My one year experiement

Wow, how is August already almost over?!

Seriously, despite COVID (because of COVID?), this year has flown. Is it just me, or has it gone that fast for you too?

Way back in January, as I do at the beginning of every year, I planned out how I wanted my year to look. The things I wanted to accomplish. The goals I wanted to achieve.

But, as we all know, the Universe definitely had different plans for all of us.

The first two months of the year were rocky (dog died, sick for weeks...), then COVID officially hit and life shut down.

So now, here we are, 5+ months later.

As I'm moving into my new position, I decided it was time for a reset. Instead of waiting until January again, a friend and I decided that we were going to reset our goals now.

So on August 17th, I started my new "one year plan."

However, this time I decided to do things completely differently.

Traditionally, when I start a plan and set goals at the beginning of the year, I start with the THINGS I want to achieve.

"I want to make x amount of money."

"I want to lose x number of pounds."

But here's the thing. Those goals feel very cut and dry to me. No energy, no creativity, no fun.

Of course, I didn't realize this until recently.

I sat down a couple of weeks ago to come up with my list, and I just didn't want to.

See, for the last few months, life has been on hold. Unpredictable, unknown. We can't necessarily make plans because who knows if we're going to have to cancel them. We can't do things the way we always have (which, if I'm honest, wasn't completely working for me anyway).

I asked myself, "Okay, then what do I want to do? How do I want this to be different?"

I opened up my journal and read what I had written at the beginning of the year, my manifesto for how I wanted my life to look (written in present time as though it had already happened).

And I had my lightbulb moment.

Over half of the things in that list had been accomplished. I wrote them in January not sure if they COULD happen or when they would. And over half of that list is now my current reality.

WTH???

But then I realized. Part of the difference was simply that I COULDN'T strive for them in the usual way. This year has changed everything and I had to let go of so many expectations, so many efforts at TRYING to get everything done.

Just like everyone else, I just had to survive, to let go, and to get through.

And by doing so, the things I wanted literally fell into my reality.

This realization reminded me of something very important, that I sometimes like to forget...

It's NOT about the effort.

I've put in plenty of effort in the last 4 years and seen success, sure, but none like I've seen THIS YEAR. Effort is not the main driver in how and when we achieve our goals. If it was, every person who works hard would have their dream life and be a millionaire, right?

Instead, it's about how we look at life!

So I changed my entire yearly goals around!

This year, I'm doing a 1 year experiment with myself (yes, starting in August).

Instead of setting goals and trying every single day to achieve them...

I set a couple of big picture goals.

But every day when I sit down to work, instead of figuring out what all the steps are that I need to make it happen, I'm going to ask "What do I feel like doing today? What brings me joy?"

I'm going to start every day with joy.

In the last week, I've taken breaks to sit on the front porch and watch the thunderstorm.

When I was in the clinic, I watched happy puppy videos between appointments when I needed a break.

I've stayed off FB every single morning and gone for walks with my old dog instead.

And I'm writing to you now. Writing is one of my favorite activities which is too often side-lined when I get busy...

So... now I have a question for you?

How are you living your life?

Are you feeling constantly driven, needing to do the next thing? But maybe never even getting anywhere?

Are you just in survival mode, just getting through the day?

Or are you starting each day intentionally? With gratitude, with joy, with whatever makes you feel good?

My one year experiment started on August 17th. Yours could start today!

Respond below and let me know how you're feeling. I'd love to hear from you!

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Are you a veterinary professional who is ready to have more fun, more freedom, and more happiness in the veterinary field (and in your life)? Let me know how I can help you! Send me an email at [email protected] and we'll chat soon!