Dec 20, 2021
In last week’s episode, I mentioned my personal goal of stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things every single year.
Because, ultimately, I don’t ever want to experience two identical years. Or feel like I’m simply floating through life as a passenger.
I’m determined to remain in the driving seat and live a long and fulfilling life on this planet.
I’ve read too many books, watched too many TV shows and movies, and heard too many stories about people living with regrets.
People saying ‘If only things were different’.
People who have lost their sense of direction and feel bored.
People who try to live through their children, because they never felt brave enough to grab their own opportunities as they arose.
As we come to the end of another year, I want to ask you this – are you happy with how you handled 2021?
Could you have done more to achieve your goals and become your best possible self?
Today, I wanted to share my addiction with you. My addiction to challenging myself. And it’s something I will continue into 2022 and beyond.
Let’s get started!
First of all, I want to thank everyone who has sent me supportive words following my vulnerable episode last week.
If you haven’t already tuned in, I recommend going back and listening to it first – as it will give you a better understanding of where I’m going with this episode. As this episode is a bit of a follow on.
While I could talk to you about my addiction to chocolate and sugary treats – a habit I’m aiming to break in 2022 – I wanted to talk to you about a more positive addiction.
Challenging myself.
Most people are afraid of change and stepping out of their comfort zone. I’ve done it so often, that I barely freak out. Sure, I may question some things, but I’m always ready to give it a go and see what lessons come out of it.
Why do I love it? I think it’s the adrenalin involved. I’m not one to jump out of planes or go on wild rides, but I get the same thrill of it. The nerves, setting my brain into gear, and loving the buzz I get afterwards.
I’m not sure when it all started. Maybe it was around 14 years ago when I started my self-development journey.
But I aim to do something different every single year to make it stand out. While I admit I haven’t recorded all of these things in one place and can’t tell you the exact years, I do remember the activities.
They include personal and business-related things, some for a low investment and others at a high price point that made me freak out a bit…
Hobbies
• Joining adult dance classes (solo) – including trying pole dancing, burlesque, lyrical, and tap dancing for the first time as an adult. Also tried salsa classes one term with my sister.
• Experimenting with the slow cooker
• Getting back into running – e.g. Parkrun
• Joining a group fitness class
Family
• Got married, had 2 kids, travelled around Europe, Israel, Thailand, and closer to home – Pacific Islands, • New Zealand and around Australia
• Co-founded a Jewish families group in the local area
Training
• Doing a freelance journalism course
• Completing a Certificate in Public Relations
• Doing radio interviewing and TV presenting courses
• Learning to speak Hebrew
• Starting a business + going full time a few years ago
• Completing a 3 day bootcamp with The Speakers Institute
• About to do a 3 month course on managing a remote team – with Operation Verve
Business advancement
• Joining The Clever Copywriting Community
• Run business blogging and content strategy workshops
• Presented at various networking groups
• Run numerous webinars on behalf of City of Parramatta
• Joining the Sydney Hills Business Chamber (and becoming Education Partner this year) Will also be doing their podcast from 2022 onwards
• Became Team Leader with Bx Networking
• Running a 6 week online course
• Running a monthly membership
• Starting a podcast + been a guest on others
• Joined masterminds and done business coaching
And there’s probably a bunch of stuff I’ve forgotten to mention.
And there’s still so much more I want to do. In 2022, I plan to write, and hopefully publish, my first book. I’m also participating in Stars of Western Sydney to raise money for The Cancer Council and speaking at my very first conference.
So why am I telling you all this? Because if I can step up and do these things, so can you. Because why not?
If there are financial restraints, then focus on saving with the goal in mind.
If there are family restraints, look for support from others.
If there are energy restraints, look at your sleeping, eating, and meditation habits.
I want you to join me on this journey of living the best possible life.
Do you accept my invitation?
ABOUT LEANNE SHELTON:
Throughout her career, Leanne Shelton has gained vast experience in journalism, marketing, communications, events, and B2B sales. She has worked in both corporate and not-for-profit roles, but since starting Write Time Marketing in 2014, Leanne has found her true calling.
A self-proclaimed English nerd at heart, Leanne is extremely passionate about the written word and loves working with Health & Wellness business owners to prepare effective content marketing strategies to best suit their target audiences. Even though she has dabbled in all forms of copywriting, Leanne specialises in business blogging as she loves the capacity to form ongoing relationships with her clients.
While some business owners choose to outsource their blogs to Leanne to write, others prefer to take the DIY approach and learn about the art via training opportunities online, face-to-face, and her podcast ‘Marketing & Me’.
Outside the office, Leanne enjoys dancing, reading, listening to inspiring podcasts, and spending quality time with her husband and two young daughters.
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