Quirky Reminder: February

In case you prefer the audio version:

So what should we do in February? Let's make a list.

Review goals

• Go back and remember that 31st December or 1st January. Remember what great ideas and goals you put in your mind. It can be around becoming healthier, getting enough sleep, reading more, nurturing more relations, learning a new skill, spending more time with family, improving your financial situation, and much more. How's the goal going?
  • It didn't happen, but that's no reason to give up. You still have time to make it happen before the deadline. Let's give it another shot today and see how it feels. Is it something that will benefit you? Don't second-guess yourself; just focus on taking the next step and then the next. Keep pushing forward, and don't let setbacks hold you back.
  • Is it going well? Lovely! Great to hear that you're doing well! Keep up the momentum and strive for even more progress. Don't settle for mediocrity; push yourself to identify areas where you can improve towards achieving your goals. Consider the potential secondary benefits you have already discovered and capitalize on them. Feel free to challenge yourself even further by adding another goal or working to make the one you're already pursuing even stronger. You've got this! And make stride
  • If you still need to set goals, it's time to take action. Look at my list and choose something that will improve your life. If there are multiple options, pick one at random. Once you've made a selection, commit to taking action every day to get closer to your goal. For example, if you want to get fitter, start doing one squat, push-up, crunch, burpee, and 10 seconds of rope jumps daily. Keep doing these exercises until they become too easy, and then push yourself to do more. Don't make excuses about not having enough time or being too hard. The price of success is small, and you can achieve it if you just start now.

Digital cleanup

• Open your phone agenda and spend time cleaning it up. Update names and pictures and remove duplicate entries. Have you found any bad influences from the past? This might be a great moment to remove them from your agenda.
• Pick a content platform. Youtube, for example. Log in and check what channels you are subscribed to. If there are channels that you don't look at, unsubscribe. Spend time searching for channels for a hobby (extra points if you have stopped doing it). Watch a few videos, and if you like them, subscribe to receive better content in the future.
• Pick a social media website. Facebook for example. Open your friends list. Do you know those people? If not, don't feel any shame removing them from that list. For the above-mentioned hobby, search a few pages with it and like the pages.

Connect

• Do you recall that friend you always say, "Let's meet for lunch," but never do? This is the perfect opportunity to make concrete plans. Decide on a time and location, and send them an invitation immediately.
• Call your parents and express your love and gratitude towards them. Let them have the last word. If you cannot call them, cherish your memories and forgive yourself for any mistakes.
• Do you know that street where artists sometimes perform live shows? Visit it, hear their music, go to their shows, and share your awe alongside a drink (cold water or tea, depending on the weather).
• Do you have a favorite hiking trail? If so, plant a tree along it and visit it regularly to track its growth. Once the tree has grown, invite others to join you and showcase its progress. It's your tree; you can mark something on it with a knife. That's the only time!

Plan

• Take charge and explore the creative workshops happening around you immediately! Discover the ones that speak to you, from pottery and painting to calligraphy and candle making. Attend one of these workshops, create something unique, and show it to your friends!
• It's time to start searching for end-of-year events and destinations! Holidays are all about the people, not just the location. So, look for accommodation that can host more people than you plan to bring. Take charge and let your friends know you have found a fantastic deal and are going there. They have almost a year to decide whether they want to join you. Opt for the extra legroom seat on the plane, and don't look back!
• Thinking of running a half-marathon this summer? Start training now to ensure you look great in your race photos.

Of course, ideas like these are not laws. They are like hats. If one doesn't fit, try another.