And how I plan to achieve them
Entering the new year can most definitely feel like being thrown into a stream of forced productivity and habits that often fizzle out within a few weeks. After a few months to adapt to the new year, I’ve come to realize that sustainable change occurs slowly, imperfectly and should add to your life, not take away from it. This is why I created the following goals that are both realistic and intended to create more joy in my life!
1) Fixing my sleep schedule
On an average school night, I would say I get between six and eight hours of sleep. While I don’t think this is horrible, there is most definitely room for improvement. The major culprit of this is typically mindlessly scrolling on my phone in bed. I’m working to limit this by setting my alarm and placing my phone across the room prior to getting ready for bed. When I am fully ready to go to sleep, I have no reason to check my phone, and can get into bed phone-free. I’ve found that building this habit also works if you are prone to scrolling in bed in the morning.
2) Mindfully scrolling
Like most people my age, I would confidently say that I could use my phone less. While I don’t think there is anything wrong with using social media, I don’t enjoy the feeling I get when I scroll mindlessly for hours. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes there’s no better way to spend a night than relaxing and watching TikToks, but when it’s not intentional it often only makes me feel worse. Because I feel like I often scroll out of boredom, I’ve been trying to do more things that I enjoy to fill my free time. Things like reading, going for a walk/getting coffee with a friend and cooking a new meal are just a few examples of my favorite alternatives.
3) Expanding my hobbies
Building off of my last goal, discovering new hobbies is a priority for me in 2024. Not only do I wish to meet new people, but I also think it is so important to get out of my comfort zone, especially as someone who can be more reserved in social situations. I recently attended a workout class that consisted mostly of boxing for the first time, and I am so glad I did. To be honest, I felt pretty nervous the first round, but as the class went on I began to feel more comfortable and really enjoyed the workout. Throughout this year, I intend to continue trying new things and stay open to new experiences.
4) Running a half marathon
Throughout 2023 I grew to love running, especially on trails as the warmer weather picked up. Because of this, I think a half marathon would be an exciting challenge that could fuel my joy for this hobby. I aim to start training with some friends this coming summer and register for a half marathon in the fall.
With intentions to go through 2024 with a happy mind and new experiences, it’s crucial to create realistic goals that don’t force me to compromise in other aspects of my life. Building these habits sustainably while understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes has already made for a great year.