Although I would like to think I'm generally a 'Cup Half Full' kind of person, I definitely have some realist tendencies. My experience of ADHD impulsiveness and dreaming of the impossible have taught me that risks are sometimes well worth taking. On the other hand, my experience with depression and anxiety have taught me that these thoughts keep me safe and help manage my expectations.
How does my brain cope with ever-competing thoughts and feelings? Well, for a long time it hasn't! I learned more about myself than ever in 2022, and I now feel more confident in how to merge all of my ideas in a more balanced way, without being so overwhelmed.
So, as we enter 2023, I've decided not to make any New Years Resolutions. I've always found them stressful to choose and stick to and felt awful when I finally gave in and ate some chocolate, missed my morning walk or watched that ridiculous but oh so addictive TV show.
Instead I'm going to do my best to commit to some changes within my attitude and mindset which will benefit my brain, body, personal life and business. Scroll down to see what they are!
1. Letting go of perfectionism
Expecting everything I do to be 100% perfect in every way is not realistic or healthy.
As much as I'd like to be, I'm not Mary Poppins! Therefore I will be kinder to myself, allowing space for reflection and growth instead of self-judgement when things inevitably don't go as planned.
2. Listening to my body
2022 was the year I first joined a gym. I was very anxious about it, but have been pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable and empowering exercising on my own terms is. It's helped me learn when my body and brain need some encouragement to be motivated and active, and when they just need a good rest.
3. Investing in myself
By investing in education, expert support, mental and physical self care and assets that will be benefit me and my business, I am making a bold statement. I'm telling myself that I firmly believe in what I do and that I'm proud to support my own goals and desires.
4. Putting down my phone
I deleted Facebook off my phone a few months ago and it has been joyous! My phone saw my face far too often, so I took away one of the distractions - the one I gain the least joy from. I still enjoy sharing my work on Instagram and watching silly videos on TikTok - I'm just going to pay more attention to how much I'm doing it so I can prioritise the real world.
5. Setting boundaries
Within both work and personal life, I will make sure I support my mental and physical health by creating fair and reasonable boundaries. E.g. taking a full lunch break which includes time outdoors every day and only checking emails twice a day at set times which will be noted on my email signature.
These 5 goals are holistic and helpful to my daily life, and I am confident I will be able to put them in place in a way that works for me. I am very much open to them being adjusted if needed, because I am in charge of them!
I feel so much more empowered and excited for these 'resolutions' than any of my past ones. Knowing that they are mine to embrace, and mine alone, gives me accountability and freedom to do what's right for me.
And in business terms, if that isn't what self employment is all about then I don't know what is!