Start The New Year with Possibilities

2024 is in two weeks as I begin this newsletter. It's the time of year to think about your visions for the upcoming year and the goals you want to accomplish.  

I’m not one to pick just one resolution for the next year and have that be that. 

No, not me. 

 I have an 8 x 11 paper with twelve Post-it notes representing my intentions for each month of the year.

If you have read my posts, I tend to overdo my targets. Instead of one or two goals, I list ten. 

This time, I want to narrow my goals down to five main categories and then list ways to progress on each one every month.  

So here goes:

1.  Writing:  Continue to post at least one weekly article on Substack, Medium & my Website. Gain 395 followers on Substack to reach 500 subscribers by the end of 2024. Maintain a 65% open rate. Complete the first draft of my memoir by the end of the year. (25 pages, about 6000 words per month).  

2. Health:  Continue walking a minimum of 8k per day and add 2-3 days of strength training weekly. Lose 20 lbs from today's weight (12-23) by the end of the next year and stay consistent with healthy eating habits. 

3. Money/Budgeting: Track expenses monthly & reel in the Amazon shopping. Meet or spend less than allotted every month. Begin earning at least $100 a month online creatively through writing, videos, affiliate marketing, or other means by the end of the year—then set a goal to increase income every month in 2025. 

4. Decluttering & Organizing: Go through every section & area in the house & garage by the end of the year. Donate items no longer needed, including clothes. 

5. Legacy: label and organize pictures and start treasure boxes for my family. Make videos about items that are important to me and talk about their history. 

I’ve heard that having just one word for your theme or manta for the whole year is a great idea. Mine will be FUN.

 I know myself, and none of those above-mentioned tasks will happen unless I make them fun. That’s a must. I may have to pair the task (like strength training) with something I enjoy doing, like listening to an audiobook. 

How about you? 

   Do you set goals for the New Year? One goal or several?

  Are you happy with the goals you completed in 2023? For some, the mere fact that you made it through 2023 is an accomplishment and worth celebrating. 

              What is nice about a new year is that it's a chance to start fresh, but honestly, every single day offers that chance. Each day is a new beginning and opportunity full of new possibilities—all dependent on your mindset. 

              At sixty-five years old, some may wonder why I continue to set lofty goals every week throughout the year. I value the time I have and want to make very sure that if I am given a day to live, I do so. I remember the day. I want my days spent productively and mindfully. It may never get done if I don’t write it down and set a goal. I love the feeling of accomplishment. 

              I wish you all joyful memories as we end this year and send you extra hope and happiness in the coming New Year. 

Remember to bring along a sense of humor. Some days, you really do need that. 

 Thank you so much for reading, subscribing to, and sharing my newsletter, which I began last July. (It was a goal!) 

Keep reading!

Keep smiling! 

xx