🗓️ TREE 692: An old chestnut for your open fire

I have a piece of advice I like to pull out at this time of year. I used it on myself last week and it was good, so I’m sharing it with you:

Start at the wrong time.

I have been planning a writing project for the past several weeks. Part of my plan was to start in January. I started Thursday instead. I may not get much more done over the holidays (which include a BSL exam), but I’m already ahead of where I thought I was going to be.

Have you got a project planned for January? Start it now.

Are you planning to get fit in January? Start the exercise programme now.

Are you going to improve your diet in January? Change it now.

Do it this week.

Today even.

January you will be tired after the holidays. January you will be incredibly grateful that you put in the starting effort now. January you might feel a little smug looking at friends and coworkers who are struggling to find the motivation to get going.

Late November is not the right time to start things. That’s what makes it the perfect time to start things.

If you haven’t yet, take a look at all the great advice FFOREST folk wrote for my birthday.

Grow slowly
Jeff

P.S. Planning to buy my book in January? Do it now!