Top 5 Resolutions for 2019
1. Alter Your Perception on Rejection
View rejection as a speed bump, not a red light. Don’t let rejection stop you from going after what you want. In anything. Jobs. Relationships. Good things take time and most definitely do not happen overnight. When I first entered the fitness industry, I was sent home from COUNTLESS auditions: Soul Cycle, Cyc, SLT, Bari Method, AKT… shall I go on? It only takes one person or place to accept you and you’re in. Take constructive feedback and keep that smile plastered on your face, even if you have to fake it a little ‘til you make it. Flywheel didn’t come instantly. I had to go through hell and back to get this job and work my way up the ranks of class times. Guess what? I’m still working! Be okay with the small successes and cherish them; you have to start somewhere. You have to work your way up. Meet people. Network. SHOW FACE. I have also been turned down from modeling agencies for being “too short” or “not the look they need on the board at the moment.” Of course, I cannot change my height or physical appearance, but I will continue to send my portfolio and take pictures until I achieve my goal of being a signed fitness model. If someone doesn’t accept you there’s always another opportunity that will present itself if you stay positive and keep an open mind.
2. Accept More, Expect Less
Let go of expectations so you can readily accept something that [unexpectedly] comes your way. Let’s be real: expectations are fantasy. If you have such a rigid mental picture, you could end up extremely disappointed if things don’t go exactly your way at your imagined pace. Put yourself out there and exert the most confidence you have, because confidence is sexy and “your vibe attracts your tribe.”
3. Never make a decision in anger
Anger is a powerful emotion that can cloud reality. It physically alters your brain chemistry, and can have you hyper focused on the negative. I have learned that nothing good can come from making decisions in a volatile mental state. This year I vow to not make decisions in anger. I was recently a victim of theft in my place of work. It was unfortunate that I had an expensive item stolen from right under my nose. Not only was this article of clothing pricey, but it was purchased as a memento of a special trip I had taken with my best friend two years prior. The culprit was caught on camera, but she denied the allegation: people do wild things out of shame. She wrote a nasty letter saturated with false claims, slandering me to the corporate office, trying her best to have me fired. Why? Because this poor woman obviously needs psychological help. My demeanor remained calm throughout all of the back and forth. Although I had ample evidence of her wrongdoings (actual footage…) and written proof of her now-possession of the item, I chose to keep my mouth shut. My job was worth more than my belonging. Belongings are replaceable. It’s always a good idea to refrain from engaging with crazy people because they will drive you crazy too. Let us all make 2019 a year for less drama and more truthfulness, as they will both bring you peace.
4. Practice Self Love
Be more kind to yourself. At the end of the day, no matter what external support systems we have, you will never get away from yourself. We all need to work on the single most important relationship we will ever have: the one with ourselves. Spend time alone - it’s important to be alone sometimes, even if you’re in a relationship. We all need time to reboot and reset. Take a bath. Read a book. Go for a run. Do things that make you present in the moment that don’t involve being online. Practicing self-love will improve your mental health, reduce stress, and keep you motivated for healthier habits. It will make you less reliant on other people’s opinions. It starts with the voice inside your head. Make sure you are saying things like “great job, keep it up” instead of picking yourself apart and obsessing over what you could have done differently. I’m guilty of it. You’re likely guilty of it, too. You cannot change what has already happened. The only thing the past can do is shape your decisions in the future so that you don’t repeat something that made you feel unhappy or insecure. Of course, it’s okay to feel insecure sometimes, but be mindful of those feelings and try to get yourself in a positive mindset.
Self-love means recognizing when you are unhappy and removing yourself from that dark place, even if the unknown scares you.
5. Set Tangible Goals
Set tangible goals for yourself and DO THEM. I’ve said this before in a previous post and I mean it. Start that blog. Read that book. Sign up for that spin class, even though you haven’t worked out since before the holidays. Apply to your dream job. Don’t put things off. Why wait another day? There will always be something else that comes up. Life moves; we are never too stagnant, and when you have a set of goals written down, you are holding yourself accountable. Plus, it feels great to physically cross something off once it’s been accomplished. Here are a few of mine to help you get started:
Become a published writer - not just a ghost one!
Continue to write my book (!!!)
Keep this blog going! #healthyballance
Get my split back
Get signed with an agency for fitness modeling
Volunteer for charities I love
Get more sleep
Clean out my closet
Here's to a happy and healthy new year! What will you you choose to work on?
Xoxo,
Sarah :)