If you're anything like me, you've spent the first two months of 2018 discovering that your April Ludgate-ish nature, comprised of equal parts procrastination, laziness and hilarious yet mean-spirited snark, isn't cutting it anymore. All of the sudden, you've got a busy schedule, supportive friends and tons of opportunities popping up in your life. You need to somehow turn your April into a Leslie, a different kind of glorious female warrior, the goal-accomplisher and public service extraordinaire. Here's how to transform yourself so that your 2018 is as successful as the Pawnee Harvest Festival.
6. Make sure you're actually passionate about what you're doing.
It could be public service like Leslie or it could be helping animals like April, but everyone has something they deeply care about. So if you find yourself sneering instead of smiling during your work meetings, it might be time to focus your efforts on finding something new.
5. Surround yourself with other passionate people.
I wasn't truly motivated to get more work done until I began my new job at a local library. I know, I know, we're nothing but punk-ass book jockeys. But honestly, finding people who cared about reading, education and community service as much as I did was a turning point for me. It's easy to be more like Leslie when you're surrounded by other Leslies, so find your own group and get to work.
4. Get at least a little organized.
Okay, you don't need to color code all of your binders. But you should have a planner to keep your assignments and work schedule in order and keep your workspace clean. So stick a few categorized folders in your desk (right next to your marshmallow shooter) and you'll be set.
3. Make the conscious decision to be more positive.
No one wants to be around someone who is constantly negative. Add a little Leslie loveliness into your life by paying someone a compliment every day until it becomes a habit. You don't have to go over the top with the whole "beautiful tropical fish" bit, but just try it out and see how it makes those around you feel.
2. Find (and love) your mentor.
Maybe you find the idea of keeping framed photos of female politicians in your office creepy rather than motivational. So instead you should find and value the real mentors, or Ron Swansons, in your life. This is the voice of reason who loves your April side as much as they love your Leslie side, and who knows how to speak to both. When you find this person, you'll know. Gravitate toward them and lean on them when things get difficult.
1. April is awesome, so don't completely lose your April side.
While April can be a slacker, she secretly adores her friends and will protect them at all costs. Plus she's incredibly unique, witty and never doubts herself. Don't feel like you need to suddenly become a workaholic just to be successful in life because success is also measured by the good you do and the people you help.
Sadly you can no longer spend your days putting question marks on stop signs. But, you'll find a much greater sense of joy in accomplishing tasks that support the causes you care about. And most importantly, you always have "Parks and Rec" to rewatch if you need comfort during your transition.
