Today I’m linking up with Chelsea again for 11-20 of the 25 Questions to ask before 2014. I’m not always super deep on the blog, but I feel like these questions are very though provoking and allow me to open up and be more vulnerable. I also figured that if I find these questions helpful, maybe someone else will too! Without further ado…
11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?
In the kitchen! Mostly with my crockpot. I’ve been bad the past month or so due to business, new schedules and holidays, but I feel like I made quite a few new recipes this year. Here are a few of my favorites…
Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
Paleo Banana Bread {Fan favorite in the Gougler house!}
Chicken Parmesan Tenders w/Spaghetti Squash
Taco Turkey Bags
12. What projects have I completed?
My First Marathon: I finished my first marathon this January and I’ve been training for my second since August. Anything you put that much time, effort and energy into must be a project. It is one of my greatest physical accomplishments and one of my proudest moments by far!
Studying for my NASM PT Certification: Reading a textbook is not an easy task. Neither is making countless flash cards, cramming the last two weeks or stressing over taking what would be a life changing test. But I did it! The hours I put in made everything worth it!
13. How have I procrastinated?
I am an evening procrastinator. As a morning person, I am tired and much more lethargic in the evenings. I don’t want to do much once I get home from work. This causes me to push off cleaning up the kitchen, starting laundry or even cooking dinner. I want to make a “chore sheet” for 2014 to make sure I’m doing at least one thing I don’t want to do a day. That will help avoid procrastination and keep me from having to do everything on the weekends.
14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?
My new schedule is still, well, pretty new. It’s going to take some time getting used to my 4am wake up calls. I want to be more productive from 2-5pm. Occasionally I will need a nap, but I want to be able to spend some quality time working on my blog, reading blogs and getting things done around the house {see above 🙂}.
15. How have I allowed fear of failure to hold me back?
Fear of failure is such a natural emotion and I know I have succumbed to it many times. I believe this year was a year of conquering my fears. I completed my first marathon after being terrified of the distance. I quit my job despite fearing the idea of not having a full time, steady pay check. I continued to push myself to new limits this year, and for that I am so proud. Despite these accomplishments and overcoming fear, I did still let it hold me back. I even wrote about about being afraid to take a leap of faith just this Spring. But I came back and did it. I also let fear hold me back in relationships this year. I was closed off towards some of my loved ones for fear of hurting. Luckily, I was able to overcome that as well. Let’s just say that the second half of 2013 was much better than the first!
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16. Where has self-doubt taken over?
Earlier this year, I let self doubt take over me. I let one person’s words hit me to the core. I doubted my abilities, my friendships, my love, my heart. I was hurt and lost bits of me, but luckily I was able to remember who I am and the friend, wife, daughter and sister I am. I am so thankful for my friends and family helping me to overcome my self-doubt. These are just a few of the amazing women that have lifted my spirits this year!
17. When have I felt the most alive?
Traveling around Europe with just my husband. It was an amazing adventure, seeing new sights, spending time together and just exploring part of the world neither of us had ever seen before.
18. How have I taught others to respect me?
Respect is earned. In order to teach others to respect you, you must give them a reason to. Different people offer others respect for different reasons. I earn respect in my workplace by proving I am a good trainer, teacher and friend. I earn respect in friendships by showing I am kind, caring and understanding. To teach others to respect you, is to know their standards and show your worth.
19. How can I improve my relationships?
I believe that relationships can always be improved upon. For one, I can be more understanding and empathetic. I also think I could be less defensive. I have a bad habit of jumping into a defensive position when not even necessary. My goal is to be more open, loving and patient year after year.
20. Have I been unfair to anyone?
I think it’s safe to say that we are all unfair from time to time. I can think of a few instances this may have happened this year whether it was to them specifically or internal. So if anyone thinks I’ve been unfair to them this year, I’m sorry! I’m not perfect just yet…still working on that one 🙂
