Why Waiting Until January is a Mistake – Start Now to Finish 2024 Strong

Hi Aspiring High Performer,

Welcome to this week’s edition of BCPerformance Weekly Insights!

As we approach the end of the year, many people are starting to think about their New Year's resolutions and goals for the year ahead. It’s tempting to put everything on hold until January 1st – after all, that’s when the “fresh start” moment feels like it happens. But here’s the thing: starting now gives you an edge. Don’t wait until the calendar flips to set yourself up for success. In fact, if you take action today, you’ll already have momentum heading into 2025, and you’ll be ahead of the game.

In this edition, I want to show you why waiting for January could be holding you back, and how you can set yourself up for success right now.

Why Starting Now is the Game-Changer

We often think of the new year as the ideal time to make changes. But there are a few reasons why waiting is actually a mistake. Starting now will give you a huge advantage for the year ahead. Here’s why:

1️⃣ Momentum Beats Motivation

Motivation is something that comes and goes. One day you’re feeling on top of the world, ready to crush your goals, and the next, you’re struggling to get out of bed. The problem with waiting for January is that it relies on motivation, which isn’t always reliable. But momentum? That’s something you can build over time, and it’s far more powerful than waiting around for motivation to strike.

If you start now, you’ll already have a head start by the time January rolls around. You’ll have built confidence, and that sense of accomplishment will give you a boost when the new year begins. Momentum is all about taking consistent, small actions that snowball into bigger results over time. The more you do now, the easier it’ll be to keep going in 2025.

2️⃣ Small Wins Add Up Over Time

People often think they need to make huge changes to see big results. But in reality, it’s the small, consistent wins that make the biggest difference. Think of it like compounding interest – those little daily wins accumulate and lead to massive growth.

For example, something as simple as drinking enough water, stretching for a few minutes, or getting a bit more sleep each night doesn’t seem like much on its own. But when you look back in a month, you’ll realise how much progress you’ve made. And those small wins are the foundation for even bigger changes down the line.

3️⃣ Avoid the Post-Holiday Slump

Let’s face it: the holidays can be challenging. Between festive meals, socialising, and family events, it’s easy to let your healthy habits slip. Starting now means you can find a way to balance the enjoyment of the holidays with maintaining a sense of routine. By taking action today, you’ll avoid the post-holiday slump, and you won’t need to spend January undoing the damage from December.

You can still enjoy the festive season without feeling guilty. In fact, starting now helps you stay consistent and prevents you from falling off track during the holidays. It’s all about creating balance so that you can stay on top of your game, even when the season gets busy.

How to Start Now (Without Overloading Yourself)

Starting now doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything in your life. In fact, that’s one of the biggest mistakes people make. You don’t need to completely change your routine or make massive changes all at once. It’s about keeping it simple and focusing on consistency.

Here’s how to begin:

Focus on Keystone Habits

Rather than trying to change everything at once, focus on one or two keystone habits—the habits that will have the most impact on your overall health, fitness, and mindset. These are the habits that, when done consistently, will influence other areas of your life.

For example:

• Drink 2-3 litres of water daily: Staying hydrated supports your energy levels, recovery, and mental clarity.

• Walk for 20 minutes each day: This is an easy way to get moving, clear your head, and get a bit of fresh air each day.

• Stretch for 5 minutes in the morning: A few minutes of mobility work can improve flexibility, posture, and overall well-being.

These simple actions may not seem like a lot, but when you make them part of your daily routine, they’ll have a huge impact over time.

Set a December Micro-Goal

The key to consistent progress is setting clear, achievable targets. For December, pick one micro-goal that you can realistically complete before 2025. This will give you something concrete to work towards and will create a sense of achievement.

For example:

• 5-10 workouts by the end of the month.

• Journaling three things you’re grateful for each day to improve your mindset.

• Prioritising 7+ hours of sleep every night to improve recovery and performance.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about setting yourself up for success, even with the busy holiday season. Achieving your December goal will give you the momentum to carry you into the new year with confidence.

Make It Enjoyable

It’s much easier to stick to habits when you enjoy them. So, find ways to make it fun and integrate it into your holiday routine.

• Go for family walks or do some outdoor activities. It’s a great way to get some movement and enjoy time with loved ones.

• Try festive home workouts that you can do in between social events. Bodyweight exercises or quick circuits can be done anywhere.

• Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay calm and centred during a busy time.

If you find ways to enjoy the process, it’ll be much easier to stay consistent—and that’s what will set you up for long-term success.

The Power of Finishing Strong

By starting now, you’re sending yourself a message: You’re committed to progress, not perfection. That shift in mindset is essential for long-term success. It’s not about doing everything perfectly from the start – it’s about taking small, consistent steps that lead to big changes over time.

When you make these small efforts now, you’ll:

• Build confidence as you head into the new year, knowing you’ve already started.

• Avoid the all-or-nothing mindset that so often comes with New Year’s resolutions.

• Lay a solid foundation for lasting success, without having to start from scratch in January.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t wait until January – momentum starts today.

• Small, consistent actions now will lead to big results later.

• Balance your health with enjoyment over the holidays.

Your Challenge

What’s one habit you’re going to commit to today to finish 2024 strong? It doesn’t have to be big—just one small action that will set you up for success. Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!

If you’re ready to take your performance to the next level, let’s work together and create a plan. Reach out to me today and let’s get started on your BCPerformance journey.

Here’s to finishing 2024 strong and starting 2025 even stronger!

Blaine
Founder, BCPerformance