Many of us viewed the last moments of 2023 with anxious thoughts and nervousness. Not achieving what we want in life can make us feel like we are late for the party. When we finally arrive, we are catching up on the jokes and fun happenings, but even worse there is no more cake!
“I don’t want 2024 to be like this year” is what I told myself, and I damn sure want my piece of cake. In 2023, life handed me a health scare that I am successfully overcoming, a small work success, but also a few relationship lessons. The success I came across was motivating, but I always want more for my life. I am optimistic that it can only get better since January has set me up on a positive footing with a handful of opportunities in the pipeline, but I do believe that if you fail to plan you plan to fail. My past was filled with lots of adventures that I want to continue like trying out for a professional sports team (I didn’t make it, but had a blast trying), solo traveling – tons of “me – time” fun, and I published a book (if you didn’t read it yet; what are you waiting for?!).
Life is for the living! No one lays on their deathbed proud of themselves for sitting around and doing nothing. It ends up being that moment of resentment of things we allowed and regrets for things we did not do. Instead of making 2024 your year; make it the beginning of your new chapter to happiness, success, abundance or whatever you want to call it. But the catch is that you start Now and keep it up for ALL your days – your good, bad, stressed and blessed.
Here is a list of practices I plan to keep with me for more achievements.
- Write a list of twenty goals you want to accomplish this year. Read it to yourself every day and tell yourself why you deserve to have these things in your life.
- Take daily or weekly outdoor walks. Fresh air is inspirational and relaxing.
- Learn something new! Take an online course, read an informational book, and explore something that can benefit your inner and outer growth.
- Travel! Whether you drive on a road trip or a flight out of town, take a break from your usual day-to-day and become a tourist at your new destination.
- Meditation is not only relaxing, but it is known to improve your health. Try it for a few minutes a day.
- Give to charity. Donate clothes, round up your fee at the cash register when making a purchase, or give time as a big brother or sister at the local children’s center. Giving is a rewarding feeling that keeps on giving.
- Spend time with your friends and family. Who does not love being around the people who get us? Plan a get together, stop by, or give a call to someone you care about. Your presence is your present.
- Play or cuddle with your pet. Your furry friend will love this attention and the fun you will have together will relax you as well.
- Try a new hobby or experience. We all have things we have always wanted to try like zip lining, hiking a long trail, or learning to play a sport. Find out where to go or who can help you start.
- Get an accountability partner. Have a friend who can hold you accountable for your list of achievements and you do the same for them!
Now, get to it!
Denise D Gibson 