Why Most People Don’t Keep Their New Year’s Resolutions (and How a Virtual Assistant Can Help You Succeed)

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and bold goals. Millions of people set resolutions, imagining their best selves. Yet, according to Psychology Today, about 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. Why do so many resolutions falter, and how can you beat the odds? The solution could lie in partnering with a Virtual Assistant (VA).

Why Resolutions Fail

Understanding the common pitfalls of New Year’s resolutions is the first step to overcoming them:

1. Unrealistic or Vague Goals
   Goals like “get healthier” or “save more money” lack specific action plans, making them hard to achieve.

2. Time Constraints
   Busy schedules often leave little room for new habits or personal growth.

3. Lack of Accountability
   Without someone to hold you accountable, it’s easy to let resolutions slide.

4. Poor Systems and Organization
   Many people don’t have the tools or processes to support their goals.

How a Virtual Assistant Can Help

A Virtual Assistant is more than a support system—they’re your partner in success. Here’s how a VA can help you achieve your resolutions:

1. Turn Big Goals into Action Plans

Your VA can break down broad resolutions into actionable steps. For example:

• For “improve fitness,” they can research workout plans, find a personal trainer, or set up a schedule.

• For “enhance professional skills,” they can enroll you in online courses, track your progress, and manage deadlines.

2. Keep You Organized

Organization is key to success, and a VA can help by:

• Managing your calendar and prioritizing tasks.

• Setting reminders to keep you on track.

• Streamlining your day-to-day activities.

3. Hold You Accountable

By regularly checking in, your VA becomes a built-in accountability partner who helps you stay focused and motivated.

4. Free Up Your Time

Delegating routine tasks like email management, scheduling, and research to your VA gives you more time to work on your resolutions.

5. Offer Tools and Resources

A VA has access to tools and insights that simplify your journey. From productivity apps to financial planning resources, they can help you find the best solutions.

Examples of Goals Your VA Can Support

Not sure how a VA fits into your goals? Here are a few examples:

• Health and Fitness: Schedule workouts, meal prep plans, and doctor appointments.

• Financial Growth: Track spending, organize bills, and create a savings plan.

• Professional Development: Enroll in training programs, coordinate networking events, and monitor career progress.

• Personal Projects: Assist with side hustles, research hobbies, or plan vacations.

Make This Year Different

Resolutions don’t have to be another fleeting promise. With the support of a Virtual Assistant from My BTLR, you gain an ally dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Our Optimal Fit Approach ensures you’re matched with the right VA to help turn your ambitions into reality.

Let’s make this the year your resolutions stick! Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to find the perfect VA for your journey.

About My BTLR

My BTLR connects clients with skilled Virtual Assistants who help bring their goals to life. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth or professional success, we provide tailored support to help you achieve more. Learn how My BTLR can transform your New Year’s resolutions into lasting habits.

Five Things To Do Before Your Kids Start Back to School This Fall

As the summer days start to wind down, it's time to shift our focus to the upcoming back-to-school season. As a parent or guardian, ensuring your kids are well-prepared for their return to school is crucial for a smooth and successful transition. To help you get organized, we've compiled a list of five essential things you need to do before your kids head back to school this fall.

1. Organize School Supplies

One of the first steps in preparing for the new school year is to gather and organize school supplies. Start by checking the school's supply list, which is typically provided at the end of the previous academic year or available on the school's website. Create a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary items, including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and any specific requirements for their grade level.

Take advantage of back-to-school sales to save money on supplies and avoid the last-minute rush. Additionally, consider investing in a sturdy backpack with proper back support to reduce the risk of strain and discomfort as your child carries their belongings throughout the day.

2. Schedule a Health Checkup

Before your kids head back to school, schedule a comprehensive health checkup with their pediatrician. This visit will help ensure they are in good health and identify any potential issues that may hinder their academic progress. The checkup should include vaccinations, vision and hearing tests, and a review of their overall well-being.

Moreover, if your child has any specific health conditions or allergies, communicate this information with the school nurse and teachers, so they can provide the necessary support and take appropriate precautions.

3. Establish Healthy Routines

The transition from summer break to the school routine can be challenging for both kids and parents. To ease this transition, gradually establish healthy routines a few weeks before the school year begins. Start by gradually adjusting bedtime and wake-up times to align with the school schedule.

Ensure your kids have a balanced breakfast each morning to fuel their bodies and minds for the day ahead. Encourage regular physical activity and limit screen time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When children are well-rested and have consistent routines, they are more likely to be attentive and engaged during class.

4. Review Academic Materials

A little academic review can go a long way in boosting your child's confidence and performance in the new school year. Spend some time engaging in educational activities, such as reading together, practicing math problems, or exploring educational apps and games. This will help them retain knowledge and be better prepared for the challenges of their new grade.

If your child had any academic struggles in the previous year, consider hiring a tutor or seeking extra help from teachers to address specific weaknesses. Nurturing a positive attitude towards learning can significantly impact your child's academic success and foster a lifelong love for education.

5. Open Communication Channels

Effective communication is key to ensuring a successful school year for your child. Establish open channels of communication with the school, teachers, and other parents. Attend any back-to-school events or parent-teacher meetings to get acquainted with your child's teachers and gain insights into the school's policies and procedures.

Stay actively involved in your child's education by regularly checking their schoolwork, progress reports, and assignments. Encourage your child to discuss their school experiences, challenges, and triumphs with you openly. This will help you address any concerns promptly and provide the necessary support to help them thrive academically and emotionally.

Conclusion

The back-to-school season can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for kids and parents alike. By following these five essential preparations, you can ensure a smooth transition and set your child up for a successful and fulfilling academic year. Remember, being proactive and supportive as a parent plays a vital role in your child's overall growth and development. So, gear up for the new school year with confidence, and watch your child flourish in their educational journey.

Idle No More: 5 Ways to Transform Waiting Time into Productivity Peaks

There's a saying that the most significant resource we can ever have at our disposal is time. Yet, we often find ourselves spending this invaluable asset waiting: waiting for a doctor's appointment, waiting for a bus or a train, waiting for a meeting to start. However, instead of considering this as lost time, think of it as an opportunity, a pocket of time you can use to your advantage. Here are five productive things you can do to transform your waiting time into constructive moments.

1. Expand Your Knowledge With Reading

Thanks to technology, books, articles, and podcasts are just a swipe away. You can read or listen to informative content in your areas of interest. From science to history, self-improvement to business strategies, the digital world is brimming with knowledge waiting to be tapped into. With apps like Kindle, Audible, or Pocket, you can have a portable library that's ready to serve you at all times. If you're waiting and have nothing to do, pull out your device and learn something new.

2. Brain Training and Mindfulness Practice

There are several mobile applications designed to help you train your brain, improve your memory, or sharpen your logical thinking. Apps like Lumosity, Elevate, or Peak offer games and puzzles that are not just engaging but also beneficial for cognitive development. Similarly, mindfulness and meditation apps like Headspace or Calm can help you make the most out of your waiting time by providing short meditation or mindfulness sessions. This could be a great way to reset, relax, and destress.

3. Organize Your Life

Waiting time can be an excellent opportunity for you to organize your life. Whether it's decluttering your email inbox, planning your meals for the week, updating your to-do list, or scheduling appointments, these small tasks can add up to significant productivity when done during otherwise idle time. There are several productivity apps like Evernote, Trello, or Todoist that can help you keep track of your tasks and goals.

4. Network and Build Relationships

Use the waiting time to connect with others. Send a thoughtful message to a friend, reach out to a professional contact on LinkedIn, or call your parents or relatives. This isn't about mindless social media scrolling; instead, focus on meaningful interactions that strengthen your personal or professional relationships.

5. Boost Your Creativity

Take advantage of the waiting time to boost your creativity. You can write, doodle, take photos, or brainstorm ideas for your next project. There are several creativity-boosting apps like Adobe Express or Paper by WeTransfer that you can utilize to capture your creative thoughts. Sometimes, the most groundbreaking ideas come in those quiet moments of waiting.

Let's dismiss the notion of waiting as an annoying, wasteful intermission in our lives. On the contrary, view it as an unexpected gift of time that can be reshaped into potent pockets of productivity. Armed with the right tools and a positive attitude, these intervals can transform into stepping stones towards personal and professional betterment. Remember, true productivity is not always a whirlwind of ceaseless action; sometimes, it's about artfully seizing every moment, even those seemingly inconsequential pauses like waiting. After all, life's too short to just wait around – let's make every minute count!