Around October, a lot of people started talking about creating a plan for the new year. Some are still talking about it, and some are still working on what’s supposed to be a master framework for the 12 months ahead.

But the question is– when you create a new year’s plan, when do you start putting it into action?

For a lot of people, the logical answer is someday in the new year—duh!

But, it’s not logical to think that one day in January you’re going to hit Go!, take off, and cruise down the lane of success. I don’t care how thorough your planning is.

For most people, a new year’s plan is nothing more than a to-do list that’s to be tackled in the future.

And that’s the problem. Too many people delay the starting point and things don’t get done.

If you’re serious about what you’re planning, you won’t wait to get started.

Otherwise, all you’ve done is take a new year’s resolution, put it in a party dress, and called it a new year’s plan.

By definition, a resolution is a firm decision.

So, a New Year’s resolution is a decision, supposedly firm, that’s scheduled to begin in the future. It’s something people claim they’re committed to doing, but not yet.

We all know most New Year’s resolutions will fail. Calling delayed commitments a new year plan doesn’t increase the odds of success.

Most new year plans are the same trick in a different skimpy dress. It’s a distraction. A delay tactic.

If you want to start or step up your freelancing, blogging, or podcasting venture, there’s no reason you aren’t pitching, writing, or recording RIGHT NOW.

I’m Ready…

For those of you who push back against what I’m saying… For those who are thinking,  How can anyone argue against preparing? Clearly, you don’t know what you’re talking about if you don’t believe in planning­, consider this…

First off, I’ve already told y’all: over-preparation IS  procrastination – another spandex dress ­still the same cheap trick.

Second, I’m NOT against planning. We can all benefit from it.

But planning only leads to progress if there’s work in between.

And you don’t have to complete a plan before you start putting it in place.

As a content creator, as an entrepreneur, planning and tweaking your plans is part of an ongoing process. There’s no point in your career when all the planning is going to be behind you.

Furthermore, plans usually need to be fine-tuned. So, if your goal really is to smooth roll from the holidays into a productive year of work, this is the time to start testing your system and working out the kinks.

And, please don’t try to use your hectic schedule during the holidays as yet another reason to delay. Because guess what—this season will be back every year.

So, unless you’re going to take off annually, get to work.

Listen to: Where Content Creators Are Finding New Money

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