52 Essays: The Last Quarter

When mid-September rolls around, people already start talking about the next year. I always find this interesting. Whether it's affirmations of success or feelings of regret , people speak as if the year is basically over. But it's only September right? Or is the sentiment better perceived as "September already?!" It makes me assess who exactly is already looking to the future. Are these people who feel they had a successful 2017? They made their to-do lists and knocked out goals on their vision board? Or is this group of folks the ones who feel the high of summer coming down? Did they realize their goals were no where near accomplished and have gained a sense of failure? That feeling of "next time" leaves us yearning for the next chapter to hurry up.

However the sentiment is perceived, it'd always been troubling for me. In September there are still 122 days left in the year. How unfair is it to yourself to disregard a whole quarter of the year because you feel it's too late? We cheat ourselves in the weirdest ways, and I'm starting to realizing rushing the end of the year is one of them.

I don't know what you call it when you keep thinking it's the week before in your head, but that kept happening to me this month. On the third week of the month, I kept thinking it was the second. I felt like I had more time than I actually do. While there are still three more months in the year, there are only three months left in the year. My lackadaisical perspective on time can be just as harmful as the rushed mindset others have. Having too leisure of an attitude can lead to being stagnant, which is honestly how I've been feeling recently.

So what are we supposed to do when this quarter comes around?

The answer I can only think of is: go as hard as you did the first quarter.

Anything can happen; and when we are intentional, anything can happen. Reflecting back as the beginning of the year I was just on fire. I recall writing my dreams, eating breakfast, making and completing to-do lists and writing regularly. My engagement in the various roles I play was to par and I was overall just excited for what was to come. Now I feel pathetically different. And while the excitement of "new year, new you" dies out quickly, I was hoping the desire to achieve and succeed would push me harder. However, life isn't that easy. Change and routine take effort. Depressive states occur. Financial resources aren't there. There's a lot to being great; and if you're not constantly working towards your greatness, time will creep up and leave you anxious for the future.

Consistency is key has been said surmounted times for a reason. So if you aren't feel good about how you spent your year, take a moment to reflect on why. Think about how you spent your time. Think about how hard your tried. Think about opportunities you didn't seize. As you realize where the hiccups were, correct that behavior so you can enjoy your now and end this year with content.