New Year, New Goals ...

by: Sarah Houston

We did it.

We made it through 2021.

& We crushed it.

I think we can all agree that 2021 has been hard year. However like the wise Kelly Clarkson once said - “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger”. This past year we adapted. We learned how to navigate ourselves through periods of lockdown and periods of (new) normalcy. We got out of our Aritzia sweatsuits, relearned how to partake in social interaction again, and returned to the office/classroom. Although, we now find ourselves back in lockdown and most likely back in our Aritzia sweatsuits, there is a lot we achieved in 2021 that we can be PROUD of.

Looking forward to the new year, now is the time to set goals and ‘New Years Resolutions’ to CRUSH 2022 even harder.

Some of the WIBA execs’ New Year’s Resolutions for 2022…

President Tiff

Rest is not a reward.

"My resolution for 2022 is to start listening to my body when it needs rest. I am stuck in this mindset that I only deserve rest when I am productive. Rest is not only necessary but is also linked to better moods, reduced anxiety and stress, and improved immune health. Here’s to a well rested and energized 2022!"

Sarah - VP of Engagement

Less is more….

"This upcoming year I want to work on the art of *minimalism* - the beautiful Scandinavian crafted concept that less is more. Not only is the concept extremely aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be beneficial to my bank account and my carbon footprint. With rapidly rising inflation, a supply chain crisis and global warming - there is now better year to master the art of minimalism!"

Hannah - VP Corporate Affairs

Breaking boundaries!

"For 2022 I want to focus on doing one thing a day that terrifies me. Often we get into this routine of playing the safe game because we are sometimes too scared of the unknown. As Eleanor Roosevalt states “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” By missing out on that opportunity to try something new, and face that fear head on, who knows what you could be losing out on."

Mairen - Strategic Growth Coordinator

No more (online) distraction.

"It’s amazing how many individuals, myself included, jump on their phone or tablet first thing in the morning to check the markets, see what emails arrived overnight or simply browse their Twitter feed. Checking your phone as soon as you wake up not only distracts your mind but also sets the tone for distraction for the rest of the day. In 2022, I will start each day free of online activities, making space for meditation, exercise, and reading."

Steph - Conference Co-Chair

Focus on the positive…

"My 2022 New Year resolution is to focus more on the positive aspects of life. Over the past few years, I have found myself fixating a lot on the struggles that I have faced. However, during the past few years, I have also achieved many accomplishments including graduating high school and completing my first year of university! Therefore, in the new year, I plan to focus more on the positive aspects of my life and reward myself for my accomplishments rather than dwelling on my struggles."

Amy - Conference Co-Chair

Mental health.

"It’s been a ROUGH year, and my mental health suffered because I wasn’t taking care of myself. So this year I’m focusing on working out, eating right, sleep hygiene, taking my vitamins, and taking breaks when I need to. These are the things I know help keep my mental health in check."

Some other New Year’s Resolution ideas if you happen to need some inspiration….

• Sleep more

• Learn a new language

• Pick up a new hobby

• Start talking more positively to yourself (self love baby!)

• Drink more water

• Reduce your caffeine intake

• Or - try more local coffee shops

• Go for a walk everyday

• Be a better friend

• Work on your confidence

• Try to shop locally whenever possible

• Start each day with: a podcast, a nutritious breakfast, a book

• Read *insert amount of books here* books this year

Whatever resolution or goal(s) you choose to set for yourself in the new year, make 2022 your year.