Let me start by saying I think new year's resolutions are generally stupid. If you want to better yourself or an area of your life, waiting on an arbitrary start date is silly. Just do it. That being said, the idea of wanting to experience positive growth and change going into a brand new calendar year is a natural feeling, and one I can get behind. Rather than going down the typical "new year, new you" rabbit hole riddled with all the predictable advice about exercising more, making money, losing weight, etc. - I thought it may be more appropriate to focus on some goals to make you mentally strong, physically productive, and emotionally at peace in 2024.
Here are 8 important new year's resolution ideas you can start working on right now:
Create something you are proud of
Humans are creative by nature. We are supposed to make things, think deeply, and execute complex ideas. That is what makes us so special. Everyone has their "thing." If you don't know what that is, consider the things that brought you joy as a child, and start there. This year, I challenge you to create something you are proud of. It can be anything - art, business, literature, something for your home, something for someone else. Don't hem and haw over it, don't overthink it, just do.
Edit your home
Chances are you've got a lot of "stuff" in your home. Now is the perfect time to figure out what you really need and what no longer serves you any more. Go through old closets and drawers and start organizing. For anything you haven't used or thought about in several years, let it go. Same with every room in your house or apartment. If it serves a legitimate purpose, keep it. If you have it there for reasons that would be hard to explain to a stranger, it's time to donate, recycle, or dispose of. Decluttering your space will make you feel so much peace in your home, and set up good energy for the future.
Reevaluate how you're spending your time
Now is a good period to really think about what you're doing with your life. Not in a scary way, but in a productive sense. In each 24 hour day, figure out exactly where your time is delegated. Then consider what you'd say are the most important things to you. Do they align? If not, it may be worth reevaluating to create a more harmonious balance that helps you get closer to your goals.
Focus on the people who matter
We so often get stuck in ruts that are not good for us. Typically because most people are creatures of habit and have trouble breaking cycles they are used to, and that goes toward the company you keep as well. Most people I know would rather surround themselves with people they don't even like that much, just to not feel alone. It's human nature to crave companionship and community, but who are you really spending your valuable (and often limited free) time with?
"We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." - Jim Rohn, motivational speaker
So what does that look like for you? Something worth thinking about and definitely worth making adjustments to if needed. Chances are that there are a lot of good people in your life that can add tremendous value. Focus on the people who matter while you can.
Make actionable goals toward the things you care about
This is a "walk the walk" tip. If there are things you talk about wanting all the time, stop just talking about it. It's time to make moves toward those goals, or accept that it's not something you want bad enough, and move on. But if you know you'll always wish you tried something or made strides in a specific area of your life, then take a moment right now to think about where you want to ultimately be, how you can get there, and where your next step is. Then don't talk about it, just start doing it.
Commit to doing something new
Extremely important for personal growth in all stages of life, commit to doing or learning something new this year. It can be self-guided, through some form of class or mentorship, or as simple as going to a new place or trying a new thing. Extra points if it's out of your typical comfort zone!
Schedule time away
A change of scenery does wonders for people. If you can afford to take a trip, check your schedule, and start planning. If funds are tight, consider a day trip or overnight somewhere that allows you to explore, clear your head, go on an adventure, meet new people, see new things... whatever speaks to you right now. Time goes by quickly, and you'll never regret booking something that brings you joy and excitement.
Make peace with the things you cannot change
Lastly, you've got to learn to find inner peace with the things you can't change in life. That goes for people, situations, and anything that makes you feel trapped. If there's something you can do to improve a circumstance or relationship you're unhappy with, and you have the power to make it better, then don't delay it. Your happiness is priceless. But for everything else, it's important to understand that if it's out of your hands, you just need to let it go. Maybe it will change, maybe it won't - maybe you'll even end up being happy things transpired the way they did because of where it will direct your future. But all you can do is make your best, most sincere efforts to do what is best for you and those you love. Everything else will work itself out, with or without your involvement. As the Serenity Prayer famously goes, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Wishing you a new year that challenges you to be better than you are right now, and inspires you to grow in ways you never thought possible. XO
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