2024 is coming to an end. Before the chaos begins in 2025, I would like to send you one final newsletter.
At this time of year, our brains almost automatically start reflecting on the past year.
What was right and what was wrong?
What we were able to accomplish and what we were not able to accomplish.
If you’re like me, you tend to focus too much on the “what went wrong” part and end up feeling all sorts of negative emotions about it.
We may look back with guilt at things we did or didn’t do. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, I am: Most “Catholic Guilt” Even though I’m not religious.
A few months ago, I came across a story that I still think about. There is reportedly no literal translation for “guilt” in Tibetan. The closest translation is something like “intellectual regret.”
I don’t speak Tibetan and I haven’t been able to track down anyone who speaks Tibetan to confirm this, but I think this is a beautiful sentiment that will help us as we head into 2025 .
Guilt can be corrosive and counterproductive. However, as Dan Pink points out in his book, power of regret, look back on the right Kindness Regrets about things that happened or didn’t happen can actually be powerful and transformative for our future selves.
Therefore, rather than trying to live a life “without regrets” (the opposite of intelligence)…
We can wisely apply our regrets to events in 2024.
So, to commemorate the band Oasis’ reunion next year, don’t look back in anger (By the way, it’s still the worst traffic ever).
Instead…look back with curiosity.
Look back with curiosity, not criticism.
Let’s take a moment today to reflect on this year. Curiosity, not judgment.
Did they achieve what they wanted to achieve? Great! I’m sure you learned something.
Has your life gone off track and you spent most of the year just trying to stay afloat? Great! I’m sure you learned something! Did you start and stop and score a goal? Great! I’m sure you learned something!
Please write these things down. Notice the emotions you feel when you look back. Write down what you learned and how it will inform future decisions and choices.
Maybe you realize that you hate running, that the keto diet was a complete failure, that becoming a first-time parent ruined your life, or that you just can’t stick to your morning routine. You may have learned.
All of these things happened. Now, you need to decide what emotion to apply to those things.
Remember, The past is not fixedAnd some of these setbacks and failures may be the very lessons you need to learn for your future self. They may inspire you to take the next step.
Remember, this is not “I screwed up/failed, so I’m a lost cause…”.
It’s “I screwed up/failed, but I learned this lesson that I can apply to 2025.”
How will things be different in 2025?
We’ll start next week 5 day free challenge With Coach Matt from Team NF.
I’m sorry if 2024 didn’t turn out the way you hoped and desired.
Life is strange and change is difficult.
Let’s make 2025 different! After all, if you do what you always do, you’ll get what you always get.
If you want things to change, make it happen.
Nerd Fitness Rebellion is with you forever.
I hope you have a nice vacation. I’ll talk to you again next week.
-Steve
P.S: this is it Sign up again for our 5-day free challenge. cheers!
