How to accomplish your resolutions in 2021

The covid-19 pandemic has changed perceptions and expectations of our own lives forever. We've canceled plans in every aspect we can think of. So it makes sense to hold off from the resolutions you make for every year, the ones we all seem to forget about as the weeks and months pass by.

I wanted to take the time to revisit those common resolutions we've all made and why 2021 is different from any year you have ever tried to have accomplished.

"I will spend more time with friends and family"

2020 has made it incredibly difficult to gather with our loved ones. Most of us opted out of travel, while others took the chance of leaving their bubble over the holidays. We've relied on social media and virtual meet-ups to supplement our hopes of reconnecting, but it will always fall short of organic relationships.

So what is the solution to this you ask? Well, it’s time to think outside of the box.

Over this past year, there has been a large increase in outdoor recreation and activities. State and local parks have kept their doors open, to promote mental health due to the extended stay indoors.

Trails and picnic areas are still widely accessible for everyone to stay active and clear their mind from a full week of cabin fever indoors. It may not be a concert or sporting event, but you can still listen to music with friends and get a round of ladder golf outdoors. Hiking and short road trips are a great way for sightseeing, with some of the best views an hour away from home.

Survey results indicate that 43% of Americans will increase participation in certain outdoor activities . While Strava has gotten an 82% increase in traffic on their platform.

It doesn't hurt to get out once in a while.

A few reminders to keep in mind when spending quality time outdoors:

• If you meet up with other groups, make sure to stay in your personal bubble.
• Take separate cars and hang out at a respectable distance of over 6 feet.
• There's no need to meet up if you feel any sort of symptoms or are notified of contact exposure.
• WEAR A MASK!

"I will workout more and lose weight"

The popular resolution may very well be the toughest one to accomplish today. Gyms and in-person training have been severely impacted by shutdowns all over the globe. Over 64% of fitness centers are closed, leaving 230 million members without attendance.

Those looking for a fresh start are left in the dark or unable to handle the sporadic opening and closing of their local gyms. But with the fitness industry is adapting to change, so you don’t have to put off plans any longer.

Here comes another reason to be active outside.

'Alternative' workouts are building steam from the confined spaces, we've all been accustomed to.

In my earlier days of workouts, I started with an extensive running program for fat loss. Bodyweight training is also a popular way to build muscle, utilizing playgrounds, parking lots, or even right outside your home if you want to. Instead of splurging for that trendy Peleton, you can meet up for a bike party with friends.

If you're looking for more focused goals, the virtual training industry is keeping very active these days. You can find programs from very successful trainers on Instagram or Youtube, that offer their services more than ever online.

You can even share your progress and keep up with regimens and assignments from your trainer with SpotterFit. The perfect fitness companion app wherever you are.

"I will learn a new skill or hobby"

Some of us have taken the time to return to long-overdue projects and catch up on our favorite fiction available. I can also be adventurous and beneficial to those picking up a new trait. Not only is it the best time to be creative, but to invest in ideas that can be well planned out and prioritized.

With most in-person education shut down all across the world, E-learning (online) has evolved overnight into a pure necessity. Employee training has an upper advantage in professional growth at home. Linkedin reports that Learning & Development budgets are pivoting towards online learning.

Companies are looking to reduce over half the amount of Employee time while increasing revenue to similar numbers. Digital Marketing courses have made a big splash, others are utilizing their creative side learning art programs and even development.

This is a better time than ever for those holding for their career move and event those who may not ever return to theirs. Creating visibility and depth with your new skills is vital to the change in the economy.

The blueprint for your personal growth has challenged everyone, time, and time in 2020. We're far from normalcy at the moment, so it's a better time than ever to continue putting our plans in motion.

I've taken on my own type of challenges myself. Moving away from San Francisco and starting over and honing my newfound skills, leading me to start this blog in uncharted waters.

With that, I will leave you with my own resolution this year.

I will not be limited in my accomplishments.