Where does the time go?

I feel like I blinked my eyes and poof … 2022 came and went. It flew by! I don’t think I’ve ever had a year that was this crazy (in a good way, of course!). The older I get, the faster my life is speeding up and taking shape.

Now that the holiday season is officially in the rearview mirror, I’m excited to kick back, slow down, and catch my breath.

In fact, this winter is especially nice because the LPGA Tour offseason is a bit longer than normal, so I’m in the middle of a super relaxing six-week layoff. I’ve been reading, watching TV, and, yes, cooking a ton! I’ve also been able to catch up with friends and really give my brain a break from the golf course. Don’t get me wrong — I love playing and performing, but my mind and body need some rest.

Things can get so hectic and out of hand with work and other priorities, that we all deserve some peace and quiet.

Spending Christmas in Texas, with lots of food, football, and fun, was just what the doctor ordered for me. I just loved being at home and reliving childhood memories with my parents and brothers. It’s my happy place! As always, we all duked it out in Pictionary, laughed more than ever, and then waged war in our annual Knight gingerbread house decorating contest for family bragging rights. My mom won the top prize again, which means I have to wait another 12 months to finally capture glory and raise my first trophy. The M&Ms, candy canes, and gumdrops definitely tasted amazing, but if you know anything about me when it comes to competition, I’d much rather enjoy the taste of sweet victory.

Mark my words … 2023 is my year, Mom!

Speaking of 2023, in addition to building a gingerbread masterpiece, I actually have much bigger aspirations to pursue.

I’ve said it before, I’m not a huge New Year’s resolution person. When I was a kid, I once made a promise to make my bed every morning, and it didn’t end well. Trust me, I tried! It was just soooo hard to do for an entire year. I’m way better at setting monthly goals and then reevaluating them on a regular basis.

So, I’ve decided 2023 is all about being me.

Here are three major ambitions I plan on sticking to throughout 2023 to help me stay strong all year long:

MENTAL MUSCLE

It’s no secret that I’m very passionate about taking care of my mental health. I think it’s an extremely important part of our everyday life, as it impacts everything from our career to our money to our world.

In my view, paying attention to my mental wellness and making sure I’m in the right headspace is just as critical as exercising and eating well from a physical perspective. The better I feel upstairs, the better I handle adversity. Life has a way of throwing us all sorts of curveballs, so I want to be positive and prepared.

What’s my strategy?

I’m going old-school! In 2023, I’m grabbing a pen and paper and will write down my ideas, thoughts, and anxieties every day. Most girls know all about keeping a diary — it’s a safe space to be open and honest with yourself. My journal will be, too. For me, and I’m sure it’s the same for you in your job, it’s easy to get caught up in the highs and lows on the LPGA Tour. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, with plenty of stress and strain along the way. Hopefully, chronicling my experiences will keep me moving forward.

GOLF GROWTH

“Trust the process.”

So many people say it, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do! Golf is a funny game, full of successes and failures. There are so many times when I feel like I’m striking the ball well, and I’m confident, but the results aren’t showing up on my scorecard. That all changed for me, though, during the final round of the Ascendant LPGA event this past September when I was able to finally put everything together (I finished tied for fifth).

As I reflect on that tournament, which included my lowest-ever round as a professional at 63, I realized if you keep practicing and plugging away, you’ll eventually be rewarded for your efforts and sacrifices.

While I obviously want to improve things like my driving, chipping, and putting in 2023, I really just aim to get 1% better each day. I know that may sound cliché in some respects, but it’s true! The more I fine-tune my craft (and, ahem, trust the process!), the more I believe I can turn my weaknesses into strengths. I’m really going to take it one shot, one day, and one tournament at a time — and see where the pieces fall.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

I’m almost certain if you do a quick online search, “save more” would be near the top of every New Year’s resolution list. 

Guess what?

It’s my mission, too!

I get it. When it comes to money, setting aside some of your salary for the future can seem like a ginormous ask — and a daunting task. Living in the moment, I honestly feel like retirement is sooooo far away. I’m young and in the prime of my career, and there are days where I almost think saving can wait. The truth is, though, the next chapter of my life will be here before I know it, and I want to be ready. When I’m in my 50s, 60s, and 70s, the last thing I want to tell myself is I woulda, shoulda, coulda put more money away. No more ifs and buts for me in 2023; I’m fully committed to my financial future.

Each month I’m going to sock away a specific percentage of my income in my retirement account. It’s a small step that will be worth it when I hang up my cleats. I really think “Future Cheyenne” will thank me.

After all, time flies.

More “Knight Life”:

Fun and focus
Recipe for success
Goals for the Game of Life
New year, new me
Girl power
Attitude of gratitude
Dog days, better days
Faith, family and finances

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