The time has come that having reflected back on the last year, people traditionally set goals for the next year. After some consideration, I have keyed on four words to define the coming year: LEARNING, GROWTH, CONFIDENCE and JOY.
At 62, I think I could probably rest on my laurels, but what fun is that? That's why the above quote from one of my running role-models is important.
Work/Professional goals
My work is really in 3 pieces: Teaching, photo editing and my side gig.
My goal for the teaching piece of my professional life is to be a "quitter." I retired last May, only to find myself saying yes to a class in the fall and another in the spring. So while I am still semi-retired, I'd like to take another shot at being fully retired. I have decided that, although I like to keep my hand in a bit, one class per year would be plenty. So, I am teaching my spring semester course....and practicing saying "no" firmly to more.
I am still enjoying my very part time job rating and editing race photos for a local photo team (shout out to Focal Flame!). And short term, I'd like to keep doing what I'm doing for them. Longer term, I'd maybe like to learn more about photography. Down the road, when I'm not running every race...maybe even shoot some backdrop photos. Presumably knowing more will make me a better rater and editor, so for now I just want to spend some time reading and trying things.
Finally, my "side gig." I have an etsy shop called Mimi's Folly. It is mostly for fun. I like to craft and try new things, and this is a way to entertain myself and make a few dollars. I want to keep it fun. My goal for this piece of my "work", is to avoid setting goals and just let it be fun.
Athletic goals
“It isn’t a matter of getting the body you want, it’s a matter of doing the most you can with the body you have.” John Bingham, No Need for Speed.
In thinking about my athletic goals, I have been thinking about what I really want out of it. Of course, I'm interested in fitness and weight control and blood sugar control. Naturally doing well in some races is nice, too. But honestly, at the end of the day I am looking for two things...confidence and joy. These are, I think, the same things that people of all ages get from all kinds of play. So I guess I want to keep playing.
"The only magic in our lives as runners is the magic of consistency. Not every run will make you feel great."John Bingham, No Need for Speed.
Step one to confidence for me has got to be consistency, I've done pretty well the last part of this year...but it will be important to keep it up. To that end I have hired a triathlon coach and set a goal to do 3 sprint distance triathlons this year (as well as finishing the last 3 states in my quest to run in all 50--Nebraska, West Virginia and Montana). I think I can get there...but it will require consistency and a trust in the process.
“Focus on where you are instead of where you wish you were. The joy will follow.”--John Bingham, No Need for Speed
And step one to joy, is to stop worrying about comparisons with others, with where I used to be (as I age, I may not be there again) and with where I want to be. Rather, my goal is to be present with where I am and be grateful for what my body will do. My best races have always been the ones where I felt grateful and present (often in costume and aware of the smiles of others...and my own). They may or may not be the fastest, but they are the ones that bring joy...and that is where I want to go this year. So keep on doing what I'm doing and learn to really be there for myself.
General/other goals
“Trying harder doesn’t always equal more success; it leads to more frustration, less satisfaction, and giving up.” --John Bingham, No Need for Speed
When it comes to many of the other important things in my life (my family, my relationships, and all the things that I worry about day to day), I realized recently the phrase that often goes through my brain is, "but I try so hard."
My response to this feeling is to attempt to try even harder...until I hit that point of "I can't even...."
So this year I am going to try to learn new coping strategies. I do try hard, I don't think that is going to change...I think the growth will come from learning when to try harder and when to be confident that I have done what I can do. I expect to be a work in progress for a long, long time. But I'm hoping some investment in relaxation, meditation and therapy will lead to less frustration, more satisfaction and less "I can't even."
So looking at all of this is a tall order. Some of it is quite specific, while some is still nebulous. If I had to choose one thing to sum it all up, I guess it would be to remember to approach the new year with an openness of attitude, that will let me learn and grow in confidence and joy.
Self care can do wonders, and you can do more than you know!!! <3
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