Some question the need for New Year’s resolutions, stating that you can initiate your goals at any point in the year. While I do agree that you can make goals at any point in the year, personally, I find the beginning of the new year to be refreshing–a fresh start, a reset.
This year’s theme is discipline. Despite having made resolutions in the past, I’ve come to realize that maintaining motivation and sticking to my goals has been a challenge. When I fell off track, I tended to make excuses, attributing it to the goal being too ambitious, which led to a loss of motivation. But in reality, I just didn’t have a clear plan to achieve them. No goal is too ambitious.
This year is different. It feels different. I’ve experienced significant growth in my career and personal life, learning about my habits and what it takes to stay committed to a goal.
I’ve learned the importance of forgiving myself if I stumble and, more importantly, bouncing back to continue working towards my goals. Reflecting on the positive events of last year, I’m more determined than ever to actively pursue my goals in 2024. Here’s a glimpse into my plans for the year —
In’s for 2024
- Cooking at home: Last year, I spent a significant amount of money on eating out because I didn’t plan or make time to cook at home. There’s really no necessity to dine out almost every weekday. The money I spend on a single dinner and drinks could easily cover my groceries for the entire week. I’m not completely cutting myself off from eating out but instead, limiting the times. This will make the occasions when I do eat out feel more special.
- Trying new restaurants: Ok, so although I want to cook at home more, on the occasions when I do eat out, I want to try new restaurants.
- Saving money: It’s ok to spend money, but I also have to remember to save. Two of my bigger long-term goals is to buy my own home and, down the line, there’s definitely going to be a wedding. My boyfriend and I have been dating for 8 years, so we’ve been talking about saving for a while–not just for a wedding, but also if we want to move to a different city or travel before settling down… I’m thinking 3-5 years out for these goals. I also have other financial goals, so saving money sooner rather than later is always a good idea.
- Saying no: This is definitely one of my weaknesses. I just can never pass up a good time, so I always end going on last-minute trips. Saying no keeps me focused on my end goals, and so I’m definitely going to be more selective with what I say yes to.
- Working out: Staying consistent with working out is a top priority for me. Whether I do cardio or strength train, I just want to move my body for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Stretching: I have an injured lower back as I type this out, and it’s because I didn’t use the correct form, nor did I warm up my body correctly. Since working out is a top priority for me, I also have to ensure that I’m stretching and warming up my body properly.
- Reading: Last year, I read 11 books, which is probably the most I’ve read in a year during adulthood. My goal was to read 12 books. Throughout the year, I pushed myself to read as much as possible each month, reminding myself to stay focused. In the end, although I didn’t reach my goal, I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of discipline and consistency.
- Waking up early: I’m laughing because I’m the worst at waking up early. It’s because I don’t set up a good nighttime routine, and I always end up sleeping so late. This is something I want to work on this year.
- Drinking green smoothies daily
- Doing my nails at home
- Hydrating skincare products (hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and skin barrier serums)
- Using a walking pad when I work from home
- Dressing up for work even when I work from home
- Styling my wardrobe
- Creating content consistently
Out’s for 2024
- Mindless spending: Pretty self explanatory, but since I want to save, that means I have to be more mindful about how I spend my money.
- Drinking alcohol: Last year, I felt SO bloated. Additionally, I just don’t feel good when I drink. While I love a good time and enjoy the feeling of being tipsy, I’m definitely going to reduce the amount of alcohol I drink. Sign me up to be DD–I don’t mind!
- Going to sleep late on weekdays: Ooof this is a hard one and I’ve already done this so many times. I want to work towards waking up at 6 AM (maybe even 5 AM) and improve my sleeping habits, aiming to be in bed no later than 10 PM.
- Social media/screen time an hour before bed
- Drinking coffee before food in the mornings
- Overthinking about work
- Caring about being judged
