Right around this time every year, the Instagram posts decrease, the tweets disappear and we start to notice that so many of the new year resolutions we had proudly proclaimed to the world become a part of the past. 

15 days in we notice that not only is it difficult to make it to the gym  every day, but that the stresses of working, connecting and remaining who we are starts feeling more like a job than what we really thought we wanted to do. 

So here's a quick 5 step guide to staying motivated, and focused on the goals we set for ourselves. 

1. Wake up ten minutes earlier than you need to just to meditate or get some quiet space 

Take this ten minutes to not think about work, or what you need to do, just let it be your own mental balance time. I know it can be hard to stick to this but I'm telling you it makes such a difference in your day. Start off by thinking of 1 thing that makes you happy.  Even if that thing is what the end of your day will feel like.

You can even take this time to practice the Wim Hof method of breathing. It gets you amped and ready to take on whatever it is you have going on.  http://highexistence.com/the-wim-hof-method-revealed-how-to-consciously-control-your-immune-system/

2. Figure out what gets you up and excited to jump out of bed and do more of that

 It doesn't matter if you have a 9 to 5 or you are working three different jobs, carve out a little time each week for yourself to practice or participate in things that make you feel alive. Whether that's music, or painting or working out. You need to find the time to do those things. It keeps you young and mentally sharp, and you deserve that happiness in your life. Eventbrite is a great way to find activities and groups of people that are doing the things that you are interested in. https://www.eventbrite.com/

3. Get a Journal ASAP

Keep it with you at all times. You never know when that next big idea will pop into your head. I even keep one by my bed side. My first screen play came to me in a dream and I rolled over at 5 am wide awake and wrote as much as I could remember down before heading in to work. Don't let these things slip through the cracks. This is a super cute one that's cheap and fits easily into your purse, or work bag. 

4. Work out first thing in the morning

That way you won't talk yourself out of it at the end of the day when you're exhausted. You don't need to do a hardcore 1-2 hour work out every single day. 15-30 minutes of cardio and 10 minutes of weights still counts. You can also switch that up and do a 7 minute warm up and 30 minutes of weights! There are a lot of programs and challenges out there that can help you stay fit and healthy. My current favorite is the 8 week challenge 

5. Surround yourself with good people doing good things 

Giving back to the community is a great way to not only meet really inspiring people but to also keep your mind right. I read a quote once that said "Those Who Do Well Must Also Do Good." You'll see others going through things that you may or may not have gone through and this can really change your perspective and allow you to see that no matter what you can change your circumstances. It keeps you motivated it keeps you inspired and it shows you just how incredible being alive can be. 

So stay focused, stay motivated and do not ever let others decide your fate.