Happy 2022! How are things going for you so far?
As the first week of this new year comes to a close, I’ve been re-focusing on some habits I let slide big time as last year got increasingly busy while reminding myself that even the smallest actions done consistently can yield big results.
These are 5 things I’ve implemented for 2022:
ROUTINE #1: MORNING PAGES
I talked often about this practice on the Branch Instagram last year but I wasn’t always consistent with it. I just bought the Marjolein Delhaas 365 journal and the first thing I do every morning is sit down at my desk and fill out the big page with thoughts, ideas, goals and anything else that pops into my head.
I’ve found that processing any lingering fears or baggage from the previous 24 hours BEFORE settling into a new day really provides a huge sense of clarity. It will be cool to flip back through at the end of the year and see where I started and how I evolved.
ROUTINE #2: EXERCISE
This is the most time-consuming item on my list and because of that, it feels the most challenging but I know that with consistency, it will feel more effortless.
Two years ago, I bought a simple, un-fancy exercise bike off of Amazon that sits outside the studio. I set my iPhone timer for 35 minutes and start pedaling every morning. I don’t focus on how fast I’m going — to me, it’s more about getting some fresh air, getting my legs moving and stepping away from work.
ROUTINE #3: INSTAGRAM POSTS
This was another area I was spotty in last year as work picked up but for me, it is a big creative outlet. I use Instagram to test out new ideas, design layouts and mockups and see what sticks. Often, the strongest outcomes make their way into the portfolio as the starting point for sharing new client projects.
I’ve also met my closest design friends through Instagram so these days, it’s less of a numbers game and more of a fun way to share work and stay connected with the design community.
ROUTINE #4: DESKTOP GOALS
With a lot of goals, if you don’t keep them front and center, it’s easy to completely forget about them. I typed out a list of goals I want to achieve in a text doc across wellness, work and finances, took a screenshot and saved it as my desktop wallpaper. It’s the first thing I read on my screen when I log into my computer in the morning. You can easily do this for your phone wallpaper, too.
ROUTINE #5: AUDIOBOOKS
I’ve always loved reading but it became harder to pick up a book the more time I spent in front of the screen designing. Instead of making excuses that I’m too busy to read, I switched over to audio books. They’re often multiple hours long and the perfect thing to break the silence since I’m always running out of podcasts.
Some of my go-to’s so far are Outliers, A Happy Pocket Full Of Money and Building A StoryBrand. I’m so excited to explore even more titles this year.
Thanks for reading and here’s to an aligned and inspiring 2022! -Shauna
