In 2020, I began a challenge to read a book a month and write some key learnings that could continue to build my leadership acumen and run a 5k every month. We all know what happened next, a pandemic hit. I spent several months working from home and moving to Dallas, Texas (another story for a different day), but I still got stuck. Most of my goals for 2020 fell by the wayside.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. The pandemic has been an opportunity to help me figure out what I want personally and professionally. It has allowed me to get outside of what’s comfortable and routine to see what is possible.
Once I felt energized again, I would decide to continue my goals, update, or abandon them for something different. It didn’t matter the time frame. I would use this time to be kind and understanding of myself. I would remind myself that I need to treat me like I treat my best friends (with compassion, kindness, and love).
When I began to think differently, the inspiration started flowing. I thought ‘If I can’t achieve goal A, maybe goal B would work out better’. For a point of reference: goal A for 2020 was running a 5k every month. It became train for the Rock n’ Roll half-marathon in San Antonio, TX in December 2021 and join a local running group.
This change in mindset for updating a goal has allowed me an opportunity to meet new people that I have become good friends with and have had several running sessions where I have run longer than I thought was possible. I have learned about different recovery (Normatec & Lily Trotters compression socks) and fueling methods (Honey Stinger energy chews & Nunn Hydration). I even tried Ariel Yoga with my daughter as a recovery method.
My reading goal transformed as well. I went from a goal of reading a book a month to finding other ways to learn. I have begun listening to new podcasts (How I built this, Worklife & The Growth Equation) and leveraged LinkedIn Learning. I am still reading books but have given myself grace to go at my own pace. I have learned that I prefer to read a hard cover book and enjoy picking out new topics to learn every few weeks with LinkedIn Learning.
My main takeaways from my ‘Goal Transformation’ journey are:
- Change can be unsettling at first but provides a TON of opportunity to grow.
- Allow yourself the opportunity to transform or abandon your goals.
- Believe that anything is possible!
Until next time….Heather