Remember when I declared that I was working on making this year my best ever? Well, I’ve been dissecting that a bit trying to uncover what it would take for me to feel truly accomplished in 2016 and I during that process I found that my idea of “accomplishment” has drastically changed.
For quite some time career recognition has been a huge priority in my life. (Second only to being a good mom, natch.) That was pretty much it for me. I got my identity from my job and what I accomplished. And while I always want to do an excellent job in my field (perfectionist, much?) it no longer sits in the top spot for me.
I know, I know. I’m pretty flabbergasted myself.
When I truly pondered the question I found that my areas of focus for the rest of 2016 were not related to my career at all.
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They can be summed up in four simple words: health, wellness, change and gratitude. 
So naturally, once I discovered this, I had to share it with the world. (Looking at you blog readers.) Why? To hold myself accountable! (Hey, whatever works. And yes, I will be reporting back because otherwise what is the point?)
My Challenge: Five Months & Four Words
Health/Wellness: This is hands-down my number one priority. The 40s are tough, man. The weight doesn’t come off as easy and random aches and pains make an appearance. I feel like an alien in my own body sometimes. The next six months of my life will be focused on fitness and health and wellness. PERIOD. It can no longer be a lower priority. If my husband’s health scare taught me anything, it was that your health cannot be sacrificed for the daily grind.
My challenge to myself is to do something daily to promote my own wellness. I’m working on conquering my unhealthy food habits, making myself a priority as well as finding a race, setting some fitness goals and getting back in the running groove.
Change: YOU GUYS. Ever feel like you are on an endless loop à la Groundhog day? Yeah, me too. I’m the kind of person who needs adventure. (But I also need a stable job and enough money to feed my kiddos so I don’t have the option of traipsing off to Spain at a moment’s notice. That’s just real life.) I need to change things up a bit. Do a bit of the unexpected for awhile…
My challenge to myself is to do something new/different every week. (Even if it is a small thing.) I need to try something or create something or learn something every week. I need to get out of my comfort zone and break the monotony. Like, immediately.
Gratitude: There is no doubt about it, I take things for granted way too much. I don’t count my blessings enough. Research shows that people who regularly practice gratitude (basically taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for) experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. (Wait, what?! I should have started this eons ago.)
My challenge to myself is to keep a gratitude journal and specifically document what I am grateful for every day. Every. Single. Day.
What about you? Are there any priorities you can set for yourself to be sure you finish strong? I’d love to hear about it!