This time is different. Ever catch yourself saying that? As you begin the new year, ambitions in stock, think about the commitments you’re making to yourself. Most likely they’ll include some kind of lifestyle change. Maybe it’s hitting the gym, quitting smoking, saving more money, eating healthier, whatever. Point is, to get to that ideal state, you have to do something different than what you’re doing now.

What’s different this time? You’re still the same person you were yesterday, albeit perhaps a little hungover. Are you smarter, wiser, better looking? Odds are the only thing that’s changed from yesterday is your attitude.

Today you might make more life decisions than the average person makes the entire year. Imagine that, all in one day. Making decisions costs the brain energy, and when they get too complex, it’s easier for us to just kick the can down the road. It’s only at the beginning of every year that we tell ourselves, “enough is enough” and actually decide to do something different.

The magic of committing is that decisions get easier. E.g. if you’re married, you hopefully don’t wake up wondering if you should be married or single today, that decision’s already been made and you carry on applying your mental energy elsewhere. So if you’ve decided that this is your year to get into the best shape of your life, don’t wonder if you should go to the gym, just go. Also know, that making the commitment isn’t the hard part.

Alright, 2015 is upon us. Today, don’t just ask yourself what you want to do or accomplish, also ask what you’re going to do different. What’s different this time? Happy New Year, friends! I’m proud to say I’m now in my third year of writing this blog. For additional new year motivation, check out my post from 2013 and goals for 2014.