12 Tips for Staying Disciplined and Achieving Success in the New Year

1.Embrace the New Year with Determination

As we step into another year, it's common to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The phrase 'new year, same goals' resonates with many of us, especially if we did not accomplish everything we aimed for in the past year. It's normal to feel down with another year passing, and you've still yet to achieve your piloting dreams. You're not alone. No one is achieving all of their goals. Almost all projects run past due dates. It's important to remember your dreams and set the discipline necessary to chase after them relentlessly. Use the new year to recommit with determination.

2.Use Winter to Reflect and Refocus

Winter often brings chilly weather and shorter days, which can make us want to hibernate. However, this season is the perfect time to acknowledge any delays caused by environmental, personal, or mechanical factors. Take a moment to reflect on your past year: what worked, what didn’t, and what adjustments you want to make. Use this introspection to understand your barriers and refocus your goals. This is a great time of year to connect with a coach to help you reflect with perspective.

3.Plan Around Weather and Awareness

Winter brings more than cold and snow. In areas prone to wildfire or areas surprised by extreme wind and flames such as Los Angeles, California, you are kept on your toes and potentially out of the skies. The impacts of smoke from wildfires can reach far and wide, reminding us of the unpredictability of life. As you plan your schedule, be aware of your environment and external factors that may slow you down. Are you inspired by the aerial fire relief efforts? Incorporating charitable activities into your routine not only benefits others but also gives you a sense of achievement and fulfillment, driving your motivation forward. There are many ways to volunteer and your help can have an appreciable impact.

4.Time for What Matters

In a busy world, it’s easy to let important tasks slip through the cracks. It’s crucial to box out your schedule, ensuring that you allocate specific time for what truly matters to you. This could mean setting aside an hour for personal projects, exercise, or even just downtime to recharge. The best time to invest in yourself is now; don't wait for the 'perfect moment' because it might never come. One strategy is to review your calendar from the past year and tally where you spent time spent. How does the time spend align with your priorities?

5.Beat Lulls with Action

If you're feeling a bit stagnant or in a slump, remember that it's never too late to get back in action. It can feel difficult to get going, but it almost always feels better when you're moving and you've accomplished something. Use those winter months to set smaller, actionable goals that lead to bigger successes. Break down your aspirations into manageable tasks so you can feel successful much sooner.

6.Commit to continue

Commit to yourself and your ambitions. It's all about adding discipline to reach your desire! Whether it's sticking to a workout plan, learning a new skill, or remaining consistent in a personal project, remember that consistency builds results. Tell friends, family, or coworkers about your goals to create a sense of accountability that keeps you on track.

7.Visualize Your Path

Creating a vision board can be a powerful way to remind yourself of what you’re striving for. Collect images, quotes, and items that inspire you and keep them in a visible place. Every time you see your vision board, take a moment to visualize yourself achieving those dreams, reinforcing your purpose. AOPA, EAA, and Sporty's magazine publications supply ample inspiration for wish list items. Pick a few stretch goals. I may have a few photos of space and mars on my vision board. What's on yours?

8.Stay Flexible

No matter how well you plan, life has a funny way of throwing surprises your way. It's vital to stay flexible and adapt when necessary. If a particular goal isn't working out as you had hoped, don’t hesitate to pivot. Remember, resilience is key to maintaining discipline and moving toward success.

9.Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate your small victories! Whether it's calling for an outlook weather briefing or completing a practice test, take the time to acknowledge your progress. These moments of celebration fuel your motivation and encourage you to keep pushing forward.

10. Socialize

Attend an aviation related event. This can be in person or online. Make sure to have live humans - while there are many great YouTube videos, it doesn't have the same impact as a live event with other enthusiasts. You'll see into the world, learn something that makes you a better aviator, or you may make a connection that can help you. Often as a pilot, you may be solo in the plane, but you're never alone. The aviation community is strong and welcoming. Join us!

11. Prioritize sleep

How does one do it all? Sleep is a key ingredient to taking action sustainably. Especially in aviation, lack of sleep is dangerous. One of the biggest barriers to enough sleep is enough time carved out for sleep. Use tip 4 and assess your sleep history. If you're like 92% of people who don't get enough shuteye, then you are due for change. Even though good sleep takes time, it pays dividends. You will be better able to focus and achieve your other priorities. Sleep makes your brain more nimble, which makes you a better aviator and human. Fatigue has neurological and physiological consequences. You know that. Take steps to prioritize a good nights rest. Set a time to quit stimulating activity: caffeine, food, screens. Personally, I drink my last cup of coffee before 2pm, conclude dinner by 8pm, and turn-on airplane mode on my phone at 9:30pm. What's your wind down routine?

12.Ask for help

One accomplishes more than one with help. Every person has different skills. One single person cannot know it all. As humans, it's important to have a support system because times can get tough. This may be your family, friends, or that person always at the diner counter. While no one can understand your exact feelings and experience, a supportive ear can help you unload what's on your mind. This release can help you better understand and grow through the tough experience. Most people are inclined to help, even it's just by listening. If you ask, some people are willing to go beyond. Asking is magic.

There are times so tough that the diner-regular may be ill-equipped to support. Remember, there are experts whose job it is to support you psychologically. They are experience confidants who are skilled at unloading the mental baggage you may be carrying. If you've never considered a therapist before, consider what you could learn in a 30 minute session. You're more likely to learn than to lose. If you decide it's not for you, then at least you'll have learned that. If you've never tried, you'll never know what you've been missing.

In our world of exponentially advancing technology and ever-increasing demands on our attention, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, we live in a time where there is ample support of professionals able and willing to help. All you have to do is ask. If you're struggling with motivation and time management in your aviation pursuits, we are here.

So, as you navigate through this new year, hold on to your dreams and ambitions. With discipline and determination, 2025 can be your best year yet!