As the clock approaches midnight on December 31^st, many of us are ready to finally put into place the changes we’ve been promising to ourselves for months. The new year will be better, more prosperous, and most importantly, you’ll be happier.

“I am going to lose 15 lbs.”

“I am going to work out.”

“I am going to focus more on work.”

“I am going to focus more on family.”

“I am going to learn this new skill.”

“I am going to write more.”

The reality is that statistically, your motivation is fleeting. According to PTDirect, over 40% of gym members who sign up for New Year’s stop going completely after 6 months, and two-thirds of memberships go unused at any given time–yet every January, gym memberships continue to spike.

What is it about January 1^st that gives people the hope they couldn’t find a day, a month, or a year prior?

People need a set date that makes sense in their mind, even if it is an arbitrary day on a calendar created thousands of years ago. New Year’s fits the bill. In your mind, you convince yourself everything has to be perfect for you to begin your journey. It symbolizes the start of something new, and that aligns with your goals, however, here’s my question: why not today? Today, a random Tuesday, or whenever you may be reading this, is the best day to begin.

We’ve all been let down by ourselves, myself included, when your self-imposed deadline arrives and no action has been taken yet thanks to a series of weak excuses.

“I am busy today.”

“I have to do something for work.”

“I am not feeling up to it.”

“I am not ready.”

So how do you push through?

Early in my career, I remember reading a Tony Robbins book. His solution is to look at the small picture first instead of the daunting task that lies at the top of the hill. Simply writing down what you are going to do today is a small success that illustrates your commitment. When you demand that everything is perfect all at once, progress is stunted. Perfection comes from a long, winding road of successes and failures, not from day one.

Increasing your sales follows the same philosophy. Take a look at what small adjustments can be made each day so a year from now, you can look back and say you achieved your goal. Whether it’s managerial changes, procedural changes, or changes to your training, something small can be done to make progress little by little.

When the motivated voice in your head lets you know you need to make a change, listen. Don’t wait until January 1^st. Write down what you want and do something today to begin the journey, while reminding yourself every day that everything you do should be oriented towards satiating that voice in your head.

After all, what better day than a random Tuesday to change your life?

Glenn Pasch is the current CEO of PCG Digital as well as a writer and National Speaker. He also has helped create the PCG Digital Marketing & Lead Handling Audit

About the Author

Glenn Pasch is a Partner and CEO of PCG Companies. Glenn continues to author articles for multiple industry publications, blogs and forums as well as continuing his writing online at www.glennpasch.com.