Welcome to January 2024! I hope you had a nice New Year’s Eve surrounded by friends and family. It’s likely that the past week involved some indulgence. And as we step into the new year, many of us are filled with positive intentions, eager to make positive changes. If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself with great intentions but struggle to maintain them, perhaps even for just a short period. I’m not afraid to admit that some of my earlier resolutions didn’t last more than a day or two. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So let’s begin this journey together and work towards progress, even if it requires overcoming occasional challenges.
Can we agree? This year is going to be a game-changer, right? Firstly, one of my resolutions was to revive my writing here on @skate40.com. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed (which can be relaxing but doesn’t lead me anywhere), today Iโm here and writing my my opening chapter of my journal. Throughout this year, I’m committed to sharing my narrative of intentions and actions. And yes, my inline skating journey will undoubtedly be a significant part of it! ๐ผ
With this first journal Iโm exploring the significanse of making worthwile resolutions and gives insights into how we can effectively stick to them. (Yes, that includes you too!)
X marks the spot
Ah, January โ the grand entrance of a brand new year, a new canvas awaiting fresh beginnings. Much like Mondays, although our Mondays may not exactly win the “Best Day” award (weekend, why art thou so short?!), there’s something magical about this day and the shiny new digit on your calendar that gives that extra dose of positive energy, ready forchanges.
But hey, no pressure! Success with your challenges doesn’t need to happen in a day, a week, or even a month. Let’s craft a decent plan, one step at a time. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are your epic plans for whatever you are planning to conquer. ๐
If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much. ~ Jim Rohn
Absolutely, the power lies within you! Dream big about what you want to conquer in the upcoming year, then break those dreams into bite-sized pieces. Let me share a little insight into my own journeyโconsider it a draft. The beauty lies in the fact that plans are like clay, not set in stone. You can mold and refine them as you go, ensuring they align with your evolving vision. So, let’s embark on this adventure of turning dreams into reality, one creative tweak at a time! ๐
Remember: Small changes lead to lasting breakthroughs.~Mark Manson
Picture this: I’m excited to write a cool blog about me learning to inline skate at my “experienced” age (turning 42 this year) and trying to get fit. Surprise, surprise โ the blog is happening (like right now!), and it’s not just for me; it’s meant to inspire others starting their own rollerblading journey.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Journal time: Captain obvious here โ I’ve committed to crafting an article each week. To avoid the rush, I’m kicking it off on Mondays, as we’ve established, it’s the perfect day to commence, right? ๐
- Skating Plan: No story without actual skating. I’ve set a goal of once a week. It might sound basic, but I know I can do it. Of course, if I can skate more, that’s awesome.
- Learning Zone: I’m diving into topics I love:
- Inline Skating
- Writing/Journaling
- Fitness Journey
- Staying motivated and stepping out of comfort zones (because breaking out of comfort zones is part of being a beginner in inline skating).
Breaking Free from the 9-5 Routine
If your daily routine is anything like mine, it probably follows a similar pattern: rise and shine at 6:30, whip up breakfast for the kids, catch up on some news, drop off the little one at school, work until 5:00 PM, fetch the kiddo from school or the grandparents (big shoutout to them!), cook dinner, tidy up, enjoy some quality time with the kid, and finally, when the little one is tucked in, a bit of me-time. This might involve reading, sometimes too much phone time, and the occasional movie or TV series.
This is the rhythm of my weekdays, repeating for 260 days a year.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful for my family and happy with my job. But, like you might feel too, the routine can get a bit monotonous. Time slips away unnoticed. However, making plans and stepping out of your comfort zone disrupts this 9-5 mindset. Embracing the idea that life extends beyond this fixed timeframe brings positivity and inspiration. It’s all about managing your time wisely.
Here are some simple changes: cut down on cute cat videos, unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, and resist the urge to buy things you don’t need (trust me, you don’t need all that stuff). Instead of feeling you don’t have time, create it: wake up 15 minutes earlier for meditation and a great start to your day. Prepare lunch while making dinner. Take a daily walk during lunch, and you’ve already covered that extra mile. It’s about small adjustments creating a big impact on your day.
Stay Down-to-Earth
Be realistic. Like, really, really realistic.
Sure, I can put in serious effort into my rollerblading skills, but let’s face itโI won’t be pulling off those jaw-dropping stunts you see on Instagram. And guess what? I’m okay with that. The only person I aim to impress is myself. This journey isn’t about others; it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone.
The fact that no one else cares much is liberating. It means I can try things without worrying about what others think. People don’t care if my video isn’t super smooth; it just needs to be personal and meaningful to them. No one remembers when I fell on my butt while skating. Passersby weren’t impressed with my first parallel turn, but I sure was.
So, set realistic goals that make you proud. Don’t take on challenges for anyone else; it’s all about your growth.
Now, let me share my down-to-earth goals for skating and getting fit:
- Weight Loss Wisdom: I’m aiming for a realistic 10% weight loss per year. I won’t spill the digits, but this loss will do wonders for my confidence, flexibility, and, yes, that real 40+ belly fat struggle. Gradual weight loss is effective and ensures I keep my muscles in check. Break down the 10%. If it’s 8 kg for you, that’s 0.75 kg per month. Totally doable!
- Brake Boss: Everyone can skate, but braking is crucial. My goal by year-end? Master braking everywhere: pavement, uneven sidewalks, wet asphalt, and even on a slight slope. This means lots of practice and learning various techniques like powerstop, T-stop, soul slide, and lunge stop.
- Dry January: No alcohol for the month. It helps me sleep better, shed inches off my waist, aids in weight loss, and benefits my concentration and overall health.
- Daily Zen Time: Meditate for at least 5 minutes a day using the “Balance” app. It helps me relax, sleep better, and cope with neck and shoulder pain. A perfect combo with Dry January, as both meditation and alcohol are stress-busters (though alcohol only makes it worse).
- Getting Stronger: Progress over perfection. My goal? At least 2 workouts per week, each lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. It might sound minimal, but hey, progress is what matters, and I don’t have fancy equipment to measure strength gains. Let’s keep it real! ๐
Cheers to Real Progress!
Here’s to embracing realistic goals and breaking free from the 9-5 mindset! Whether it’s mastering the art of braking, shedding those extra pounds, or finding zen in daily meditation, remember, it’s progress, not perfection, that truly counts.
Let’s enjoy the journey together, celebrate small wins, and step out of our comfort zones. Your journey is yours alone, and that’s what makes it special.
Next week, I’ll be back with fresh updates in a brand-new journal entry. Until then, keep rocking those goals, and here’s to a week filled with achievements, big and small. Stay inspired, stay positive, and most importantly, stay true to yourself! ๐
