IN VS OUT FOR 2024: A TREND I CAN GET BEHIND!

One week-ish in and how is 2024 going for you so far?

I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions, and nothing is more cringe (to me) than “new year, new me”.  No judgement, just not my thing and it’s never been.  Goals? Yes.  Aspirations?  Yes.  Start-stop-continue?  Yes-yes-yes.

And no, those things are not the same.

That said, I’ve seen these in/out lists all over social media the last two weeks and I actually prefer this approach.  Identifying what you want vs what you don’t want and build from there.  At first, I struggled to come up with realistic list items because you know, setting myself up for success is important but adding a challenge element into the mix is also key.  Making sure I include something from every area in my life because well, I need balance aaannnnddddd…enter my first out!  OVERTHINKING!

Not saying we shouldn’t give the important things the right amount of head space but if you’re like me you’re thinking of the plan, then the plan in case there is an obstacle, then anticipating obstacles and so on and so forth.  Sometimes just making the decision and going with it is not such a bad idea.  I’ve learnt that over the last few years but, per above, it’s a work in progress.  Some days being easier than others to practice it!

Then I thought well, I can’t be the only one struggling to come up with the lists but as mentioned, I liked the concept and when I looked at it like a challenge to be better, take better care of myself and doing so consistently, I came up with my ins and outs for 2024.  I’m sharing with the intention to hold myself accountable, but also to inspire others with some thought starters.  There’s no right or wrong and each of our lists are going to be unique.  And, we may have to revisit and adjust later and that’s ok too.

2024 INS

1. NORMALIZE SELF-CARE
2. WALKING EVERY SINGLE DAY
3. SAYING “NO” WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY
4. KNOWING MY WORTH
5. TRUST – IN MYSELF AND OTHERS
6. MORE QUALITY SLEEP
7. DAILY READING
8. CONSISTENT STRENGTH TRAINING – 3 TIMES PER WEEK
9. BUY THE SHOES (THE SNEAKERS IN MY CASE)
10. START THAT BOOK

2024 OUTS

1. OVERTHINKING (EVERYTHING)
2. SETTLING
3. COMPARISON – SPECIFICALLY MY BUSINESS
4. TOXIC PEOPLE/SITUATIONS
5. IGNORING MY INTUITION
6. EXCESSIVE/MINDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA
7. NOT EATING ENOUGH
8. SPREADING MYSELF TOO THIN
9. TRYING TO FIX/DO EVERYTHING
10. OVERTHINKING MY CONTENT

That’s it.  Not excessive and it’s realistic.  The list or numbers on the lists is just what I trimmed it down to so real strategy or overthinking there.  I did have to balance it out though but that’s a me thing 😊.  I look at things this way:

• We know ourselves best or so I’d like to think. We should know the areas where we can make adjustments and improvements and in the same breath, know what’s working for us.

It’s easier said than done yes but it takes a bit of honesty and a little time with oneself, and we can figure it out.  As adults we should know where we want to go or at the very least know where we don’t want to be and then move from that.

I’ve been reconnecting with friends and family while on vacation and I’ve really been listening to people’s stories and experiences – especially those who have faced immense adversity, disappointments and/or big life changes and events.  The common thread is their strength, resilience and literally their new lease on life.  They all have it and felt it deep within and they’re living!  Doing what is good for them first and foremost.  Being their best selves so that they can be their best for their loved ones.  They made their individual choices, and they are living the changes.

While we don’t need a life event to make big changes, it’s typically the trend but remember, small changes will eventually lead to big or the good results.    Having a big weight loss or fitness goal is a big deal and the results don’t happen overnight.  It happens over time and its during that time that the magic happens.

I’ll explain with a quick story time:

When I started boxing all those years ago, the goal was weight loss.  My 40^th was coming up and I wanted to lose weight.  Period.  I was nervous to go to a gym as I was out of shape.  In fact, I’d never really worked out consistently until then.  Hell, I didn’t even like it.  I did other things like walk, cycle, home video workouts but never in a gym.  It scared and intimidated me but as I started learning the sport some crazy things happened!

My confidence grew, just in general.  I learnt fast and was good at it and went to the more advanced classes by myself.  Sometimes I did back-to-back classes – whattttt!  I felt my body getting stronger, my endurance building and most of all, I fell in love with a sport that has driven many areas of my life – we’ll leave that for another blog but that was my magic!  Needless to say, shortly after I started, the weight loss became secondary and this new thing I was doing became the focus.

My “MAGIC” has led me to teach others. Photo Cred: Lilian January

I preach consistency and I live it.  I believe it works if you work it and it doesn’t have to be big changes all at once.  Baby steps will get you there, I promise.

If you like this approach, give it a shot.  I hope this piece gave you some ideas to start with and if you need help executing, feel free to reach out to me.

Most importantly, remember to stay strong and feel beautiful while you’re out there!

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