Don't you just love New Years? Or Birthdays? Or (I can't believe I'm saying this) Mondays?

Hear me out: I'm not talking about the gifts you get, attention or parties. I'm talking about clean slates. Tabula Rasa. You get a do-over.

So, you haven't exactly been exercising last week, but a new Monday will come, and you get a fresh week to be active in. You've gained a lot of weight this year due to unhealthy eating habits but it's not a big deal. New Year's Eve will come, and you'll make a resolution.

You'll find a dream job by your next birthday or you'll spend more time outdoors this month.

In a way, it's understandable. We love getting that second (or thousandth) chance. And it's not a bad thing at all.

But what if you could harness that feeling of a new beginning and have it all the time?

The Problem With "Starting Monday…"

How often do you say this phrase: Starting Monday I'll... (drink more water, exercise more, work harder, use my phone less, etc.)?

I'd say very often. At least once a week.

It's not just Mondays that are to blame, but birthdays, new months, New Years, seasons and so on.

The issue here is that all of those involve waiting. You don't start improving yourself right away. You wait until that day comes and then you start over. If you happen to fall off the track again, prepare for more waiting.

We waste a lot of time waiting for that Monday to come. And we could invest that time into becoming better.

Let's say you want to eat healthier and you start on a Monday. But Wednesday night, that cookie jar becomes too tempting and you succumb. That's okay, completely fine. However, you will likely wait until the next Monday to start over, and there's your mistake.

If you started over right away, by that next Monday, you have already been healthier. You would maybe even lose a pound or two.

No time wasted.

Stop Waiting For a Do-Over

First things first, society teaches us that something is wrong with us if we fall off the track, no matter what. This is a bad mindset. There is nothing's wrong with you - you are just human.

You get a do-over.

However, what you need to do to improve your life is to stop waiting for it. Get back on track right away. Did you miss a day at the gym? That's okay, go tomorrow. Did you spend too much time on your phone today? Leave your phone right away.

Whatever you want to change, change it right away.

Words That Work Like a Charm

Feeling motivated yet?

Sadly, it wears off. But for those occasions when you can't remember any of this and things seem very bleak, I've prepared a few words for you. A mantra, if you will.

Start over right now. Begin again. Try again.

So, every time you feel like you've strayed away from your goals, pick yourself up and Start Over. Even if you have to start over three or ten times a day, start over. Forgive yourself for not being perfect and take another shot at it.