Looking back at 2020 and 2021, there were so many things I knew I wanted to do differently in 2022. 2020 felt like the years of the unknown. We were thrust into a global pandemic that in most cases, didn’t impact my day to day life. Working from home wasn’t something I was new to but things like meeting up with friends and going to the gym regularly were quickly erased from my calendar. Certain habits (especially the healthy ones) I had created started to fade away and by 2021- the wheels had come off the proverbial bus. 2021 was probably the most stressful years I have had- at least one that I can remember. It was mentally and emotionally exhausting due to work, personal relationships and the pressure I put on myself.
Without further ado, I give you the three things I am doing in 2022.
As I looked forward to 2022, I knew there were learned habits I no longer wanted to take with me or burden myself with. I decided to make a few choices for the upcoming year and I want encourage you to do the same for yourself.
Slowing Down
One of the things that hit me the hardest in 2021 was the need to keep going. By 4th quarter, I felt less invested in the things I love and found myself pulling away- but not in a withdrawing sort of way. I could feel myself saying “I need a break” and for the first time, I listened. In our society, the go go go- “I’ll sleep when I am dead” is all the rage. To be honest, it was/is killing my motivation. I feel that I am less likely to meet goals and deadlines when every minute of my week is tailored to work and arbitrary goals. I’ve learned to allow myself to slow down and rest/ relax when I need to. I no longer guilt myself into being busy just for the sake of it. I have freed myself and it feels pretty darn good.
Key to success: I no longer work on the weekends- unless it is absolutely necessary or I want to. I set goals for myself during the week and leave my weekends for resting.
Setting Boundaries
Whether the boundaries are with people or work- I am learning to set them and keep them. I am a recovering “say yes” to everything person. I would often find myself pushing aside my own needs in order to meet someone else’s. After a few too many instances where I realized I was compromising my own happiness and wellbeing, I decided I needed to make a change. Setting clear boundaries has helped me to feel more in control- for my mental, emotional and sometimes physical health.
Key to success: I express my needs and set clear expectations for myself and for others. I often check in with myself to be sure that I am in alignment with what I value and what feels right to me.
Trendy Spending
Recently I heard a quote that said “if you buy something and no-one sees it, would you still want the thing?” I cannot tell you how many times I have purchased something because they were trendy. The truth is, my style isn’t all that trendy. I gravitate naturally to classic, timeless pieces and cautiously look at trends. In 2022, I am going back to my roots. I am scrolling less and spending less time and money on trends that won’t be “in” by the time next season rolls around. This includes colors that just don’t flatter me- I see you pastels and neons!
Keys to success: I am more thoughtful with my purchases. Instead of impulse shopping online, I keep things in my shopping cart and simply leave the website. If I return to the page at a later date and I am still loving what I have put in there- I consider making a purchase.
Find What Works for Me
I am a selfhelp junkie. I can be honest about that. I love learning from people who have done what I am hoping to do. I have consumed so much of it that it has paralyzed me with inaction. I cannot tell you how many times I have googled “how to create a morning routine” “Motivation for early morning workouts”. I often think to myself- “if ______ can wake up and do it- so can I”. You know what? I never stopped to question whether or not I liked yoga or waking up at 6am to do it. I’d much rather lift weights and walk on my treadmill at 7pm. I got a little grime thinking about how short life is and thinking about waking up everyday to do something I honestly didn’t like. Self help is great but it is important to pull the pieces of advice that work for you and leave the rest behind. I still love to read and listen to podcasts to learn but I no longer fall into the trap of overconsumption.
Key to Success: I have begun seeking out help for goals I want to accomplish. I recently scheduled an appointment with a dietitian to navigate some health and wellness goals. I have also been working towards bigger financial goals too just by narrowing down and getting focus on my own personal goals and what works best for me.
So there you have it. The list is short- just long enough for me to stay focused and connected to the goals. In the coming months I’ll start adding ways to measure and achieve them. For now, I am taking it one step at a time.
Until next week,
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