New year new me…
Another year has gone by, and it’s time to evaluate the year that has passed and set some new goals for the year to come.
We’ve been talking back and forth for the last couple of weeks, contemplating what to aim for in the year to come. So, what should you aim for? Well, this is a highly subjective question that is rooted in yourself and your surroundings. But in the style of the Coffee Talkers, we have landed on three main categories which we want to improve in 2022.
The idea behind these three categories is firstly to make them as broad as possible—which gives room for personal customization—and secondly to choose categories that will yield the highest return on investment. So, without further ado—let’s get started
Do uncomfortable stuff
This category is all about personal development and getting out of your comfort zone. Nobody likes change, and nobody likes to do things that make them feel uncomfortable. So, in 2022 that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Do the things that you know will push you outside your comfort zone. Here are a couple of examples, that a lot of people struggle with:
Coldwater exposure
Going back to school
Training for a Marathon (or something similar)
Public speaking
Getting up early
Moving daily
Learning something new (e.g., an instrument or a sport)
The point is that most people know what’s holding them back, or that thing they’ve always wanted to do—well, now is the time to do it!
Get your Vo2 max up
This category is all about longevity. In a recent interview Peter Attia (MD) highlighted the fact that a Vo2-max in the top three percent of one’s age bracket provides a 5x reduction in all-cause mortality and an above-average Vo2-max provides a 3x reduction.
The main takeaway is that working on your cardiovascular fitness is a worthwhile endeavor. For most people getting from below average to above average is something that can be accomplished within a calendar year. And for people with an above-average Vo2-max—then the pursuit of an even higher cardiovascular fitness still has a great return on investment. Both groups can get a 2-3x reduction in all-cause mortality.
So, find your shoes and get out in nature—it will help you more than you could ever imagine.
Look like you’re fit
This category is all about getting the most out of your work. The reason we called this category “look like you’re fit” is because everybody is different, and this is all about low-hanging fruit. Looking like you’re fit is all about proportions and your silhouette.
You need to ask yourself: “what should I be doing”. Some people should start lifting weights, some should lose a bit of body fat, and some should do a little of both.
The idea is, that you should look at yourself as a piece of art. Imagine being the sculptor of your own body—where should you remove some clay? And where should you add some?
To summarize
This list is meant as an inspiration for people looking for something to aim for in the new year. Personal growth, better health, and improving your appearance are, in our perspective, all worthwhile things. But this is your life and your year, and we hope that you find something to strive for and let 2022 be a great year for you and your loved ones.
Happy New Year
Scott and Lennart