It is a new year, full of new opportunities to better yourself, your health and your life. Instead of focusing on resolutions, cutting things out and doing less; I like to focus on positive changes, adding things into my life and doing more. 2016 was a big year and it certainly taught me a lot. As a result, here are seven changes I’m making in 2017.
I’m going to educate myself. I love to learn and I love to read. I devour books, research and documentaries and I thrive on gaining new knowledge. In 2016 I learnt a lot, but there is always room to learn more. As I move into 2017 I want to keep on reading, but ensure that the content I read not only covers business and self-development, but delves more into areas of fitness and nutrition which interest me. I love to learn about the latest research in these areas but often don’t prioritise it enough. In 2017 I am going to further my knowledge of more advanced fitness and nutrition principles and approaches.
I am going to eat consciously. I’m going to eat significantly less animal products, and any animal products I do eat will be from carefully selected sources. I am currently going through a huge transitional period in my approach to food. I have watched many documentaries and read numerous books and articles on the subject of animal products and the implications of their production, both ethically and environmentally. I have been trying to find a more sound source of meat and dairy, and am still in the process of contacting different farms out and finding one I am completely satisfied with. In 2017 I am going to eat a predominantly plant based diet with occasional well sourced animal products.
I am going to be more mindful. Some pretty cool shit is happening in my life, and sometimes I feel like I am not living in and enjoying the moment enough. Of course I am grateful for what is happening, but I feel I need to be more conscious in my gratefulness. In 2017 I would like to return to my meditation practice I started out doing in 2016 (and fizzled out, sadly). I would like to meditate 3 times a week, and ensure I do daily reflections of what I am grateful for. I also find it hard talking about the exciting things I am doing, as it makes me scared of coming across as bragging, but I think talking about it helps me to consciously appreciate whats happening. I am going to attempt to be more open with my achievements and my appreciation for them.
I am going to spend more time with my family. In 2016 things got a bit crazy with work and I didn’t get to give enough time to my parents, who live up in Yorkshire. An illness in the family made me realise the fragility of life, and that your parents are not invincible. I need to prioritise seeing them while I can. In 2017 I would like to see them a minimum of once a month, and call them on a pretty much daily basis to catch up. I also want to make sure that when I do see them, that we make memories by exploring new places and trying new things. I would love to go on a weekend away or a family holiday in 2017.
This might sound crazy… but I am going to travel less in 2017! I want to spend more time in the UK this year, not only to develop my business but also to develop my relationships. I didn’t get to spend enough time with my friends and my boyfriend last year and I want to change that. Similar to my parents, I want to use my time with them wisely. I want to explore the city I live in. London is extremely diverse and has endless unique and exciting opportunities to be taken; from theatrical dinner parties and historical running tours, to fascinating exhibitions and treasure hunts through the streets. I want to use my time with my friends to take advantage of what is right on my doorstep.
I am going to be more selfish and say no more. In 2016 I realised that sometimes, it is ok to put yourself first. Of course it is important to be considerate of others and I don’t advocate being a dick. However, sometimes you have do things for yourself and you have to say no. And that is ok. In 2016 I tried to make everyone else happy, often at the expense of my own goals and priorities. My time is the most valuable thing I own, and the thing which is in highest demand. In 2017 I am only going to give it to things and people I truly value.
On a similar note, I am going to prioritise self-care in 2017. As I got caught up in the whirlwind of work in 2016, I forgot to look after myself. I wasn’t sleeping enough, I wasn’t eating well. I wasn’t training as much as I would like to. I wasn’t having enough time off to relax and de-stress. I am going to make 2017 my year of self-care. I am going to practice what I preach and put myself and my health first. I am going to sleep more. I am going to train regularly and effectively. I am going to cook as many home cooked meal as I possibly can (which will also help save the pennies!) and I am going to try my hardest to take one full day off a week.
What are your goals for 2017? What positive changes will you be making? Be sure to read my ‘How to achieve your 2017 goals” blog post!
Zanna xx
