Resolutions

Out with the old, in with the new

I’ve never been one to make New Years resolutions. Few reasons; I’m bad at making and breaking habits (it took me YEARS to stop biting my nails), I can be really lazy, and sometimes I let myself off the hook too easily. This year, after a few more challenges than I planned for, I’ve decided I’ll give it a go. But, rather than call it a resolution (because really, the majority of those never last and it shouldn’t take the start of a new year to make change) I’m going to take it as an opportunity to realign my goals with the vision I have for my future in sport and in my life.

Putting 2016 into perspective against my other 25 years of being I think a lot about how hard it was. I had a disappointing pro season and left with a bad feeling. I couldn’t compete this summer with the National team. Had surgery. You know the story by now since it’s a large part of the reason I started my blog. 

Although this year was not my favourite, I’m grateful for it’s challenges, and the time I’ve been able to spend in Canada with my people. I haven’t had that in years and it’s been a breath of fresh air.

I like to think that as I say goodbye to 2016 my character is a little bit stronger, and I’m more able to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The new year has some big changes right off the bat, and I’m looking forward to going forward with my dreams.

So here are some of my goals. 

1. I want to be getting in the gym at least 5 times per week. After surgery I didn't step into a gym for about 3 months. I’ve been getting back into the swing of things since October, but I’m not necessarily where I want, or need to be. I’m giving myself 3 weeks to fully commit to this after my holidays are over going most days around 6 pm and doubling up on my training when I can.  Hashtag fitness.
   
    
2. Journaling. I have something like 6 journals lying around my house, each with pages randomly filled here and there. I love writing, and having something to go back to and reflect on, but I’m not the best at keeping up with it. Whether it be 1 sentence or multiple pages about the day, feelings, or moments, it’s important for me to get those thoughts out of my brain and onto paper. I keep my journal beside my bed so I can write my thoughts down before sleeping. My plan here is to fill my newest book from front to back within the next year.
   
    
3. The next goal is a little bit more difficult to carry out. I want to be present during moments more often. Technology is a part of our generation and such an incredible resource, but too often I miss little moments or chances because I’m too caught up with seeing who’s doing what as it’s so readily available. The funny thing is for the most part I hardly care about it, it’s just a horrible reflex to pick up the phone and check my messages.... or lack thereof. In moments where I’m connecting with people I want to leave my phone in another room, or in my bag. I don’t usually watch TV but the other big one for me is my computer. I’ve gotten a lot better at limiting it’s use to when I’m writing for my blog and I would like to keep it that way. 
    
4. Do more activities that first bring me joy and to try something new. I know the importance of trying new things, but I'm so bad at doing it. A little bit because I'm shy, more because I hate being bad at things, and mostly because I'm stubborn. The goal here is continue to do the things that bring me inner happiness like painting, knitting, writing, etc every week. And I would also like to do one new activity every month.
   For January, I would like to try floating. I've said this for months now but I haven't gone through with it. Basically all it is, is a pod filled with water and epsom salts so that you float. It's for relaxation and sensory deprivation to (hopefully) relieve stress and pain. So I'm going to book an appointment for late January, and I'll let you know how that goes provided I don't get claustrophobic hah.

Now for those who want to be successful in achieving your goals here’s some advice I've picked off the internet and some of my own:

1. S.M.A.R.T goals = Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time sensitive. It’s a cliché acronym, but it works. For me the 2 most important aspects of it are setting goals that are measurable and time sensitive. Having a time frame gives you a sense of urgency - 1 of my goals not mentioned above is getting back to the court come February. Which means for the next month I need to ramp things up with physio, in the weight room and in the gym. How do you measure that? Well I’m getting to the gym at least 5 days of the week, so that’s a good start.
    
2. Set motivating goals. Something that you want to strive to attain. No point in setting a goal that you don’t find desirable, or something you despise. Would you set a fitness goal if you hate working out? Seems silly to me.
    
3. Have a plan. Like they say a dream without a goal is just a wish. How are you going to go through with it? Are you going to set aside a specific time everyday for your goal? How are you going to carry out the steps to achieve your goal?
    
4. Evaluate and reflect during the time period. You should check in with yourself to see how you’re doing along every step of the way. (Hello, journaling!)
    
5. Accountability. It’s really hard to be self motivated all of the time. Why not share your goal with someone to keep you in check in going through with what you started.

Would love to hear what some of your goals are if you’re willing to share! Big thanks to everyone for supporting my blog these last few months, and I hope you stick around for my future news and thoughts. 

You can catch me counting down on the dance floor at a friends wedding.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

<3