“I did it my way.” These powerful words, immortalized by Frank Sinatra and echoed by Bon Jovi in “It’s My Life,” resonate deeply with the spirit of personal achievement and self-determination. As January 2022 drew to a close, I found myself humming these very words, not just as a catchy tune, but as a personal anthem celebrating the completion of a 30-day yoga challenge. This wasn’t just about ticking off a new year’s resolution; it was about embracing a philosophy, a way of life – doing things my way.
My resolution for 2022 was simple yet profound: Make it a year to remember. To achieve this, I knew I needed to ditch generic plans and embrace a personalized approach. The yoga challenge became my first step. The goal was clear – 30 days of yoga – but the how was entirely up to me.
Initially, enthusiasm propelled me forward. However, the daily grind of a workout soon set in. Let’s dispel the myth: yoga is undeniably a sport, demanding both physical and mental fortitude. For anyone who doubts this, I challenge you to try a single session!
Giving up wasn’t an option. It wasn’t a matter of life or death, but an internal drive pushed me onward. I’d heard it takes 21 days to form a habit. Hope flickered, but the path remained unclear. Past attempts at self-improvement through rigid discipline or external pressure had failed. This time needed to be different. How could I ensure success and sustain motivation for 30 days?
Then, a moment of clarity. If a friend sought my advice, what would I say? The answer was simple: change the approach. Instead of self-criticism, embrace self-compassion. Instead of relying on external accountability, trust in my own understanding. Who knows me better than myself, flaws and all? It was time to listen inwards and tailor the challenge to my own needs.
- Visual Motivation: Digital reminders often fade into the background. I opted for a tangible paper calendar, a visual representation of my commitment. Each completed yoga session earned a bold ‘Y’, creating a visual chain of progress that fueled my motivation daily. Seeing the month unfold with ‘Y’s became a powerful motivator.
- Fueling the Fire: The initial plan to exercise post-work quickly faltered against post-work hunger. Recognizing this friction point, I adjusted my routine. Preparing food just before yoga ensured a satisfying meal immediately after, eliminating a potential barrier and keeping my energy and enthusiasm high. This small tweak was crucial in sustaining my momentum.
- Future-Self Consideration: Anticipating potential roadblocks, I proactively prepared for each day. Clearing space for my yoga mat and laying out comfortable workout clothes every evening eliminated excuses and streamlined my routine. Each morning, I felt gratitude for my past self’s foresight, making it easier to step onto the mat and begin.
MOVE – A 30 Day Yoga Journey by Yoga with Adriene
Completing the challenge brought immense pride. My body felt stronger, my mind sharper, and my thoughts clearer. While a tinge of apprehension about reverting to old habits lingered, the overwhelming feeling was one of accomplishment. I had done it, and crucially, I had done it my way. This experience became a personal blueprint for future challenges, a reminder that personalized strategies are key to success.
Serendipitously, I rediscovered Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” – a song that perfectly encapsulates this celebratory feeling. The lyrics, “My heart is like an open highway / Like Frankie said, ‘I did it my way’,” resonated deeply. It was more than just a song; it was an affirmation of the journey and the personalized approach I had taken.
”It’s my life / It’s now or never / But I ain’t gonna live forever / I just want to live while I’m alive / My heart is like an open highway / Like Frankie said, “I did it my way” / I just want to live while I’m alive / It’s my life”
The “I Did It My Way Song” ethos isn’t just about mimicking Frank Sinatra; it’s about understanding your own needs, adapting strategies, and celebrating personal victories, however big or small. It’s about finding your own rhythm and marching to the beat of your own drum. Cheers to embracing your own path and making every endeavor truly your way.
