In 2013 I lost 17 kilos, regained focus at work — and found balance in my personal life. Right now, I’m a better version of myself. That’s an amazing feeling. Much thanks to three little words — and a whole lot of focus, determination and hard work.
Last year I decided I was done with New Year’s resolutions. I never kept them anyway. I decided to set a direction instead of setting goals. I carefully picked three words I would focus on — and use them as guidance to everything I did and wanted to do.
My three words for 2013 was: no, “quality time” and health.
I needed to say no more often, I got swamped by projects and responsibilities. Making me unable to deliver a hundred percent on the things I spent my time on. I needed to spend more quality time with my girlfriend, family and close friends. And I really needed to pay more attention to my health. What I eat, and how I treated my body.
It’s been a really good year for me, and I feel that I accomplished a lot with my three little words as guidance. I’m healthier then ever, I freed up more time by saying no more often and by that got to share a lot of precious experiences with my loved ones. I‘ve grown. And for that, I am proud.
Now, as 2014 is closing in. It’s time to reflect on this year, and decide what the next will bring. What direction should I steer myself into next year? What words will I choose as guidance?
My words for 2013 are going to stay with me, as they now are a natural part of my everyday living. But I’ve also picked three new little words (with so much meaning and anticipation behind them) for 2014.
They are.
Mindfulness
I want to be even better to live in the moment. I want to stop multitasking. I want to be calmer, in the zone. I want to meditate, unclutter and simplify. I want to be more mindful of myself, everything, and everyone, around me.
Write
I love to write, and I want to grow into a better writer. I want to finish my second book by the end of the summer. And I want to write at least 20 minutes every day. Both about my professional, and personal, life’s experiences and thoughts. I believe the more I write, the better writer I become.
Travel
It’s by traveling you grow. It’s when you get into weird situations you did not expect, meet strangers, visit places you’d never been — that’s when you learn the most. I want to travel more, in and outside Norway. Not just cities, but it’s time to explore the outdoors more then I have. I want to sleep outside, walk in the mountains and experience nature. I want to unplug from technology on my travels — and just soak it all in. As much as I want to be a writer, I want to be a traveler.
So that’s my words. Just three little ones. But they mean a lot to me. The symbolize so much more. 2014 is going to be one hell of a year.
Just me writing about this makes me really psyched to get the new year started. I’m going to grow, fail, get up, learn, evolve and grow some more. All while having fun, staying humble and being hungry along the way.
Goodbye 2013, hello 2014. I’m ready.
If you feel psyched too, please join my mailing list to get updates from me.