2021 was another crazy year in the world. I've compiled a list of 22 thoughts for 2022 that have crossed my mind and heart over the past 12 months. They may not be profound or fancy but they're meaningful to me. What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
- Simple is better. The world around us is complex and trying to get our attention each and every day. Simplify, reduce and remove those people and things in your life not serving you or your goals.
- ‘Your people’ don’t have to be large in number, just large in heart and grace. The older I get, the more I realize that fewer, great friends is much better than many, passive friends.
- Looking inside at your faults is hard. And a journey. Better for you to look and be able to do something about them though than let the world around you that can’t or won’t.
- Being all the hats in a small business is ridiculously hard. Especially on a limited budget. What can you do well, what do you not do well that you can outsource or trade services for?
- Parenting is a never-ending journey that has continuous ups and downs. Some days you’re ahead, some days you’re behind. Time will tell but I’m really hoping that in the end our kids know that we did what we did because we loved them and wanted what was best for them.
- It’s easy to compare yourself to the social media world, it’s also possible to turn you gaze down and inward to focus on your goals, your plans and get to work. See #2, few people care to the degree that matters so stop worrying about what others will think.
- Sometimes when you look back on what you’ve accomplished, you’ll shock yourself. You don’t have to have a perfectly planned list of to-do’s and goals to get something done. Just do one thing a day and it adds up in a hurry. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it doesn’t have to be organized. Just DO something.
- Be kind. Now more than ever, the world needs kindness and grace. And people willing to listen with open ears. Be kind. Do good for others, not for them, but for you.
- Eat beef. 😉 Preferably Thomas Cattle Company beef.
- Give yourself a pat on the back. The last two years have been hard as heck. Everyone is struggling through one area or another. Pat yourself on the back for showing up and giving it your best effort. Not all days are great and not all days are bad.
- If you hear something that intrigues you, or makes you mad, dig into it. Do you own research. Learn more about it. Don’t let that 1 instance be your guide or final education on the matter.
- Still 10 more to go? I’m not qualified for this. If you’re still here, thanks. Surround yourself with people who dream about ideas and goals, not people who talk about others or focus on dragging others down. You want propellers on your team, not anchors.
- Gratitude goes a long way. And it’s simple, fast and easy to do. But in today’s busy world, sometimes gets forgotten. This is one area I specifically need to be better in 2022.
- Sometimes you will fail and disappoint those around you. Even those you love. Even those you work with. Even your kids. Try your best to make amends and move on. I get hung up on things and internalize them and that doesn’t serve me or others well.
- If you live your life being who you were meant to be, it’s much less exhausting than trying to be someone others think you should be. I think this gets easier as you get older, at least for me it has, but don’t spend your whole life not being your unique, authentic self...it’s not worth it. Again, see #2, ‘your people’ won’t mind.
- Stop and take a moment to celebrate all you’ve accomplished once in a while. You deserve it!
- Did I mention eat more beef? Preferably Thomas Cattle Company beef?
- Support small. Now more than ever, small businesses need your help. They need your business and they need your help sharing their name. Costs are rising, competition is high and the big guys seem to get richer with each second. Shop Small.
- Read a book. Did you know that less than 1% of the population will read a book on personal development this year? Read one, and you’re already ahead of 99% of the population. See #3. What do you want to improve in this year?
- Say ‘thank you.’ Not just in large, grand gestures, but small, simple things. It makes an impact and can be easy to skate right by because we’re busy.
- Love your family. With a full time day job, side beef hustle and ranch wife duties, I struggle with balancing this sometimes. Deadlines, meetings, after work items, etc all get in the way of loving my family sometimes. One of my goals for 2022 is to be more organized with my time to allow for more one on one time with my kids and husband.
- Eat beef. Preferably Thomas Cattle Company beef. 😉
Happy New Year! Here's to a successful, fulfilling 2022 for you and your family! Thanks for your support of Thomas Cattle Company!
- Elizabeth
1 comment
What a great list and good reminders! I am definitely starting the year strong in the book reading category. It’s amazing what reading can do for your mind and heart.