The New Year Post - On Timing and New Beginnings

As we go into the new year, there are a few things to talk about. This isn’t going to be a look back at anything from 2020. Learning from the past is important, but we are here to look forward. Let’s get started.

Timing Matters

SPS did not release or post anything on January 1st this year, and that was intentional. While there is a certain satisfaction to be had from doing things on the first day of the new year, it didn’t make sense this time. New Year’s Day fell on a Saturday, which made it unlikely that I would reach the maximum number of people. After all, who really wants to try to kick off something new on any Saturday, let alone the day after New Year’s Eve? While I am a firm advocate of not waiting to get started on what is good for you, I also believe in being realistic.

So I’m here talking to you on the first Monday of 2021, because timing matters. “Now” can often be the best time to do most things, but timing does matter. I have spoken in the past about not over-planning and never executing. It does, however, also bear mentioning that you still have to take circumstances into account and plan to some degree. So as you head into the new year, keep in mind that while you can and should prioritize your growth and strength it is important to go about it practically.

New Beginnings - Yours and Others

The new year can be a time of new starts for people. In an open dichotomy to what we just talked about, I have always felt that waiting for some kind of official timing to do what is good for you is a waste of time that you could be spending on improving yourself that much sooner. That being said, some people do get motivated by the feeling of a new year being a time to start fresh. If you are one of these people, I do not want to discourage you. If a new year’s resolution is what it takes for you to start eating properly, lifting, cutting out harmful things or people, or doing anything that is good for you, then I solute you. The clincher is this: you have to stick with it. If this is the new you, then truly make it the new you. Make the change. Commit and commit hard.

As a final note on new year’s resolutions. As much as I do not support the concept, I must re-emphasize how important it is to not discourage people that do. Do not be that person that looks down on the new year people at the gym, or in anything else that they are doing to improve themselves. The choice to devote yourself to growing and improving can be fragile. What you say or even how you look at someone could be what makes or breaks them. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that what this world needs most is more kindness and support of our fellows. If you are looking for something new to commit to this year, let it be that.

What Are Your Goals This Year?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. What do you plan to accomplish this year? What are your long term goals? Let us know down below. You never know who you might inspire.