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As November rolls in, it brings with it a sense of introspection. This month, themed “Remember, Reflect, Refocus,” serves as a perfect bridge to prepare for the year ahead. With 2 months, 8 weeks and 61 days and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season fast approaching, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate our journeys. Are we truly moving toward the goals we’ve set for ourselves? In my mission to inspire positive change, I encourage you to delve into your self-care, self-development, and self-empowerment as we approach 2024.
Reflecting on the past year, we can often see where we’ve succeeded and where we might need to shift our focus and trust me there is still time to achieve your goals and realize your dreams. This self-reflection is crucial; it allows us to acknowledge our achievements, understand our challenges, and clarify our motivations. As the insightful Gail Sheehy said, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” Let’s explore how we can embrace this idea in our lives through self-development. For those who know me, you know I love self-development and I choose to prioritize self-development personally and professionally.
Remember: Acknowledge Your Journey
Before we can move forward, we must first remember where we’ve come from. What were your goals at the beginning of 2024? Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments thus far—no matter how small. Did you pick up a new hobby, learn a new skill, advance your business or improve your health? Each step counts, and acknowledging these milestones is vital in keeping your motivation alive.
Reflect: Identify Your ‘Why’
Now that we’ve remembered our journeys, it’s time to reflect deeply on our ‘why.’ Why do you want to achieve your goals? Understanding your underlying motivations can provide clarity and reignite your passion. Is it to improve your health, create a better work-life balance, or foster stronger relationships? Whatever it is, reconnecting with your ‘why’ will help you stay grounded as you move forward. Remember too, when you know why, the way will appear (especially if you fuel your why will passion).
One of my guiding principles for 2024 is the concept of self-change, which aligns closely with self-development. The act of changing ourselves—whether through learning, personal growth, or overcoming challenges—is at the heart of achieving our goals.
Refocus: Set Intentions for the Future
With your memories and reflections in mind, it’s time to refocus your energy for the remainder of 2024. As we gear up for the new year, here are my top tips to help you embrace self-development in the remaining days, weeks and months of 2024 to fast start your 2025. Why wait for the future to change your future.
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Embrace the idea that your abilities can improve with effort and dedication. Adopting a growth mindset not only boosts motivation but also opens doors to new opportunities. Remember, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow. An immediate way to achieve a growth mindset is by way of stacking a new practice that is challenging on top of a habit that are consistent with. For example, if you know that you need to stretch to reduce joint pain and stiffness from prolong sitting at your desk during the day, commit to stretching following your workouts. Just do it! Within 2 weeks of habit stacking a new fitness exercise (stretching) with an existing fitness habit (walking or weight-training 2 days a week), you will experience the positive benefits from stretching and wonder why you didn’t stretch regularly before. This technique works with any and every habit you do regularly. My favorite new habit-stacking strategy. Every time I brush my teeth I bring a glass of water to the sink and consumer 2 extra glasses a water as day (sometimes 3😊).
2. Keep Learning
Learning is the foundation of self-development. Explore different avenues for knowledge, from books and podcasts to online courses. For example, have you checked out my podcast, A MO’ment with Mo? It’s a great resource to learn while you’re on the move! The more you learn, the more you empower yourself to create change. If you commute to the office, even a couple times a week use your commute time to listen to a podcast (trade in social scrolling time for self-development/learning time).
Join me for my November “MO’ve with Mo” Podcast, featuring Toronto’s first financial therapist, Aseel El-Baba. In this enlightening episode, we’ll explore the often-overlooked emotional aspects of our relationship with money. Aseel will introduce strategies to understand and heal your financial mindset, helping you to understand that by learning how to break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate a healthier, more empowering relationship with your finances, you can change your relationship with money. Tune in for practical insights and transformative conversations that can change your financial journey for the better! Listen wherever you find your favourite podcasts or visit AMomentWithMo.MoHagan.com.
3. Be Passionate and Persistent
Change doesn’t always happen overnight. It requires patience and tenacity. Combine your passion with persistence, fueled by your ‘why,’ to push through obstacles. Even if you are not sure of your ‘why’ always turn to your passion as this will fuel your actions. Your unwavering commitment to daily actions in the direction of your goals will be the catalyst for meaningful change.
4. Follow Mo’s Circle of Change
To navigate the inevitable challenges of self-development, I encourage you to follow my Circle of Change framework.
Check out “Mo’s Guide to MO’ve your Self-Care, Self-Development and Self-Empowerment Forward and Create Change in 2024” for a review of my Circle Of Change.
Conclusion: The Power of Self-Development
As we approach the end of the year, let’s remember, reflect, and refocus our energies toward self-development. Embracing change isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about transforming ourselves from within. By cultivating a growth mindset, committing to daily consistent learning and action, and practicing persistence, we can pave the way for a fulfilling 2025.
Let’s make this November a time for introspection and empowerment, ensuring we enter the new year ready to take on our biggest dreams. Remember, you have the power to create the change you seek both in your life and in the lives of those around you.
As we enter the final quarter of 2024, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the year that has been. With Canadian Thanksgiving just around the corner, the themes of gratitude and connection take center stage. This holiday reminds us of the importance of recognizing our blessings while also preparing for the transitions ahead. Reflecting on the past months, we can all feel a blend of emotions. This year has likely brought challenges, joys, and significant personal growth. Each experience, whether a milestone or a hurdle, shapes our perspective as we move forward.
Thanksgiving—both in Canada and the upcoming celebration in the U.S.—serves as a reminder to take stock of what truly matters. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, sharing not just a meal but stories, laughter, and gratitude. This communal aspect is vital, especially in a world that can feel increasingly divided. The essence of Thanksgiving goes beyond the day itself; it’s about acknowledging the connections that enrich our lives.
This year, my gratitude is particularly enriched by a special moment I shared with my husband at the Cliffs of Moher and neighboring Kilkee Cliffs in Ireland. There, amidst the breathtaking views, of the Kilkee Cliffs and coastline he presented me with a Claddagh ring purchased earlier on our trip in Galway. The design—two hands holding a heart, topped with a crown—captures the essence of what I cherish most. It serves as a reminder of the love we share, the friendship that grounds us, and the loyalty that keeps us united. Just as Thanksgiving encourages us to celebrate our connections, the Claddagh ring embodies the spirit of gratitude I feel for the relationships in my life with Ken.
In the spirit of reflection and gratitude, I’m also excited to share my upcoming podcast, “A MO’ment with MO,” which celebrates women in leadership. This platform will highlight the journeys of inspiring women who have broken barriers and made significant contributions in various fields. Through candid conversations, we’ll explore their triumphs, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way—each story a reminder of the power of connection and community.
As we reflect, consider what you are thankful for this year. It might be the small victories—a project completed, a friendship or relationship deepened, or moments of clarity gained through solitude. Among these blessings, we can also be grateful for the benefits gained through investing in health through regular fitness and physical activity. Gratitude has a remarkable power to shift our mindset. When we actively acknowledge the good in our lives, it fosters resilience and optimism, helping us navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead. Additionally, the discipline of maintaining a fitness routine fosters a sense of accomplishment providing motivation that spills over into other areas of life.
Looking toward the last three months of the year, it’s an ideal time for intentional planning and goal setting. Whether it’s dedicating time to personal passions, investing in relationships, or contributing to your community, reflecting on your values can guide you toward fulfilling pursuits. As we transition into the holiday season, consider how to extend the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond a single day. Acts of kindness, volunteering, or reconnecting with someone can create ripples of gratitude and positivity, enriching our lives and uplifting those around us. This cycle of appreciation not only enhances our own experiences but also fosters a more compassionate world.
As we transition into the vibrant energy of September, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how we can continue to SOAR—the theme that has been guiding us through the spring and summer months. At canfitpro Global, we’ve been exploring this theme deeply, and now, as we embark on the next season of 2024, it’s the ideal moment to invite you to connect with me and elevate your journey to new heights, both personally and professionally.
Elevate Your Journey: Connect with Me
The quest for personal and professional growth is a dynamic and ongoing adventure. Whether you’re striving for new milestones in your career or seeking to enhance your personal well-being, I’m here to support and guide you. My mission to inspire positive change has been a lifelong pursuit and I’ve successfully shaped a career around what I’m meant to do and knowing this empowers me to MO’ve forward daily supporting others. Through tailored strategies and insightful conversations, we can work together to chart a course toward your next level of success.
If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to navigate this journey, I encourage you to check out my podcast, “A MO’ment with MO.” Each episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, featuring incredible guests who share their unique experiences and perspectives. Their stories are not only uplifting but also packed with actionable insights that can help you soar in your own life.
Celebrating SOAR at canfitpro Global
Reflecting on this past month’s canfitpro Global event, it’s clear that the spirit of SOAR was truly embodied in every aspect of the event—from start to finish. I had the privilege of honoring some remarkable individuals and organizations whose dedication and excellence continue to inspire and I want to use my platform to recognize these incredible individuals who have soared in their career achievements:
Delegates Choice Presenters of the Year: Congratulations to Chad Benson (Canadian), Dr. Emily Splichal (International), Dr. Kella Price (New), and Leslee Bender (Specialty). You are being recognized by canfitpro delegates for your outstanding performance and contribution as a presenter. Your sessions over the past year have not only informed but also empowered our delegates to elevate their practice and passion.
Sharon Mann Inspiration Award & Scholarship: Jennifer Sawyer, your commitment to inspiring and uplifting others is commendable and you are MO’st deserving of this recognition. Your dedication truly resonates with the essence of SOAR.
Fitness Professionals Of the Year 2024: Kyla Faganely (Personal Training Specialist) and Jessica Hastings-Lesperance (Fitness Instructor Specialist), your excellence in your respective fields sets a high standard for all of us. Congratulations on winning this major Canadian fitness award.
Steve Block Vendor Award: CORE Health & Fitness, along with founder Michael Bruno, received this award in recognition of their steadfast support. Michael’s Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a career dedicated to advancing fitness and the fitness industry in Canada.
Volunteer of the Year: Joanne Gore, your unwavering support and contributions have been pivotal. Thank you for embodying the spirit of giving and service.
At the canfitpro PRO TRAINER Gala, we celebrated more outstanding achievers:
PRO TRAINER Participants’ Choice: Beth Yarzab
PRO TRAINER Social Media Superhero: Simon Paige
PRO TRAINER Business Impact: David Robertson
PRO TRAINER Rookie of the Year: Jennifer Sawyer
PRO TRAINER Top Earner: Trevor Pickett
Tune in to My September Podcast
As we continue to soar, don’t miss the September episode of “A MO’ment with MO,” where I’m joined by the inspiring Jess Silver. Our conversation centers around “Flex for Access,” Jess’s non-profit organization which arose from her MO’st inspiring personal story and life journey. It’s a powerful discussion that aligns perfectly with our theme of soaring to new heights.
So, let’s embrace this season with renewed energy and commitment. Connect with me, tune into the podcast (or any of my 35+ episodes over the past 2 seasons) and let’s make this a time of extraordinary growth and achievement. Here’s to soaring together!