written by Khadine Whittaker
Hiya Ladies! It’s been a while as I was busy navigating through one of the toughest yet “blessing in disguise” periods of my life- the last third of 2022. I can undeniably say that despite the whirlwind, I am ending the year with a bold stance in anticipation of 2023 with all its glory. However, we’ve got to be strategic in our approach to get the most out of 2023, if that is our desire.
Here, I’m sharing 6 tips with my personal tools to do just that.
1. Let bygones be bygones
Life is short! You have so much to learn and become to be holding on to past arguments and fights. Over time, the sting of the hurt will fade once you responsibly process and handle the situation. Whether there needs to be a discussion about the conflict, or a boundary created, you should aim for peace and closure. The longer you hold on to something, the heavier it gets. Forgiveness helps us to coexist. Did you know that
…repressed anger is associated with heart disease? During the two hours after an angry outburst, there is a three times higher risk of having a stroke from a blood clot to the brain or bleeding within the brain.
…your antibody immunoglobulin A levels can be reduced for six hours by recalling a past angry experience?
…those who can’t control their anger tend to heal more slowly from wounds due to higher cortisol levels from stressful situations?
My tools:
- Listen to my favourite music
- Create personal boundaries
- Nurture meaningful relationships
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159107002644?via%3Dihub
https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/ways-anger-ruining-your-health/
2. Kick Comfort Zones
Comfort zones have ease and low levels of anxiety; a sweet spot. An online article mentioned psychologist Robert Yerkes who posited, “in order to optimize performance, humans must reach a level of stress slightly higher than normal… “Optimal Anxiety” and it seems that this space exists just outside of our comfort zone.” (https://psychcentral.com/blog/comfort-zones-an-alternative-perspective#1). A growth zone or space of opportunity exists outside of our comfort zone, but if we push too far or too much, we encounter the panic zone, where high levels of anxiety reduce performance. We all have different comfort zones, and it’s quite okay to move to and from them at various points in our lives, however, if you’re exhausted from using your comfort zone as a crutch for convenient steps, pull from your inner core strength, let go and kick those crutches. It may not be luxurious, and it may not feel pleasant, but it will result in a sophisticated, more empowered you.
My Tools:
- Register for Webinars and Conferences that get me off my feet https://www.thebeyondwoman.com/crush-week-webinar-series/ (sign up for the replay)
- Bucket lists
- Learn a new word a day or a new skill
3. Pace yourself
Do not let the hype of the new year delude you. With so many goals and resolutions, you can easily become overwhelmed and sucked into the vortex of making your lists and never checking them after January. We’ve heard that slow and steady wins the race, however, moving too slow doesn’t even guarantee a win. It’s starting slow and finding a steady pace that you can maintain without becoming too tired. It creates balance, increases your confidence, endurance and productivity, and helps to keep you motivated. As a marathon runner checks her breath and tunes into her body during her race, so must we ensure our strides and effort of “the run” is on point. Pacing yourself includes planning, communicating, and making changes where necessary.
My Tools:
- Crystal Daye’s free 2023 Goal and Purpose Planner bit.ly/2023purposeplanner
- Eisenhower Decision Matrix
- SMART goals
- Personal Journal
4. Be money wise
For most, if not all of us, money does not come easily. With tears and sweat, you earn dollars that more than often evade you. After paying the unavoidable bills and indulging in only two pairs of the hottest heels, you can’t account for where all your money went. My dear aunt and motivator beseeched me to say and mean the following statement, “I will invest in myself because I am worth it.” That means I will wisely spend on what profits me because I deserve it. Too often we neglect ourselves or choose the cheaper alternative only to be let down. Whether it be the dazzling dress, the personal trainer or mentor, the new class or conference, the family trip, or the health and pension scheme, be money-wise and invest. You will get the most out of 2023.
My Tools:
- Budget, budget, budget
- Invest in stocks and bonds
- Save coins and smaller notes like $50, or $100 each year
5. Rest well, Eat well and Excercise
Sisters, please do not get too caught up in the busyness. Know when to pull back for your own sanity and physical well-being. Nutrition and exercise help you rest well too. A study proved that eating a diet high in fiber, low-saturated-fat meals lead to deeper, more restorative sleep (Marie-Pierre St-Onge et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016 Jan.). Try whole grain bread, fish, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, spinach, and herbal teas.
Get in a good workout routine to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Do light co-curricular activities like soduku, colouring, or painting, or have a lazy day at the beach.
My tools:
- Hire a personal trainer for exercise and dietary needs
- Use sounds for sleeping on YouTube
- Distract myself from working on days off
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26156950/
6. Get out of your way
As you move into 2023, do us all, a favour and get out of your way! That is one of the ways we get the most out of 2023. Yes! How else will we witness your fabulousness? Doing this for yourself will benefit you and everyone with whom you grace your presence. Challenge and change your limiting beliefs. Speak more positively about yourself and others. Get rid of those bad habits. You know them.
My Tools:
- Get mentored
- Use affirmations
- Create and stick to healthy routines
2023 Awaits You. Be Strategic And Cross-Over With An Open Mind And A Hopeful Heart.
Use These Tips And Tools To Steer Your Way Through And Get The Most Out Of 2023. Enjoy The Process And Embrace The Change. Remember The Words From The Psalmist, “The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerneth Me: Thy Mercy, O Lord, Endureth Forever: Forsake Not The Works Of Thine Own Hands.” Psalm 138:8.
