My Decade in Review

Happy New Year! Every year, I write New Year’s resolutions. I usually write about five of them related to health/fitness, business, and personal development. This year, I was inspired by several friends to spend some time reflecting before I start thinking about my future goals. I shared some of my “accomplishments” from 2019 on Instagram, but I also wanted to reflect on the past decade—both the successes and the challenges. Today, I’m sharing them with you (in no particular order). For context, for me, this was age 20-30:

2010-2019 Successes & Challenges:

  • Got my BA, MA, and PhD

  • Moved to the Bronx, then to Westchester six years later

  • Became an aunt (x2)

  • Found boxing

  • Had my first boxing match (and lost)

  • Got dumped

  • Decided to spend a couple of (much-needed) years single

  • Figured out what kind of man I needed. Found him. Married him. 

  • Traveled to 10 foreign countries: France (x3), Switzerland (x2), Dominican Republic, Monaco, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Cuba, French Polynesia, Czech Republic

  • Spent a summer in France

  • Got a tattoo

  • Died my hair purple

  • Went vegetarian. Went back. 

  • Completed four Whole30s

  • Became too independent

  • Spent a year in therapy

  • Was, at times, a less-than-stellar sister, daughter, friend, and significant other

  • Learned to be more honest and authentic

  • Had my tonsils removed

  • Lost some loved ones

  • Started a “failed” blog

  • Started a “successful” blog

  • Ran a few 5Ks, a 10K, and a half marathon

  • Went scuba diving

  • Made new friends

  • Lost some friends 

  • Drastically improved my relationship with my body and with food

I am very goal-oriented, so I tend to constantly think about what I can be doing better and what I can achieve, and I spend little time celebrating what I already have accomplished and how much I’ve grown. This exercise helped me to really value this kind of reflection. It showed me areas where I’ve made a lot of progress and areas where there is still progress to be made. 

As we’re beginning a brand new decade, I’d encourage you to pull out a journal (or the Notes app on your phone, as I did) and jot down the successes and challenges you experienced this past decade. If you like, feel free to add your list in the comments below!

Laura Ricciardi, Ph.D.Life, Goals1 Comment