During the holiday season, it is easy to get off track. While it is important to celebrate the season and create quality time with friends and family, prioritizing education doesn't end on the first day of winter break. During this break, I want to provide some tools for you to implement to help you stay on track towards your goals.
The F’s are a set of pillars that I take into consideration when making any decisions in my life. If my actions do not improve or positively affect one of the F’s, I generally reevaluate the move to do so. The F’s are family, fitness, food, fun, and future. These are my pillars, my reason for working so hard, and my channels to success.
Family: Family is everything. The people you surround yourself with and choose to confide in are your family. These people become a part of you. Whether or not you realize it, the people you are around the most, whose opinions matter to you the most, are the people who influence your character and choices. With that being said, make sure that the people you surround yourself with are on a growth path, and make sure that you are providing the same nourishment in their lives that you should be looking for in others!
Food: Nourishing your body is the foundation of a healthy and productive life.
During the holiday especially, it is so easy to fall off track and binge on unhealthy foods. I am in no way saying that you should not enjoy holiday foods, but I recommend moderation and balance. Don’t let the festivities lead your body to a sluggish New Year!
Fitness: Properly nourishing your body is the center of a productive lifestyle, but a proper fitness regime is also SO important for mental and physical health. Spending a few hours a week pushing yourself physically, whether through walking, running, playing a sport, or weightlifting, is beneficial for brain function as well as body function. During breaks, make sure you are taking advantage of the “extra time” by not only planning for your goals but making time for exercise!
Future: Planning ahead works because picturing your goals can motivate you and keep you focused. Planning how to reach your goals helps you set priorities and stay organized. Sometimes you need to do things in a certain order, so it's important to know where to start, and where those steps will take you! Use some time this holiday to plan for 2022, and see how the organization speeds up your progress.
Fun: Having fun is good for you because physiologically, it helps to balance out our stress and feel-good hormones. It helps to boost creativity, energy, productivity, and overall cognition. These things all contribute to a happier and more successful life. During breaks, take time to have fun. It is so easy to get lost in all of the planning for the new year, and general bustle of the holidays. Have fun with you friends and family, reset and refresh for the New Year!
Now that you know your pillars, has your perspective shifted? Mine did. This clarity has lead me to a more purpose driven lifestyle and I am so happy with where I am and where I am going. Happy Holidays, and remember to focus on your pillars!