sure, I can point out how busy I am with blogging and freelance writing clients. But in the end, I could have made the time to write my novel. It makes me feel bad and that I’ve wasted so much time.
Instead of dwelling on those negative feelings, though, I’ll focus on how to change that mindset and get on the path to where I want to go.
It’s difficult to force yourself into certain actions and behaviors, especially if you’ve made them into daily habits. But habits can be broken and altered.
Make Sure Your Goals are Achievable
One thing I see a lot of people do is make lofty goals that are unrealistic. I mean, making a million dollars this year as a blogger would be nice. But given past experiences, it’s not very feasible.
Instead, work on goals that improve yourself moving forward.
Instead of wishing for a million dollars, strive to make more today than you did yesterday. Consistently break monthly income records in 2021. Research how to make more with your freelancing or blogging career.
My point is to set goals that are achievable and realistic.
This way, you can focus on the positivity of feeling good about meeting daily, weekly, or monthly objectives. It helps you avoid feeling frustrated because you aren’t making the mark to make one million dollars.
Or, whatever your primary goal is for the new year.
It’s all about feeling that sense of accomplishment and pride when you’ve surpassed your own abilities.
Yes, one of my goals is to write one million words this next year. But my primary focus is to simply write more today than I did yesterday. Even if it’s by one word, it’s still a record-breaker.
You’re Only Truly in Competition with Yourself
Don’t worry about what I’m doing. Don’t worry about what other experts and professionals are doing. The only absolute competition you have is yourself.
Sure, you can use others as inspiration and guidance. But in the end, it all comes down to you and whether you’re capable of surpassing your own abilities.
Did you write 55,000 words in 2020? See what you can do to write 55,001 in 2021.
So what if you can only write 1/10th of what I create? What truly matters is if you can surpass your own personal records.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that it really doesn’t matter how you stack up to others in your field or industry. It only matters what you do to improve yourself at the end of the day.
Life isn’t a competition; it’s an existence. And if you want to make that existence better for yourself or your family, it’s up to you to make it happen.
2021 is Just an Arbitrary Number
And lastly, keep in mind that 2021 is just a number. Time is linear and will continue to move forward at an even pace. Yes, the planet goes through seasons. But each moment will continue to advance regardless of what’s happening.
In other words, there’s no time like the present.
Case in point, I started working on my 2021 goals about a month ago. Why? Because I want success to happen, and it takes effort to reach where I want to go.
Why would I postpone my actions because I am waiting for a number on a calendar? I might as well get started right now.
And that’s what I did. So far, it’s paid off in spades weeks before the end of 2020.
Make 2021 Your Banner Year, I Know I Am
Whether you’re a blogger, freelance writer, YouTuber, gamer, or another type of creator, remember that 2021 is just a year. Time will continue whether you’re productive or not.
Success in any activity depends on effort. If you truly want 2021 to be something special, make sure your actions are in line with your goals.
Have a safe, productive, and fruitful new year. And remember, you have something to offer an audience. Even if it’s just a handful of people, you can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
That is, as long as you put in some effort.
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