We’re just a few weeks into 2021 and it’s already been a year. While not much has changed, there’s a resounding feeling in the air (and in my social media feed) that we’re all ready for a shift on many levels, and the start of a new year is a great time for it. While I haven’t made any waves in setting massive goals for 2021 aside from moving my body and drinking more water, I am inspired by a positive mantra or intention to kick the year off on the right foot.
I keep going back to a phrase I find myself needing more and more, and that’s slow down—slow down, take time to pause and think, and not rush to always have a response, an answer, be the first to volunteer, or do all the things.
Slow down to be more present and feel less of a rush or frenetic sensation. Be okay sitting in the silence, and less feeling like I always have to fill the air or time. As much as 2020 slowed us all down, I quickly turned to try to have all the answers to my life figured out and didn’t give myself enough space to truly think and feel.
So, I reached out to eight inspiring friends whose perspectives on life I admire to share their 2021 mantras. Let us know if you have one in the comments.
*image above: Amy Neunsinger for Leanne Ford’s house tour
Maya Watson Head of Editorial and Publishing, Netflix
No grand declaration to start this year. Only the consistent and diligent effort to be better today than I was yesterday. If I can do that, I know I’ll have an incredible year.
Alex Deibold Pro Snowboarder
I am not what I do. After almost 20 years as a professional athlete, I am finally learning the difference between Alex the athlete and Alex the human. The “unzippering” process has been painful, but it has taught me so much in how I can approach my career work separately from my personal growth and development and focus on them each individually. It is easy to take a failure in the workplace to heart as a human being, but it is important to understand the different aspects we each have, whether that is an employee, partner, parent, sibling, or friend.
Alexis Jones Author, Activist, Speaker, Founder I AM THAT GIRL
I’m giving myself permission to unapologetically hunt joy. I’ve spent so much of my life doing all the things I thought I “should” do and for once I want to just trust my heart and see what adventures I find when following the breadcrumbs of joy.
Torrence & Thurman Thomas, Founders of Tankproof
Your comfort zone is where your dreams go to die. Stepping into our 10th year as an organization almost feels like we’re starting from scratch in many ways. Getting comfortable with the discomfort of growth is difficult and at the same time assuring because we know the next level for our organization lies in going through the challenges set before us. Strength is gained through resistance and wisdom is garnered through experience. Change is inevitable, but growth is not guaranteed. There is no growth in comfort.
Chelsea Francis Photographer, Editor, Writer
Rest into the flow! My year is going to take me for a ride, I can already tell. My only resolution is to go with it, find all the joy I can find in what unfolds, and make sure I’m staying true to myself.
Chris Chandler, Coach
Be kind. Sometimes we confuse kindness for lack of boundaries and it’s not. Kindness is learning how to respect one another while coming together. We need to learn as a nation to call out injustice to bring us together without name-calling.
Landrie Moore, VP of Marketing
Power down. I tend to be a person that values efficiency and production over slow time. This year, I’ll attempt to take it down a level and not feel bad about it. Deep down I know that there’s just as much power in doing nothing as there is in doing it all.
Gustavo Padron Yoga and Meditation Instructor
I am always supported and all is running on divine timing. This mantra is a constant reminder to relax and trust that my little guides are always advocating for me, to stop rushing and forcing things to happen as everything is running right on schedule.
What’s your positive mantra for 2021? Share it with us below.
Then join us for the RE:SET Challenge—a 21-day plan to a healthier and happier you. Click here for the full list.
