A New Year, A Fresh Start: Setting Goals for 2024 · 6:52pm Dec 31st, 2023
As the clock strikes midnight tonight and we bid farewell to another year, I find myself reflecting on the past today and looking forward to the possibilities that the new year holds. New Year's resolutions may seem cliché to some, but I've come to appreciate the opportunity they offer for self-reflection and personal growth. This year, I've decided to take a slightly different approach—I'm taking a break from posting new stories in January to focus on updating and refining my existing tales, ensuring that they're ready to captivate readers in February.
Reflecting on the power of setting goals, I can't help but think about the transformative impact they can have. In 2020, my husband (my then-boyfriend) and I set out to recycle more—a seemingly simple goal that has now become a part of our daily routine. While some of our other resolutions related to travel and new experiences were put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances (we all know what that was...) the commitment to sustainability remained, showing that even in challenging times, certain goals can persist and bring positive change.
Inspired by the podcast "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," where they set 24 goals for 2024, I've decided to list down some of my aspirations for the coming year. The key, as Rubin suggests, is to think about what I want the year to hold. Here are a few of my goals:
- Financial Fitness:
After a couple of financially challenging years, including a temporary pay cut, graduating from school, and wedding expenses, my primary goal is to create a nest egg and become more financially savvy. While we can currently meet our bills, the dream of owning a house necessitates a more robust financial foundation.
- Healthy Habits:
Balancing a budget sometimes led to less-than-optimal food choices. This year, I want to prioritize a healthier lifestyle without going overboard on extreme diets. Choosing fresh fruits, veggies, and nutritious options, even if it means adjusting our grocery bill, will be a priority. After all, who can resist the goodness of fuji apples?
- Organizational Overhaul:
To better balance work, personal life, and writing endeavors, I'm considering adopting tools like Google Calendar to bring more organization into my daily routine. Perhaps I can even schedule some guilt-free video game time!
- Meal Planning Mastery:
Hand in hand with my commitment to healthier living is the goal of meal planning. By dedicating time each week to plan meals, I hope to reduce food waste, eliminate last-minute dinner dilemmas, and ensure that the lettuce doesn't go bad before we have a chance to enjoy it.
I encourage you to reflect on your own goals for the new year! Whether big or small, personal or professional, setting intentions for the coming months can pave the way for positive change. So, what are some of your goals for 2024? Feel free to share some, and let's embark on this journey of growth and fulfillment together! Cheers to a new year filled with possibilities and the promise of a brighter future.
*Whistles* Dang, that’s a lot of writing. Well, here’s to many more.