As we are celebrating the 12 days of Christmas, I share my 12 "aha" moments from this year.
My Dozen Done-It's from 2022
Over the past year I:
Hung up the cleats wrapping up a very memorable 18-year softball career
Took my first “big girl” job - moving to a city I’d never even visited before where I knew absolutely no one.
Adjusting from being a full-time student-athlete to navigating life in the “real world” has been surprisingly refreshing and wildly exciting.
As the 12th and final month of 2022 is winding down, I’ve decided to look back and reflect on the 12 takeaways I’ve gained in this transitional year of my life.
Inspired by the 4 interior empires from the 5am Club book by Robin Sharma:
Healthset (physiology) 💪🏽
1️⃣ Tracking Macros is a useful nutrition tool.
Tracking macros (AKA macronutrients) and calorie counting don’t have to be restrictive. Personally, I have found it to be a useful awareness and progress management tool when I’m working towards certain body composition goals.
2️⃣ Freedom with movement allows me to stay excited and engaged in my fitness journey.
My workouts when I competed as an athlete were very structured (team lifts, speed, plyometric work, and training for run tests… thank God I never have to involuntarily run gassers again) Now, I enjoy a variety of workout types, not just limiting myself to 1 set routine. I lift, run, do yoga, cycle, and love trying different workout classes via ClassPass.
3️⃣ Working out elevates all areas of my life outside the gym.
I’ve realized the benefits of working out transfer into all areas of my life - the elevated concentration, optimism, energy, and confidence extend into my work, relationships, and the rest of my day long after my morning workout ends.
Mindset (psychology) 🧠
4️⃣ My ideal morning routine is connected with executing a successful night routine.
My morning routine always starts with preparation the night before (including setting clothes aside, prepping breakfast, lunch, and snacks for work, having my morning workout planned, and spending time winding down free from digital distraction)
5️⃣ My productivity is optimized when I implement timed cycles of deep work and complete rest.
My focus and productivity are best when cycling deep work sessions with periods of rest. Engaging in distraction-free, timed blocks and then taking timed breaks allows me to take control of my day.
6️⃣ Consistency compounds.
The "slight edge" concept is SIMPLE... but not easy: Small daily improvements, when done consistently over time, lead to stunning results. If you want to experience a positive transformation in any area of your life, start with your HABITS - the holy grail.
Heartset (emotionality) ❤️
7️⃣ Stay Internal rather than living Externally.
Watch your joy, fulfillment, and zest for life soar when you prioritize inner peace over people pleasing.
8️⃣ Self-love is also holding yourself accountable.
Self-love is more than prioritizing self-care. Self-love is following through on things you promise yourself even when you no longer have the motivation to do so.
9️⃣ Keep my standards high.
Raising the standards you set for yourself, leads to elevated standards in your relationships. Don’t settle - engage with those who exhibit similar standards and values that you hold for yourself.
Soulset (spirituality) 🧘🏽♀️
🔟 Learning mindfulness is an invaluable skill.
Although sitting quietly and practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation can be challenging, implementing them daily can positively transform your relationship with yourself and how you show up in every part of your life.
1️⃣1️⃣ Gratitude is powerful.
Having gratitude for opportunities to grow and seeing all the beauty in what you currently have allows you to put energy into creating and moving forward.
1️⃣2️⃣ Be in “awe” of life.
Get regular doses of “awe” - the sights, sounds, and sensations experienced when in complete observation mode of life.
Take some time to think about your takeaways from 2022.
Use the 4 interior empire framework to help craft your review!
Healthset (physiology)
Mindset (psychology)
Heartset (emotionality)
Soulset (spirituality)
How can you grow and strengthen your 4 interior empires in 2023?