NEW YEAR, NEW ME?
New year, new me. That’s how the saying goes, right?
Actually, I’m the same me. Are you the same you?
Why is it when we come into a new year, a birthday, a graduation (or whatever the occasion may be), we feel as though we need to make these big changes or set these grand goals in our lives.
Don’t get me wrong – goals are essential for motivation and for moving forward – but how often do we set up these unrealistic or unattainable goals (often with team pressure attached to them), and then give up when we can’t reach them.
Rather then trying to change something in every aspect of our lives, why don’t we just pick one?
For me, I’m working on not being so hard on myself. It has served me so far in life and in my sporting career, but it’s not serving me anymore.
I’m now taking time out for myself. It doesn’t sound hard, but it’s something I’ve always struggled with.
Another small change I’m starting to make is to introduce a particularly daunting word back into my vocabulary. You know the one that starts with N and ends with O.
If you could change one thing in your life that would have the greatest positive impact – what would it be?
Unsure of what that is for you? Think of what you may be sensitive about, or something you get funny about when people talk to you about it.
I would say that’s generally a good place to start!
Maybe the small you change you make will be focusing on surrounding yourself with people who you genuinely click with. You know, the people who you don’t have to watch what you say around; feel relaxed with and have fun with!
Or do you want to try and be healthier? I’m not talking about this bikini body rubbish; I mean, are you healthy and happy? Do you have the energy to get you through the day to do what you want and need to do?
For me, it’s important to feel physically strong, because then I can carry both of my nieces at the same time – the joys of squats and upper body weights!
Are you uninspired by school or work? If you could learn a new skill or piece of information that could open doors for you now or in the future – would that be worthwhile?
Look at the bigger picture and try not to focus on your day-to-day life.
Try and implement a fun hobby outside of work/school to bring enjoyment into your life. Sport, watching or playing, is a great one. Volunteering is another.
One wise man once said, “Concentrating on yourself for too long is the biggest source of unhappiness; concentrating on helping others is the greatest source of happiness.”
Something to think about.
On the flip side, at the end of the day, if you’re content with where you’re at; keep doing your thing!
Set your goal. Make it achievable. And remember, no matter what happens, don’t lose the essence that is you. Life is a journey of experiences and lessons, don’t change who you are. Unless you want to. Then go for your life. And last one, if you fall off the horse, get straight back on that pony! Because life without falls is boring. So put on your knee pads and go for a slide!
I learnt a lot about myself this past year. In fact, we learnt a lot about ourselves at Magpies Netball. We are glad to be back up and running, and can’t wait to show you all what we have learnt too!
Happy 2018 Magpies Family.