A Running Doc’s Life: Dream Big–and Learn How to Grow into Them

What is your New Year’s resolution? Will it be the same as always…I want to lose weight…I want to be more active…I want to read more…I want to be more successful at work…etc, etc. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, and we all come out of the blocks strong, only to hit that first rough patch, and then fall back to our old ways. Time to dream BIG! Build good habits and break bad ones. There is a book out there called “Atomic Habits”. I highly recommend this! “Little by little we build our power!” Some secrets to making a resolution: Dream big; Focus on others; Know what you’re in for; Have an action plan; and stay excited throughout the year. A quote by Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them!” This is a perfect time to reflect on our experiences in the past year. As the year came to an end, you may find yourself looking back on the year, and self-reflecting.

The frost on the trees these last few days have been so cool to look at and is easy to just kind of let your mind wander and think. What is my plan going forward? It is easier to reflect on things when you get to see the reflections of things outside.

Self-reflection is a valuable skill in which we can become aware of ourselves. It helps us observe our own thoughts, actions, and feelings. There are many ways you can build self-reflection, but journaling is one of the more popular methods of reflection. Journaling has many benefits, as it has proven to reduce stress, encourage sharp memory, boost mood, and strengthen emotional awareness.

Time to attack it! Different writing prompts may inspire you to reflect on the past year. So, grab a journal, or just a piece of paper, and start. Try not to over-critique your writing. Just allow whatever comes to mind flow out onto the page. Try to be detailed and literally go with the flow and go with whatever comes up for you. Above all, be honest. You don’t need to hold back, sugar-coat it, or be vague. You are the only one that is going to read it. Observe things around you and get lost in the beauty of things around you.

Here are some examples of writing prompts that I found in an article:

1. What were my big wins this year?
2. What were my small wins this year?
3. What were my challenges this year?
4. In the past year, I am proud of myself for…
5. Looking back on the past year, I am most grateful for…
6. What would I like to shed or leave behind from this past year?
7. What health, wellness, and fitness practices were most beneficial or enjoyable for me this year?
8. What are my health and wellness goals for the coming year?
9. How did I push myself outside of my comfort zone this past year? How would I like to push myself out of my comfort zone this coming year?
10. When you look back at your life this time next year, what is the one thing I want to have accomplished or maintained a commitment to? Why is this important to me?

Work for it! Push yourself! Dream Big! You can achieve those goals…one step at a time!

What will the new year bring you? 365 new opportunities! Spend it with family and friends! They will help motivate you, push you, and encourage you! What are you waiting for? The New Year just started! Keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day of New Streak: #1379