by Barbara Ann Sharon - Chief Learning Officer of the Training Edge
January is an excellent time to plan for excellence! January offers a fresh start and a clean slate to set meaningful goals and build positive habits. It's the perfect time to reflect on the previous year, identify areas for growth, and chart a course toward success. Whether it's personal development, career advancement, or simply adopting a healthier lifestyle, the possibilities are endless. Doing this though requires intentional planning and good use of your time. Use January as a foundation. Treat this month as a time to set habits and routines that you’ll carry throughout the year.
Here’s how to make the most of this fresh start:
Focus on the small, sustainable changes. Start with habits that are manageable and easy to integrate into your daily life. i.e., Instead of committing to a one-hour workout daily, begin with 10–15 minutes and build from there.
Next, it is important to set keystone habits. Keystone habits create a ripple effect, positively influencing other areas of your life. i.e., these habits can include regular exercise, meal prepping, or consistent morning routines. There is power in setting routines. Anchor new habits to existing routines to make them easier to remember. Like meditating after brushing your teeth in the morning. These routines are important as they provide structure and patterns and primes you for consistency and productivity.
Track your progress. Use a habit tracker (physical or digital) to monitor consistency. Celebrate small wins—they build momentum and motivation. Along the way, be sure to stay flexible because life happens! If you miss a day or fall off track, reset and continue. Avoid letting perfectionism derail your efforts. With setting progress, be sure to set up accountability. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach. Join communities or challenges focused on building similar habits.
Along the way, distractions will come up. It is important to minimize distractions. Identify your triggers. Be conscious of what distracts you, like social media or multitasking. Once you know where your distractions are, you can review and adjust.
Ultimately, you want to focus on habits that support positive things in your life like.
Health: Eating nutritious meals, regular exercise, good sleep.
Mindset: Gratitude journaling, mindfulness, positive affirmations.
Productivity: Time-blocking, decluttering, consistent planning.
Growth: Reading, learning new skills, or taking courses.
Time management isn’t just about work. Prioritize rest, exercise, and hobbies to maintain balance and energy. Start small. Focus on managing one area at a time (e.g., mornings, work hours). Be consistent. Habits take time, so stick with your new strategies. By treating January as a time to establish these habits and routines, you’re not just setting resolutions, you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Training Edge is ready to help you jumpstart your time management skills in 2025. Email info@trainingedge.com for more information.
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