At the end of last year, which was actually just a few days ago (but seems like much longer than that), I was mad at myself. More than mad actually. I was downright peeved and very disappointed. I started off the year with good intentions of getting stuff done and reaching goals. Then life happened and I didn’t make the effort.
That was what I kept telling myself when things weren’t working out or I wasn’t getting things done, “Make the effort, Gina.”
So when I started trying to think of my word for 2020, it came to me easily. Effort.
I’m not going to make my site better unless I make the effort to learn new things and implement them.
I’m not going to finish the books I’ve started writing unless I make the effort to put my cheeks in the chair and actually write.
I’m not going to make connections with people unless I make the effort to share my story more and put myself out there.
I’m not going to keep simplifying my life unless I make the effort to eliminate the unnecessary and concentrate on the people and things that really matter.
I’m not going to improve my physical health (and mental) unless I make the effort to exercise more, worry less, and eat better.
Even if I fail gloriously, I’m determined to make 2020 my year of Effort.
I’m starting it off by doing a January Jumpstart to the year. I’ve come up with 5 simple things I can do every single day during the month of January that will get me back on track and making progress towards my 2020 goals.
Every day in January I will ….
1. Exercise (even if it’s just for 5 minutes)
2. Track EVERYTHING I eat
3. Write (or type) something
4. NOT multitask (if it’s worth doing, it’s worth my full attention)
5. Take small steps towards my goals
I know (and love) the saying “Nothing ever changes is nothing EVER changes” and I’m applying it to 2020. If I want things to change in my life then I have to make the effort. Nobody else can do it for me.
If you don’t have a word or saying or mantra for 2020 yet, I encourage you to find one. It really can motivate you to make the changes you want and need in your life.

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