Where did the time go? And what happened to all the plans we made last January? You know — the ones that were going to make 2019 our best year yet?

Relax. We’re all in the same boat. There’s really nothing we can do now about those 2019 plans that got sidetracked — except to revise our strategies to make sure we’re more successful in 2020.

Maybe you’re a procrastinator. Or you could use some help prioritizing. Do you let fear of the unknown stop you in your tracks? Perhaps you’re one of those people who say “YES” to everything, and you’ve gotten yourself overloaded to the Nth degree.

Do you recognize yourself in any one of these scenarios?

Whatever the reason, most of the time when you’re not where you want to be, it’s because that pesky brain of yours has held you back. So maybe it’s time to make some mental changes — some brain hacks — to strengthen your chance of success!

Make today the day you start to make a difference — in your own life. Today is the day to redefine opportunity in your career. A time to assemble the tools and resources you need to land the job of your dreams — or to turn your present position into your dream job.

It’s also a time to take a look at yourself and to acknowledge that you and you alone are the person who’s in charge of your life. All of your victories, all of your triumphs (and yes, all of your setbacks and failures) belong to you, and here’s the punchline: they’re a direct result of your choices and actions. That might sound a bit harsh, but honestly, it’s good news! Why? Because who could possibly be more interested in your happiness and success than you? (Yes, your mom, your best friends, or your significant other might come to mind, but they have their own lives to manage.) So do yourself a favor and “hire” yourself as your trusted personal manager and cheerleader. After all, you’re the person who’s most invested in your future! And then use these six thought changers to get out of your own way and make 2020 your best year ever:     

1. Don’t compare yourself to others; compare yourself to you when you started.      

When we look at people’s lives on Facebook or Instagram and see all the wonderful places they go and people they hang out with, it sometimes makes us feel depressed and inferior. The same thing happens at work or school when we focus too much on a co-worker or classmate who seemingly can do no wrong.

Make a commitment to stop comparing yourself other people! Instead, think about where you were six months ago … a year ago … or even when you started in your current position. How much more knowledge and skill do you have now? How much more are you contributing on a daily basis? How much smarter, kinder, calmer, more talented, more poised, or more positive are you now than you were five years ago? (Hopefully a lot more.) How much more do you have to offer your current employer — or maybe a new employer? Chances are, you’ve made some impressive gains in the past few years, so be sure and celebrate them. (And add them to your resume. If you’re like most people, it could probably use a good update.)

2. Be passionate about what you already do — whatever it may be.

We would all love to get paid for doing something we’re passionate about. And while I would never want to dissuade you from finding your dream job, the truth is that many people go to work to pay the rent and feed their families. They don’t get to save the whales while sitting in the Accounts Receivable department at Avis Car Rental — and that is perfectly okay. (But hey — I’m grateful to the Avis Car Rental people on an almost-weekly basis, so thank you!)

However, every single one of us, whether renting out cars or saving whales, can be passionate about what we do for a living. Just stop and reflect for a moment, and I’ll bet your job is quite literally essential to the success of your company — no matter what it is that you do! And if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, look for learning opportunities, chances to cross-train in other departments, or openings on work committees. Or go back to school at your local community college! (Study ancient Greek history if it excites you — not everything has to be about furthering your career.) Any of these options will give your brain new challenges, which in turn will stimulate you, increase your feelings of self-worth, and release some feel-good hormones in the process. Push yourself to not accept the status quo, and seek to find passion (and satisfaction) in what you’re doing right now.

3. What is one small thing that you can do today to move one step closer to your dream?

Do you want to own a home? Then bring your lunch to work, start a weekend dog-walking service, or cut out your daily morning latte and pocket the savings. Want to become more fit? Instead of using the elevator, walk up one flight of stairs this week, try two flights next week, and keep on going ’til you’re bounding up to your office on the fifth floor without breaking a sweat. Need a better job or a brand new career? Print out your resume and work on it while sitting outside on a bench, eating the lunch you brought from home!

The point is, don’t expect to achieve your goals immediately. If you’re a procrastinator, or maybe afraid of making a move, start with small goals and congratulate yourself every time you achieve one. Also, forgive yourself if you get bogged down — just make sure you get back on track again. Even baby steps will get you there, eventually! (I’m not going to recount the “tortoise and hare” story here, but you get the idea…)

4. Never in history has a great person been great on Day One.

Just read the biographies of Martin Luther King or Mother Theresa and you’ll get the picture. Most people become great by accumulating knowledge, skill, or value over time, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it seems like it’s taking too much time to master a new skill or job responsibility. But don’t give up and accept it, either. Reach out and ask for help, extra training, or find a mentor to guide you through the hurdles. And if you’re a Baby Boomer or Generation Xer, reach out to your Millennial co-workers or classmates for help. They have a wealth of ability and knowledge that they’ll be happy to share, especially in emerging technology fields.

5. Never sell your knowledge or abilities short.

What you might consider “basic knowledge” is advanced knowledge to others — and they would love for you share it. One of the best things about my work with college students is that they constantly remind me of what it’s like when you’re just starting out in a career. My students keep me mindful of all the seemingly obvious things (like sending a thank you note after going on a job interview) that are actually very important — and not necessarily instinctual. Over the years, my “career readiness” classes have expanded to cover some tips and topics I hadn’t included when I started out — I had assumed they were too superficial.

In a sense, what seems easy and apparent to you might not necessarily seem that way to a younger or less-experienced colleague. So at work, at school, and in your community, share what you know with the people who can use it. Picture what you would want to know if you were starting all over again, and never assume that your knowledge and expertise are too basic to be of value. When you reach out and help others, you help yourself, your company, and the world.

6. Success is about doing the things you know you should do, rather than waiting for the “big break.”

After all, that “big break” may never come, so it might be up to you to create it for yourself. Our current culture tends to look for instant fixes and shortcuts. Things that foreshorten or possibly even eliminate the work we know we must do. Things such as diet pills that magically melt 20 pounds away, while you eat cheeseburgers and pizza. (Don’t get too excited … that doesn’t really exist!)

It’s the same with our careers. Instead of doing the things that, deep down, we know will eventually lead to happiness and success, we delude ourselves into waiting for a magic career pill to appear — one that gives us that promotion, raise, or new title without having to work for it. (Unless you’re the business owner’s favorite relative, that pill doesn’t exist either!) The truth is, doing the things you know you should do every day — and doing them well — are the real keys to success in any career. You know the things I’m talking about: showing up on time, working enthusiastically and comprehensively, taking the initiative with new projects, assisting your colleagues when they’re overloaded, remaining positive in the face of challenges, and displaying true pride in your work.

So there you have it! Go forth and prosper. I hope you’ve found some value in my blogs throughout this past year — I’ve certainly enjoyed writing them. Thanks again for all your support, comments, questions, and great topic suggestions. Wishing you the best of luck for 2020, and I’ll see you in the New Year.