Introduction
Summer is over, and we are stepping into a new season. This newness can be very exciting because, like autumn, it’s time to shed our old leaves and get ready for the upcoming change. Early September is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and check in on ourselves. What can we bring into the new year? What are we leaving behind? How can we learn about ourselves to train ourselves?
Have a conversation with yourself
It is not a secret that many of us tend to be overly ambitious towards the beginning of the year. We enroll in gyms and workout classes, get ourselves into exciting hobbies, and cook way more than we usually do. As time passes, these things begin to become more taxing. It starts with a day of missing the gym, a third failed attendance at pottery class, and eventually you become a loyal Uber Eats customer.
All these things are customary, but they do not have to persist, unless you want them to. Reflect. Change what is not working, stick to what is. The beginning of autumn is an ideal time to think about the workouts you enjoyed and those you did not. Think about the meals that were not worth the time spent in the kitchen, and the quick ones you thoroughly enjoyed. Pinpoint the hobbies that deserve the effort and stick to them, or try new ones.
Develop a training arc
After having this conversation with yourself, take out your notepad and scribble it all down. Establish all the areas that you want to work on or keep practising. It may be physical improvement, social skills, a new hobby, or even developing financial literacy. Draw up a plan, dedicate ample time to each of these areas, and keep a journal to keep track of your progress. Most importantly, you must slot in time to rest to avoid burnout. Drawing up this plan is the first step taken when developing new and better habits.
A training arc refers to a period free from distractions where you are giving utmost devotion to attaining particular goals and objectives. You can sternly dedicate the last four months of the year to your goals and spend little to no time on distractions such as watching television, mindless scrolling, or anything that fails to contribute to your objectives. Once you discover the distractions, lay down your rules and begin your training arc.
Stick to it
Leaving your comfort zone can be extremely difficult initially, but it gets easier. Humans are adaptive and malleable, and it is essential to keep trying things that are out of our comfort zone. That being said, find ways to enjoy your training arc. Use daily affirmations to reassure and encourage you on your journey. You can write affirmative notes and stick them to your mirror, download an app, or listen to affirmations every morning or whenever needed. Or perhaps you can have an accountability partner to hold your hand and listen to you as you climb this hill. You can even motivate yourself by creating a vision board that contains photos of the future you aspire to have. Lastly, treat yourself. Celebrate your small wins, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
You got this!