Five steps to turn your anxiety into action in 2022
It’s been a long anticipated year, and it’s finally here. For some of us, we already have the year planned out to the last day. For others, it’s kind of a struggle to do so because we’re not so sure what we want to get out of the year, and even though we do, it’s not easy to get it planned out like others.
But don’t fret, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re anxious about the new year and need some help on making sure you still end the year on a good note, then this post is for you. Here are five steps you need to take to start acting right for 2022
P.S. Don’t skip number 1, its important ;)
1. Do the hard work and document your goals
Simply put, have a written plan. The habit of writing yearly goals is a must-have for anybody who wants to get work done. But, the thing is, some of us don’t like the hard work of documenting what our yearly goals will be, and breaking them down into quarterly goals, then monthly. Honestly, it’s kind of draining to me.
If you enjoy this process, then a big fat kudos to you. But if you don’t, like me, then join the camp so I can share an idea on how to go about it on a basic level.
Just pick the areas in your life that are important (like family, career, health, finances, etc.) and under each one, write about three things you want to accomplish this year regarding them. If you’re not sure what you want to accomplish, look back on the past year and think of things that happened regarding them that you don’t like, and what you’d like to change.
For example, in 2021, I was terrible at creating leisure time for myself. So this year, I’m setting a goal under my “health” section to have an outing at least once every month, just for fun.
2. Be intentional with social media
Social media is a major source of anxiety, as you probably already know. It sometimes tricks us into thinking we want something, when we don’t need it. In 2021, I kept seeing videos of people having cocktails and going out and I though wanted that. Turns out I was overworking and I just needed to have more fun with my work, or at least go to places where I actually have fun (like going for hiking or bowling, things that were fun to me).
This year, you have to be intentional with it so you don’t get your goals wrong. The best way is to have time blocks everywhere you know you’re not allowed to scroll on your phone, no matter what. Trust me, you’ll get more clarity on your goals and what you truly want from life when you do this.
Also, remember not to use what others have or are doing as a yardstick to set your goals. Be mindful of every time you unconsciously open any of your apps, and ask yourself why you’re doing so. If it’s not for anything productive, you should probably exit it and do something else.
3. Review your routines/habits
No matter what you put down on paper as a goal, it will be useless unless you make it a habit that you perform continuously. Last year, I hung my bra top for exercise above my mirror, so that every day when I woke up and looked in the mirror, I would remember to exercise.
I kept my Bible journal where I could clearly see it when I stood up from the bed. And I kept water on the corridor where I could see I immediately after brushing my teeth (I made a promise to drink half a liter of water every morning).
So, before you get scared that you won’t be sticking to your goals halfway through the year, just remember that your routines are what will get you there. Create an environment that makes it easy to do those tiny things that sum up to your goals.
4. Make a simple list of what you want to change
How is this different from your goals? Because you point out specific things that didn’t work previously and ruminate on what exactly you need to do to change the situation.
Personally, I had to do this for my finances. Stock investing didn’t work for me in 2021, and a deeper look showed me that it’s because I was a passive investor. I did no research and consistently picked poor performing stocks.
So I have decided to pay and join a finance community that does the research for me and helps me pick solid stocks, showing me exactly why I should buy them, and breakdown of their expected future performance.
What area of your life did you underperform last year? What can you do to change that? The answer to the second question should form part of your goal list as stated in number 1.
5. Do it. Everyday. Don’t force it at once
As Bill Gates once said, people overestimate what they can do in one year, and underestimate what they can do in a day. Don’t fall into any of these traps this year.
Remember: Days are for the small tasks, which sum up into monthly accomplishments, which ultimately make up a big win for the year. Sometimes, big wins take years, or even a decade. Pace yourself. Work with your deadlines, but make sure they can accommodate the size of your goal.
Setting a very close deadline for an elaborate goal is usually the major cause of anxiety when working towards success. Always keep this in mind.
Thanks for reading!
Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
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