Top 5 Nailed It List of 2014

It’s the end of the year and everyone seems to be in a reflective mood – looking back on the year at accomplishments, could have beens, should have beens and everything in between. It’s a natural cycle, right? To take stock before we plunge ahead towards the new year – a new beginning and a chance for a fresh start.

But can we take a moment to sit with what we have accomplished this year? Not just sitting with it so that we can dissect it to pieces and identify all the things that we could do better? But just be proud of our achievements before we rush on to the next goal?

Last year, I came across this idea for a Nailed It List from Erin Stutland.

It’s like when a gymnast sticks her landing, she might say to herself, “Nailed it.” Or when you walk out of a meeting or audition and know you did amazingly well, you say, “Nailed it.”

So yes, I’m putting together a “Nailed It” List for 2014. {And I’m resisting the urge to include any “buts…” in these statements.} I have to admit, this was harder to do this year compared to last year but here goes…

1. I began my freelance writing career in earnest.

At the end of last year, I wrote that I made a commitment and took steps towards starting a new career. And this year? I dove in head first, largely spurred on by my “word of the year” DO – I went out and did as much as I could. I contribute regularly to Daily Burn and RunHaven. My writing has been published in multiple outlets from POPSUGAR Fitness and fitbie to espnW.com and the Athleta Chi Blog to Mamalode and BlogHer. My writing has also been picked up by The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast and CNN.com. I’ve also been blessed to work with some great editors.

This year has given me a lot more confidence as a writer – that I might be able to make a go of this thing. The other thing that I’ve learned is that my success is directly proportional to the amount of time and effort that I put into this work. Duh, right? But an important reminder that if I do want to make it happen, I have to make time to make it happen.

2. I took 9 minutes off my half marathon time.

Over the course of this crazy year of running, I took 9 minutes off my half marathon time – 2 minutes in San Francisco and 7 minutes in Philadelphia – and I was 9 seconds away from running a sub-2 half marathon. I came really close to a goal that I thought I had missed my chance at achieving years ago when I was younger and healthier. Who would have thought that I would have another chance to go after it given my history of injury and knee surgeries!

3. I gained more confidence in my body image.

Body image and body confidence is a constant work in progress but this year, I’ve gained some interesting insights about what makes me feel confident. Interestingly enough, I think that photography (and a certain yoga photoshoot) and Instagram has played a bit part in helping me gain confidence and feel better about myself and how my body looks as well as how it performs.

4. I’m getting into my yoga teaching grove.

Teaching yoga is an interesting profession, to say the least. There have been a lot of ups and downs this year, but I’m in a comfortable spot right now. I do love teaching. I’m teaching at three different studios in Brooklyn – one as a regular teacher and two as a regular sub, including one of my “goal” studios – Kula Yoga Project.

Kula is where I did my training and one of the best studios in NYC. In the back of my head, I always thought, “Oh, it would be nice to teach there one day but I need a lot more experience.” But about five months ago, I made my way onto their regular sub list. I can’t thank my teachers enough for supporting me and believing in me through this whole journey.

5. I’ve learned to pay attention to the details – the little things – and to be grateful for those things.

We often lose sight of the little things when we’re focused on the big picture, but I’ve realized that the lessons often come when you pay attention to the details – everything from life lessons to tips on how to get yourself unstuck. You have to slow down to see those details.

Nailed it. What accomplishments are you most proud of this year?
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What’s on your Top 5 Nailed It List?

Christine

Top 5 Nailed It List of 2014