Image by Trust “Tru” Katsande
A new year is just around the corner and what better time than now to look ahead at what I am hoping to accomplish in 2024? I don’t want to call this a resolution list or even a goals list, it’s more of a “get off my ass and do the damn thing” list. Starting with…
- Being More Disciplined. I have let myself down in more ways than one over the last several years and after a lot of introspection I have come to realize just how much I lack personal discipline (my professional discipline is top notch). The kind that has me creating habits that don’t depend on motivation to accomplish something and are instead focused on getting into the repetition of it all so that on those days where I don’t feel motivated I still show up for myself.
- Journaling. I used to be so good at this and in the last 6 years I’ve fallen off the horse a bit. I bought myself some new books and planners (hobonichi ftw) and I’m looking forward to making this a habit that sticks through the year.
- Healthier Lifestyle. This encompasses working out, walking loads, and cooking at home way more but I’m looking forward to pairing this with developing better discipline habits.
- Being Creative For Myself Every Day. I would normally say “draw every day” but since I have a multitude of creative hobbies this feels more appropriate. Whether it’s working on a cross stitch, a drawing, photography, doodling, or even writing I want to do something creative that is for me – if I decide to share it here or on social that is my prerogative but it’s important to fuel my life with the joy of making things again.
- Read More. Thanks to friends I have cannon-balled myself back into reading throughout the end of November and through December (seriously, I’ve read 7 books in four weeks, that is bonkers) and it’s really reminded me just how much I love reading. So I want to read at least one book a month for the year – if I read more than great, if not that’s okay too. Reading is a way for me to decompress and let myself consume something that isn’t just scrolling social media AND inspires my creativity.
- Put Myself First More. As a recovering people pleaser it is incredibly difficult for me to put myself first especially in incredibly stressful times when I should prioritize myself. So I’m going to be making it more of a habit this year to do this more often in whatever form it takes.
- Explore More. I spent a LOT of time at home in 2023 with the exception of a work trip that took me all the way to Billund, Denmark for the first time ever which made me realize how much I tend to let myself just be too much of a home body. So gonna put one foot in front of the other and find more opportunities to explore even within my own state / city.
- Dress Up. This doesn’t mean get all fancy (tho I won’t stop myself if I did want to) but I’ve spent the last couple of years getting too comfortable in sweat pants, sweaters, and hoodies and not enough in making an effort for myself to look and feel good for my own self confidence. I won’t stop myself from wearing something cozy on a day that might be more stressful for me but I want to then make more of an effort on my hair / makeup (and not just putting on lipstick).
Day one doesn’t have to start at the beginning of a new year, it can start any time that you finally decide that it’s no longer “one day” and is “this is day one”. So let’s get our butts in gear and do this thing.
Be safe and stay awesome ❤
