Give Yourself Permission to Change the Plan
It's not always easy, but you'll be impressed with what happens next. Trust me.
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Presented by Open:
I spent a better part of three hours on Tuesday morning staring into space. I was doing some things on my computer, but honestly — not doing much of anything at all.
I talked about it with a friend later that day. I told her that I noticed as it happened. I scrolled on Twitter, looked at my phone more than I usually do, and checked out the cost of flights to random places for trips I dream of taking. I knew during those whimsical, sporadic moments what it would mean for the rest of my day. I knew I’d be working later than I wanted. Yet, I was also cognizant that I would still execute on all fronts, because — that’s who I am. However, I was inconveniencing myself in the process.
Then, I asked an important question:
What if I was more OK with doing less of what I’m “supposed” to? What if I was more OK with pivoting? Would this be a tactic that could help me ultimately optimize my day?
Give yourself permission to change the plan.
I wrote down that sentence in my notes app.
In this instance, the “plan” is the attached-to-my-desk vibe whenever I’m home in Brooklyn. The time-blocked to-do list that I had already deviated from on Tuesday. I’m used to being in the studio, recording, writing, editing, creating assets, taking Zoom calls, giving presentations. But what if I was more OK with freeing myself from my desk? Taking a 15-minute walk to shake off the stagnant energy? Why am I so intertwined with the notion that I need to be working ~all of the time~ to be successful as an entrepreneur?
It’s the same line of thinking that comes into play when we hear “training plans are meant to be written in pencil,” so that you can pivot when the unforgiving pops up. A morning that’s all too humid. A weekend long run that just isn’t clicking. Just because you need to shift your plan doesn’t mean that you still can’t chase big goals. And if your goals shift, too? Well, it happens. And it’s much better to have an honest conversation with ourselves about what we really want, rather than stay a course that no longer serves us.
Fact is, the world keeps spinning when we have to make a change. And rather than judging the changes that set us on a path that may be different than what we originally envisioned — maybe it’s about grace. And, then celebrating that grace. Celebrating your willingness to be upfront about what you really want — and more importantly — what you really, really need.
I’m going to take that walk around the block. Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Soul Coffee on Spotify
Talk about an office work day vibe of tracks.
I’m Reading: Lunch Break, a newsletter by hurdler Janel Abrahami
Janel’s a career coach who aims to help millennials clarify their career goals and pivot into their dream jobs. New issues of Lunch Break drop every Thursday, featuring practical ways to make more meaning in your career, interviews with inspiring individuals, exciting remote job openings, and the best resources to live and work more thoughtfully. Interested in career coaching? Reach out to Janel on IG.
Gear I’m Loving: Bandit 001 Drop
Congrats to the team at Bandit Running on their first apparel drop! I snagged some of their cute quarter socks, a signature tank, and hat. The tank, meant more for hanging and less for running, is without-a-doubt going to be a staple in my summer wardrobe; perfect to pair with a pair of jeans, high-waisted skirt, or loose basketball shorts.
Quote I’m Loving: “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” - Brene Brown
Thanks to my friends at Open for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.
Open is a digital mindfulness platform combining breathwork, meditation, and movement. It’s the first platform I’ve ever used that I’ve stuck with consistently, and trust me — I’ve tried many. Now, I do a breathwork class every single morning to clear my head before I reach for my journal. (If you told me I’d be saying that sentence a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.)
With Open, I feel more in tune with my body, a little more awake, and capable to handle whatever the day throws my way. They offer unlimited live and on-demand breathwork, meditation, yoga, pilates, and more for all levels, and unlike other platforms, you can connect directly with your teachers during in-class live streams.
Head over to WithOpen.com/Hurdle to get 30 days absolutely free, no strings attached. Come join me! Looking forward to us taking class together, ASAP.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 212. Kaisa Keranen, Fitness Coach & Co-Founder of Just Move
Kaisa Keranen is a force. She's built a massive business through social media encouraging individuals to move their body and start where they are. But, she hasn't always felt comfortable with her self or stepping in front of the camera. For episode 212, she talks about how her love for sport grew into an interest to learn more, and the singular bootcamp class that changed her entire life. Plus: Keranen gets honest about her battle with depression, a difficult time over the pandemic, and what she's looking forward to most in the months and years to come.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: A Registered Dietitian On Why Diets Don’t Work & How To Shift Your Focus to Long-Term Solutions
This week I'm catching up with Vanessa Rissetto, RD, CEO + co-founder of @culinahealth. We're having an honest dialogue about how dieting may not lead to long-term weight loss, and chatting realistic ways to seek healthy lasting solutions.
HURDLER SPOTLIGHT
Want to be featured in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Submit your info (or a friend’s!) in this Google Form.
This week’s Hurdler of the week: Jackie
Location: Philadelphia
Occupation: Sales
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now? “I am training for my first ever duathlon! This is a huge physical feat for me and I've been training for months. I have only a couple of weeks left until race day.”
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle? “The podcast guests are amazing. I always learn something new and feel motivated to keep taking on challenges!”
How can we support you? “If anyone has tips and tricks on race day prep and headspace, I’m all ears! Maybe you can leave them in the comments below? I’m focused on how to stay out of my own way whole training, i.e. not comparing myself to my friends who are faster.”
[Editor’s note: Hey, Jack! Check out the episode I did with high performance psychologist Michal Gervais, this race day pep talk from Robin Arzon, and this discussion on embracing a positive mindset with Nichelle Hines.)
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Good morning! I feel this falls in line with spontaneity and I do struggle with that at times. Afraid to deviate. I need to learn to be able to change the plan. Thank you!