Nothing Will Work Unless You Do
The kick-in-the-butt advice you need this year.
Nothing will work unless you do — Maya Angelou
After coming off of a year of “soft life vibes,” Maya’s words may sting but what she’s saying is true. Wellness gurus and lifestyle influencers will tell you to manifest your dreams. But manifestation isn’t magic. Effort is the true power. By doing, we transform our world and our individual thoughts about it. We don’t snap our fingers, and it appears we work hard, and it’s created.
The need to implement consistent habits has been a theme in my life lately. Maybe it’s end-of-the-year reflections, but I’ve noticed a lack of consistency in my daily pattern.
I have lofty intentions for the upcoming year and plan on achieving them all. I will grow as a writer on Medium by producing a ton more content, expand my personal brand and social circle, travel to broaden my mind, and practice meditation to appreciate the gratuitous life I have.
If I want to show up as my highest self and live the life of my dreams, fulfilling the above intentions will bring me closer to that goal.
To quote Kim Kardashian,
“Get your f — king a — up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.”
Yea, I know the messenger may not have been right, but the statement couldn’t be more spot-on. If you want to grow, you need to work. Develop systems, turn them into habits, and put productivity on cruise control.
Let’s start with a big goal. I want to grow as a writer. What does that mean? For me, it’s a commitment to writing at least one article every week. Now I know publishing one article per week won’t make me a ton of money and won’t grow my following exponentially. However, writing weekly will train the habit. Over time creating habits draws you closer to your desired lifestyle than clearly defined goals.
I’m measuring growth by consistent effort and output. For me, growth comes from constantly producing.
Apply this to any area of your life…
Want to lose weight? — Do the work by getting active and changing your eating habits.
Want to make more money? — Do the work and get a side hustle, ask for a raise, or change your employer.
Want a discover your passions? — Do the work by learning yourself, going to therapy, and communicating openly.
Work is literally the answer to it all. Growth will come with consistently doing the work. That’s my message for 2023. What are you working on in this new season?