Keep Calm and Trend On

I can’t remember exactly when the “Keep Calm and Carry On” parody posters started surfacing, but I have to say that I am impressed that they still are around. While they are not as popular as they used to be, I still find them kind of entertaining.

For those who don’t know, these are based off of some unissued, WWII, propaganda posters on the event that the Germans invaded Britain. At least, that is what this website tells me.

I think the reason they are so popular is:

1. They are easy to duplicate.
2. They can be applied to any topic.
3. It is fun to say.
4. The original design was just that awesome.

Personally, I like the posters that keep as much as the original design/ wording as possible. Below I include three of my favorites from a Google search.

Photo courtesy of zazzle.com. What’s better than combining two trends into one design?

Photo courtesy of depositphotos.com. I would have liked this design even better if it read, “Keep calm and put your glasses on.”

 

Photo courtesy of dumpaday.com. This one makes more sense if you have seen Star Wars.

Get Motivated!

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
– Walt Disney

If you ever have trouble beginning a project, just remember this quote. For some reason, it actually works. If I had to guess, I think the fact that it isn’t coming from yourself helps. We all have those days when getting down to work is hard. Finding the motivation to start is usually all you need to create momentum.

Change Your New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a testimony that people want to make a change in their life. While they have the potential to be a catalyst, it is more likely that they will simply reappear on a person’s list the following year. What is it about resolutions that make the follow through difficult?

While I have my share of repeat offenders, I am determined to make progress this year. For those pessimists who may ask what makes this year different, I’ll tell you — I have developed a new perspective.

Simply put, change is not as complicated as some people led us to believe. I am not saying that change is easy, in fact, it might be one of the most difficult things. I know it sounds like I just contradicted myself, so let me explain.

I’ll start with how change is difficult. Change is difficult because someone has to be full committed. He has to put in a conscious effort everyday without necessarily seeing the results. Because it is a gradual experience, people may give up and restart several times, causing extra frustration and possibly feelings of failure.

But change doesn’t have to be that way. If a person breaks up change into smaller chunks, it becomes easier to cope. Instead of seeing everything you have to do, focus on step one. After that, proceed to step two and three and so forth.

As you progress, do not be discouraged if you slip up. It will happen. People are not perfect creatures. Accept your mistakes, but start fresh the next day. The key is to learn and move on.

As you begin your path to change, here are some other things to consider:

1. You have to be committed to change. You will not get far if you don’t want it with every fiber of your being. If you don’t have such a strong reaction, maybe you should ask yourself why you want to change.
2. Have a plan of attack. Your chances of success go up if you spell out exactly what you want and by when you wish to accomplish your goals. If you feeling stuck or at a loss for what to do next, check out this article from the Harvard Business Review. The most important thing you can do is keep moving forward.
3. You must be accountable. Mark it on your calendar if you have to. One of the keys to a successful change is making it into a habit. Habits do not develop overnight so you must stay vigilant. Weekly checkups are good ways to avoid huge missteps.
4. Be realistic. Setting impossible goals are a good way to lose self esteem. Remember to cut yourself some slack and know your limits. As much as possible, fit your goals around your lifestyle and existing habits. 
   
5. Celebrate. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to something small when you meet one of your steps. It won’t seem as tiresome if you take some time to enjoy how far you have come.