Ryan’s Journal: Why Wait?
by Ryan Pew
The holidays are fully upon us and we are immersed in responsibilities to friends and family, at least I am. My family is spread all throughout the country and, as a result, it can be quite an orchestration to have more than a few people in the same geography.
I tend to be a people-pleaser as well, so, if there are multiple parties involved, I find myself pulled in various directions, all to keep them happy. I will tell you that this is not fun and does not benefit anyone.
The capstone holiday, of course, is New Years. It is a chance to renew and rebirth yourself into the desired image you have set forth.
My desired image would include not worrying as much about keeping people happy and more focus on my long-term goals.
Which brings us to the question, why wait? Why wait ’till that magical stroke of midnight to enable us to be our best selves?
In one regard it can be easier to wait until the tide of society is on board with us when making good decisions. I made a decision some time ago to no longer drink alcohol; I realized I could be a better version of myself by cutting it out. I will tell you that it can be a lonely walk when you are the only one making a decision like that. It wasn’t a New Year’s choice, but done during an off time of year. As a result, I really didn’t have anyone to share in the decision.
So perhaps that’s it?
Do we like the positive peer pressure of making informed choices together? It is a lot more fun going to the gym when out of shape if other folks in the same boat are there. It can also be fun to indulge in that extra piece of chocolate during the holidays’ guilt-free in the knowledge that next week you will be your best self.
How do we apply this to work?
Do you sit at your desk on a Friday and think, “I’ll get to that next week?” I know I do and it can be destructive if left unchecked. Or perhaps you are the type of person who embraces all tasks with gusto and will work to solve that problem regardless of time.
First off, I want whatever you have, and secondly, how do you sustain it?
Either approach has its benefits and risks, but which can lead to our best self.
What is your best self?
Flickr image credit: BK
