Playing With the Calendar

January is billed as a fresh, new page. And for many of us that feels exciting and inviting.

For me, January can feel a little bossy – a little demanding – like an email that arrives with all CAPS – What will I DO/BE/ACCOMPLISH this year!? This used to create a sense of panic. Why? Because when the calendar turns and I’m not clear yet on where I’m aiming, well, I can quickly feel small, ineffective, unimaginative. How can I already be behind!??

Now, if January is your BFF, read no further, you can ride the prevailing winds and are in great shape. However, if you are like me and January’s expectant rituals spin you around, here are a few pages from my playbook:  

For starters, I take a deep breath and remind myself that what feels unknowable today will not remain so. Not knowing my goals, intentions and dreams for 2022 right now – today – in January – doesn’t mean I never will. Not now is not never. Getting clear on 2022’s goals remains important. Still valuable. Simply not now.

The second thing I’ve done in recent years – which I absolutely love – is mess with the calendar. Turns out January just might not be the start of my year. Certainly, where I live, the dominant mood is restoration, hibernation, reflection – stews and casseroles. Midwest winter hunkers down – and it is hard for me to work against that energy. 

Fast forward a few months and the slowed down pace has run its course. By March I’m bursting to get out there and play with all that lies ahead – as are the trees, buds, birds. The earth around me is ready for some action by March or April. Just try to stop us.

So I recalibrated my year. Set it up as a cycle; seasons, not months.  (Yes, I can do this in my own business because it turns out that I’m in charge – ta da!). We are all in charge of knowing our own rhythms and making them work well for us. Even if your company operates on a tight quarterly calendar, you can realign for yourself personally.  

Spring is the beginning – set up the focus and off I go with abundant energy. Summer the blooming – everything in motion. Fall is a time to nourish the growth. And back to Winter to reflect, learn, develop, and allow space for discovery.  

Maybe this works for you; maybe not. Minimally, this idea may have cracked open January’s hold and you can create a different kind of cycle that works for you. No need to make it 12-months – could be 3 or 15. Really. I promise. Be creative. Listen to your own motivational cycles.  

Still aim. Still clarify. Be specific with your goals. Add in measurement, accountability, success measures. All the good stuff. And do so in your own customized way. Let me know what you come up with!