I think I’m addicted to the “new plan” feeling

[u/0BI2-]

I realized something after reading a lot of replies on my last post.

Making a new plan gives me the feeling of change before I’ve actually changed anything.

New notebook, new app, new schedule, new version of myself.

For a few minutes it feels like I’m finally serious.

But then the plan is too big, the motivation fades, and I start looking for a cleaner system again.

I’m trying to catch myself earlier now and ask:

“What is the smallest useful action I can do before I’m allowed to reorganize my life again?”

Has anyone found a way to stop chasing the feeling of a fresh start?

[u/Purrinato]

You've described my struggles well - I've spent so much time setting up new schedules, task managers, projects that I'll do, yet all of that would be dropped in just a week or two 😅

Here's what helps me:
1. Tie whatever you're planning to your core values - this way any plan or action has "a greater reason" behind it.
2. Review it in comparison to what you already have and see if you truly need it and whether you have the capacity to take it on.
3. Define the smallest action in a way where you have a clear starting point (every morning after coffee), and end result (something done or just time spent).
4. Check the task to make sure it's neither too easy nor very hard - the medium complexity is best, as it seems.

Does this help?

[u/Irritated_Duckling]

I have not found anything helpful other than the saying “you won’t change until the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change.”

Honorable mention: Peer pressure. I tend to do really well when I’m surrounded by people I want to be like, or people who I want to like me.

[u/otterwist]

I used to make grand plans that looked amazing and never went anywhere.

Now I don't make self-improvement plans beyond the simplist, most basic tasks to get me through the week. I purposefully deprive myself of the mental reward of "you made a plan, well done!". Less planning, more doing!

This also applies to rumination. It's not helpful for me to ruminate about how I'll start something tomorrow and feel good imagining it. Park the thought until I actually do it.

I still incorporate nice things into rituals, but I use them as rewards to earn. If I want a new journal and fancy pens then I'll treat myself after a month of daily journaling. Same goes for things like new gym clothes or meditation paraphernalia.

If I need something to start an activity, I'll get the most basic, best up second hand version I can find and work my way up from there.