I hate New Year’s Resolutions. It feels like every year we lie to ourselves. Has anyone ever asked you about your New Year’s Resolution in March? That almost seems like it would be a rude question. No New Year’s resolution has ever made it past the third week of January.
They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. If you continue the behavior for a full 90 days then you can actually make a permanent lifestyle change. Thus, technically you can get started on a new endeavor at any time but I have real reason to believe that Q4 is actually the most optimal time. My entire philosophy is based on the weather and how we act during different seasons.
My hypothesis relies on one’s ability to establish a habit right before it gets cold out. Let’s break this down.
A person is at their most motivated at the beginning of a new endeavor. But, while there is no shortage of effort, these weeks before a new habit is established are also the toughest. With all this in mind, it’s important to remove as many obstacles or potential excuses as possible and I don’t think there is a more commonly used excuse than bad weather. Take it from me. The weather just dropped below 60 for the first time in months and I’m going to cancel my plans tonight the second I publish this article (If you’re reading this Bryan, I’m kidding!).
The new year is full of nothing but cold sidewalks, a shortage of sunlight, and promises made to oneself. And unfortunately, I think the latter is often impeded by the two former. The goal is to establish that new habit, whether that’s working on a business idea, learning a new skill, or even going to the gym, before winter is in full effect. Yes, the winter will still arrive, whether that’s three months later or 8 books later, but at that same time your passion for this endeavor will be reinvigorated as it becomes a fully formed habit. The months immediately following the establishment of a habit are when you are least likely to quit. You’ve already done the hard work. You’ve proved to yourself that you can do it and now you simply need to keep going on auto-pilot. This is what will get you through the cold tundra that has made liars out of so many.
“But…but…but…with all this in mind why would you not just start in the middle of the summer when the winter in no where in sight”
I’m getting to it, I’m getting to it.
There’s no science to what I’m about to say but I strongly believe that if you form a habit during the “easy” time of year then it’s just not as firmly cemented. Until you’ve overcome the safe warmth of a blanket on a freezing morning or persevered through the early darkness of evening crawling towards the winter solstice then you don’t truly have a hardened habit.
Don’t wait until the new year. Start that thing you’ve been meaning to start right now in Q4 and when the new year turns over you’ll be well on your way.
