With goal diaries spotted everywhere, and terms like “Dry January” being thrown around with wild abandon, it can be difficult to focus on your intentions for 2021 over all the noise. Use these wise words to keep you motivated to tackle those goals and challenges your way, whether that’s no alcohol this January, doing more exercise, taking that next career step, or simply making 2021 better than 2020…
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“When they go low, we go high.” – Michelle Obama
Lesson: Things are fraught to say the least, and it can be disheartening to see people not following the rules. What’s more, amidst the chaos, everyday grievances and interactions, whether with colleagues, strangers or those close to you, are exacerbated. Just take a leaf out of Michelle’s book, take the high road, and set a good example.
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“If not me, who? If not now, when?” – Emma Watson
Lesson: If there’s an idea you want to get off the ground, or something you want to learn or do, there is no better time to do it than now, and no better person to do it than you.
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“Cherish forever what makes you unique, cuz you’re really a yawn if it goes.” – Bette Midler
Lesson: If it’s weight loss or upping your style game that’s on your goal list, just remember – don’t lose sight of you. Do what feels best for you and remember that no one is perfect, even if they pretend to be.
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“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” – Banksy
Lesson: 2020 was a tough year, if you need some time out, take it easy, then get back to goal smashing and the hustle when you’re ready.
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“Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou
Lesson: These goals you’ve set won’t accomplish themselves, just like staring at an Italian book won’t make you magically understand Italian, or watching an online workout from your couch won’t make you fit (unfortunately). Begin, work, reflect, take breaks, repeat.
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“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn
Lesson: Don’t sell yourself short! Just give it a go and see what happens.
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“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Lesson: Again, you don’t know for sure unless you try. You may just surprise yourself.
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“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.” – Estée Lauder
Lesson: Hopes and dreams are one thing, but you have to do the hard yards.
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“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart
Lesson: Sometimes starting is the hardest part and it requires real gumption to get going, but from there it is simply persistence.
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“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes
Lesson: If you want to change career paths, or you see ways to improve things, whether that’s at work or in activism spaces, speak up! Just because it’s not been said or done yet, doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea.
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“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel
Lesson: It’s fun, inspiring and helpful to follow style advice and seek role models for self-improvement, but don’t forget to utilise what’s most important – your unique self.
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“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton
Lesson: Sometimes to get to the good stuff, you have to put up with a lot of frustrations and do some unglamourous work.
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“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Lesson: Whether it’s a cause you care about, a project, or organisation, lead others with your example of contagious passion.
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“Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.” – Bill Murray
Lesson: Always give it your all, unless, you know, you’re donating blood.
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“All careers go up and down like friendships, like marriages, like anything else, and you can’t bat a thousand all the time.” – Julie Andrews
Lesson: A lot of things changed last year, and you may not be in the spot you want to be. And guess what? That’s okay! Everything has its ups and downs. Focus on what’s next.
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“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” – Gloria Steinem
Lesson: Looking into activism and other causes is so important, not only for our knowledge so we can do better as a society and individuals, but to put things in perspective. Just be prepared for what you might find, and remember, it’s okay to get mad.
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“When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be a Superwoman today.’” – Jada Pinkett Smith
Lesson: Even Superwoman needs a little reprieve, so don’t feel guilty about taking time out for some well-deserved self-care.
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“When I believe in something, I’m like a dog with a bone.” – Melissa McCarthy
Lesson: To get what you want, sometimes you must be tenacious and a little stubborn.
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“One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
Lesson: One of the major teachings of 2020 was that we should appreciate our frontline workers and respect those doing the work to keep us safe and our communities going. Show them (or yourself especially if you’re a frontline worker) some love in 2021, because the work being done is making the biggest difference.
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“One part of wisdom is knowing what you don’t need anymore and letting it go.” – Jane Fonda
Lesson: Whether that’s metaphorical baggage or you are actually “Marie Kondoing” your house, only keep hold of things that spark joy!
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“I’m constantly astounded by how amazing women are. And as we go through all these different stages of life as long as you share them with others and say, ‘Well, this is bloody weird’, you can get through everything.” – Dawn French
Lesson: Lean on others for help, especially through tough transitions and if you’re struggling to get to where you want to be.
Happy planning!
This post was created by Kathleen Tamara Loxton for Get it on behalf of Figurati
