I don't feel like Nature is sleeping in January. It's slow small changes are visible as buds swell at the tips of bare branches, in the dawn that creeps in earlier each day, in the growing warmth of midday sun on the days we are lucky enough to see the sun at all. Very much more is happening unseen in the damp earth.
Oh how I envy you the morning run! I was doing that for years, in any weather, but a string of injuries scotched it for me. But I'm at the gym six times a week, and added a new commitment in the New Year to only drink socially (not daily at home with my wife).
I always found early January to be a great time to get training and professional development done while everyone else dragged themselves back to work. Really Feb 1 was when work kicked into gear. January was a time to focus on me and my team.
Adore the three lessons from your meeting! And your suggestion that January is a great time to book a holiday.
I spent a good chunk of last week scheduling three trips in 2024 that I’m really excited about. It was such a fun use of time...way better than setting self-improvement goals!
It must be hard to be in winter at the start of a new year. For us in the southern hemisphere, it’s all about holidays, beaches and bbqs. When we go through winter, I just feel like hibernating. I wonder if it helps with introspection?
Catching up on my Substack reading and I'm so glad I did not pass over this.
I've been going through my own set of "stuff" recently and am working to recapture my personal/work life and creativity through intentional self discipline that is more difficult to maintain than some may think. What you've addressed here is a perfect compliment to what I'm trying to do to push through this, so thank you.
Great way to see January as a quiet time to plan instead of stressing out. Little steps over time toward goals and being kind to ourselves will help us come out of winter stronger. I enjoy my morning runs, but with limited daylight in winter, it can be tempting to sleep and try late evening. Kudo to you and all the best for 2024.
Great read!
I don't feel like Nature is sleeping in January. It's slow small changes are visible as buds swell at the tips of bare branches, in the dawn that creeps in earlier each day, in the growing warmth of midday sun on the days we are lucky enough to see the sun at all. Very much more is happening unseen in the damp earth.
Oh how I envy you the morning run! I was doing that for years, in any weather, but a string of injuries scotched it for me. But I'm at the gym six times a week, and added a new commitment in the New Year to only drink socially (not daily at home with my wife).
Good lessons Martin. Thank you!
I always found early January to be a great time to get training and professional development done while everyone else dragged themselves back to work. Really Feb 1 was when work kicked into gear. January was a time to focus on me and my team.
Adore the three lessons from your meeting! And your suggestion that January is a great time to book a holiday.
I spent a good chunk of last week scheduling three trips in 2024 that I’m really excited about. It was such a fun use of time...way better than setting self-improvement goals!
It must be hard to be in winter at the start of a new year. For us in the southern hemisphere, it’s all about holidays, beaches and bbqs. When we go through winter, I just feel like hibernating. I wonder if it helps with introspection?
Great piece to motivate us through January towards the nicer months and some great lessons included. Thank you for the much needed motivation Martin.
Well said and practical advice.
Good re-framing for January! Similar to a Sunday night, time to get ready for what's next.
Catching up on my Substack reading and I'm so glad I did not pass over this.
I've been going through my own set of "stuff" recently and am working to recapture my personal/work life and creativity through intentional self discipline that is more difficult to maintain than some may think. What you've addressed here is a perfect compliment to what I'm trying to do to push through this, so thank you.
If you have been stuck like I have and continue to feel that way, give this essay a read — https://open.substack.com/pub/glenncook/p/stuck-in-time?r=727x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Great way to see January as a quiet time to plan instead of stressing out. Little steps over time toward goals and being kind to ourselves will help us come out of winter stronger. I enjoy my morning runs, but with limited daylight in winter, it can be tempting to sleep and try late evening. Kudo to you and all the best for 2024.