In 2019, I spent more time than I ever have focusing on the things that I can control. Things like sleeping well, eating better and being more mindful helped propel me to feeling the best I ever have in my life. I was able to check off some pretty big goals as well. I ran my longest run, I got more into cycling and rode the Dirty Kanza 100 amongst a number of others. I took my longest hike and I climbed my first Fourteener. 

None of these personal achievements were by accident and they weren’t unexpected. All this was because I eat my own cooking. I turned 38 years old in November and I feel like I am just hitting my stride. This occurs quite a bit, in fact. That is the so many endurance sports podiums are dominated by athletes in the 30s. Are they more athletic than they were when they were 25? Probably not. They’re smarter about recovery, diet and their training schedule. 

I worked hard this year, took care of myself, listened to my body, ate better than I ever have and drank quite a bit less alcohol and was consistent with mindfulness meditation for the entire year. These are the conversations that I have with my clients all day long. I feel I’ve never had more GPP (general physical preparedness) than I do right now. I can jump on the bike and ride my bike 50 miles today, run a half marathon or hammer out Murph all at a moment’s notice. That has virtually eliminated any FOMO, I may have had. 

I know quite a few 40 year olds that have a hard time getting up off of the ground and are constantly complaining about their aches and pains. I've had patients in the past come to me after a consultation with their cardiologist that told them to lose weight and their doctor weighs 320 pounds. I don't feel like that provides that doctor much credibility in the eyes of his patients. Also, there is no magic age, when it is acceptable for your body to just feel bad. I am really lucky to work with clients of all ages that feel great, well into their 60s and 70s. They reject the fact that with aging comes a compromise in how good you can and should feel.

My philosophy on these things as always been to lead from the front and to be able to practice what you preach. I am so grateful for my education and truly enjoying nerding out on research that helps people be better humans. I am grateful for my health and how well my body has held up so far. I am grateful for my experiences that led me to this point. I am grateful for my family that believed in me when I set out to start my own practice. And I am grateful for my clients that help push me to become a better clinician and stay on the cutting edge of the field. 

So the big point of all of this is to clearly define what you really want to do in 2020 and go after those things. 

Put in the work and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve those goals. It's never too late to make a good habit, learn a new skill or start over on a flailing attempt. 

If you need a little help or advice reaching your goals, you know how to reach me. 

Cheers and good luck in 2020!