Just as I've done with my Things I'm Leaving Behind list, I am following my annual tradition of posting the things I'm bringing with me into the new year.
Last year, I picked EMERGE as my intention/mantra/word for the year. This year, I picked EXCELSIOR. I think it's because I have been watching Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies for the last ten days, but it also seems fitting. It's the motto of New York (my home away from home), has a bit of a comical history with a sort of misunderstanding of what the word actually means, but has come, in modern times at least, to mean higher.
Last year's list included being more creative, setting boundaries, using my new fitness certifications, and podcasting. While I did a pretty solid job tapping into each of those goals throughout 2021, this year's list looks a little different.
Eating More Mindfully
I've gotten a lot better about my nutrition over the last two years, but I know I can do even better! I want to get better about using MyFitnessPal to track my meals, particularly as I make a more conscious effort to intake more protein each day. Getting enough protein has been a real struggle of mine - for years, honestly - and while I'm getting better, I still have a way to go.
In addition to tracking what I'm eating and being more deliberate with my protein consumption, I also want to make sure I continue to eat more mindfully. Over the last year, I've managed to cut back significantly on my stress eating and boredom eating.
Running
I wrapped up 2021 by loving Running again, and I want to keep that trending upwards! I am training for my first marathon, so I need to stay consistent with my running plan.
I have already shaved two minutes off of my pace over just the last few months - which I didn't even think was possible - and my recovery has significantly improved as well. In fact, focusing on my post-run recovery, nutrition, strength training, and warming up have all contributed to both my recovery time and my speed. By recovering faster, I'm able to stay on my running schedule and avoid preventable injuries.
Using Technology to Help Me Succeed
I've started scheduling reminders and using various apps and devices to help me plan out my week, remember routines, and even dole out time for productivity. This has been a major help to me over the last few months, and it's something I definitely want to continue throughout 2022 and beyond.
I'm not sure why, but I used to think it was lazy to tell a robot to remind you to do something (I mean, that's essentially what my Amazon Echo and Google Nest devices are, right? Robots?), but now, I realize that it helps me to work smarter instead of harder.
Using these devices to build my grocery lists throughout the week, remembering to water my plants, and setting timers are just some of the basic ways in which they enhance my productivity and routines. I can't even count the number of times one of the reminders has gone off for something that I've completely forgotten about, and I've said, "oh, that's right!" These were a gamechanger for me in 2021, and as they start to pick up on my habits a bit better, I'm sure they'll be even more helpful in 2022!
Better Organizational Skills
I have been purging for almost two years now, and while I recognize that sounds ridiculous, it's true! I've been trying to Minimize, minimize, minimize in all facets of my life, but in large part in regards to the things around my home.
I Marie Kondo'd my way to tidiness and was able to assess what things I needed to donate, what furniture and other essential items I needed, and have really changed the look of my space. If I'm going to be stuck here for 20+ hours a day every single day for two years, I want to make it the best space it can be, right?
The skills I've picked up over the last two years have only improved, and I'm using technology - including social media - to help me innovate, organize, and purge. I'm so happy with how far I've come, and I just know that this has been great for my well-being and mental health in the long term.
