New Year, Evolving You

Happy new year, friends! Hope you all got to enjoy a little down time over the holidays! It’s amazing what a few days away from a computer can do, including but not limited to making me totally and completely forget what I do for work. 

Song of the day: I’m trying (keyword: trying) to start 2024 stronger than ever, so who better to lead us than the icon herself?

—Rod

New Year, New Evolving You

‘Tis the season for your entire Instagram feed to be filled with everyone’s resolutions for the new year! I’ve never really been a fan of the whole “new year, new me” thing because 1) I don’t want to be a different me and 2) I always feel WORSE when I don’t achieve the unrealistic resolutions I see for myself. 

So this year? Less is more. Instead of feeling guilty when we don’t run 10 marathons this year, why don’t we start with some small changes that can help us in a big way? That’s my whole deal in 2024. Here are a few things I’m implementing in my routine this year to focus on small changes with big impacts.

Take work breaks. The Pomodoro Technique is a helpful way to efficiently get your work done while also giving yourself a break—the gist is that you take small breaks that help you get through something easy and fast. (Fun fact: The inventor of the Pomodoro method used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, and Pomodoro is Italian for tomato so…)

1. Figure out the task you need to complete.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes (or listen to All Too Well (10 Minute Version) 2 ½ times).

3. Work on the task until the timer goes off.

4. Take a short 5–10 minute break.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4, four times each.

6. Take a 20–30 minute break. 

7. Start again from step 2 until your task is complete.

Acknowledge highlights from the week. When we dwell on the negative (guilty as charged), we forget about all of the good things! A win’s a win, no matter how small. Take five minutes at the end of each week to write down the positive things that made you happy, excited, proud, etc., throughout that week. You’ll be surprised by how many there actually are when you stop and think about it. 

Don’t overextend yourself. Whether you tell your boss it’s “no problem” to take on another project when you know you won’t be sleeping until it’s done or you drag yourself to the group dinner when all you want to do is sit alone in silence…just DON’T. It’s okay to say “no” when you don’t have the bandwidth or mental capacity. 

Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. Remember 1) to cut yourself some slack when it comes to self-improvement, and 2) small changes can deliver big results. Have a new healthy habit you want to share? Reply to this email and let us know; we’d love to hear it! 

Things To Send Your Work Besties

…before setting your Pomodoro timer.

I was a recent guest on my friend Dr. Scott Lyons’ podcast The Gently Used Human, where we talked about the importance of setting boundaries, how to protect your peace, and how millennials are navigating life as part of the “lost generation.”

I just watched When Harry Met Sally for the 337th time last week, and Meg Ryan’s outfits are just 🤌. Watch her break down her style in some of her most famous roles with Glamour. 

Chili cheese noodles in 10 minutes? You had me at chili cheese…

That’s all for today! Hope the rest of your week getting back to work is a breeze. See you back here next Wednesday! 

IDK WHAT DO I KNOW?! LMAO!

—Rod