No, You Don't Need To Completely Overhaul Your Routine
On finding the simple joy in checking off one action item at a time.
Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Your support is really appreciated.
Presented by InsideTracker:
The first week of the year can be really overwhelming. There’s this innate desire to start fresh and do things really well with a clean slate. But that’s not always easy, especially considering ~gestures loosely~ everything going on. I’ve been focused on making positive progress and staying consistent instead of completely overhauling my routine this week. Two action items:
1. I found a life coach. This is something I’ve wanted to do for some time. Last week a friend referred me to someone she’s worked with for a while. After a 30-minute discovery chat, we decided to properly kick things off next week. It’s been over a year since I was actively in any sort of therapy on a regular basis, and while yes — this is different than conventional therapy — I’m ready. To be frank, I’m really looking forward to it. (I just Googled “where did the expression ‘to be frank’ come from?” If you’re curious, here you go.)
2. 11 pages a day. In the mornings, one page of journaling, capped off with a highlight from the past 24 hours. At night, reading 10 pages (my book pick for the week, below). In past years, I’ve set goals like read 12 books. As someone who loves reading but isn’t always good at making it a regular priority, this 10-page daily goal breaks it down enough and feels really tangible. Some days, I’ll read more. But the at-least-10 thing? It’s working. It feels good.
What’s one thing you’ve done this week that you’re amped about? Leave a comment below. Let’s hype each other up.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: “Three Powerful Qs to Set Yourself Up for a New Year” from The Marie Forleo Podcast
Last week on Instagram, I asked my followers what they want to stop, start, and continue doing in the new year. It seemed to really resonate — the notion of asking yourself a question instead of sitting down to write down goals or resolutions. This episode has a few helpful prompts in it as well that I really enjoyed.
I’m Reading: Tiny Love Stories: True Tales of Love In 100 Words or Less by Daniel Jones
Found this meandering through McNally Jackson the other day. It’s sweet and makes me smile.
What I’m Wearing: Nike Pegasus Shield 37
It’s been raining, icy, or snowing every single morning this week here in New York. It’s that time of year to think smart about what you’re putting on your feet if you’re heading outside for some morning movement. I love the Pegasus Shield, a sneaker designed to give your feet the support they need in cold, wet conditions. They’re water-repellant and have a storm tread outsole featuring micro grooves that help to grab the road. Plus, they’re 23% off at the moment.
Quote I’m Loving: “Anger never moves you forward. In fact, it holds you back. If you can let it go and accept reality then you have the ability to craft a new future.” — Aly Orady in his Turning the Page episode
Thanks to my friends at InsideTracker for sponsoring this week’s newsletter and the Turning the Page series!
When you do what you love — like running, racing, and enjoying the great outdoors — you want to do it for life. InsideTracker can help.
InsideTracker was founded in 2009 by leading scientists in aging, genetics, and biometrics. Using their patented algorithm, InsideTracker analyzes your body’s data to provide you with a clear picture of what's going on inside you and to offer you science-backed recommendations for positive diet and lifestyle changes.
It’s been really helpful for me. Last summer I was feeling super sluggish on my runs. I did an InsideTracker panel — including mobile blood draw and DNA swab — and was able to get important insight as to what was going on with me and my body (TLDR; My iron and ferritin levels were low). Then, I adjusted my diet and training so that I can better go after my health & wellness goals — which included feeling good at the starting line for the New York City Marathon.
For a limited time, you can get 25% off the entire InsideTracker store. Simply click here, no code necessary.
The round-up of this week’s Turning the Page guests:
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Trent Shelton On Perseverance
Welcome Trent Shelton, former NFL player-turned-entrepreneur back to the show! (Check out Trent’s first episode, here.) His word is the perfect summary for what Trent admits was one of his hardest years: Perseverance.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Becs Gentry On The Roller Coaster That Was 2021
Peloton instructor Becs Gentry had quite the year, including the opportunity to make it back home to the UK to race in the 2021 Olympic Trials. Bec’s 2021 word perfectly describes her last 365: Roller coaster. (Check out Becs’ first episode, here.)
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Aly Orady On Finding Strength In Tough Moments
Aly Orady, CEO and founder of Tonal, knows a thing or two about his 2021 word: Strength. Tonal grew at rapid speed in 2021, and in order to do so Aly and his team had to pivot in many different ways during difficult times. Aly talks to me about managing supply chain issues, I offer him one of my favorite book picks of 2021, and he tells me the advice he'd give to himself a year ago knowing what he knows now. (Check out Aly’s first episode, here.)
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Alex Silver-Fagan On Presence
So many of you were inspired last year by Alex’s story, a display of raw vulnerability with her journey of mental health and detailing checking herself into a mental health facility. Her reflection on her last 365 is equally as inspiring, and she couldn’t have picked a better word for her 2021: Presence.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
We’re now over 1,000 ratings and reviews in the iTunes store! Go on, get after it.
iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Anchor
JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP
Check out one of the Hurdle Sessions, now available on the Hurdle website:
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
Media Strategy for Fitness Professionals
Goal Setting Workshop
AND * 30-Minute One-On-One Consulting Call *
Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
I feel this is a good refresh to the year, Amped about knocking off items my to-do list first thing in the morning.
I stuck to my weekly grocery budget. Not easy with teenage boys and skyrocketing food prices