Happy New Year yada yada yada.

Now that we’re beginning the second week of the year, and this marks people dropping out of their new gym membership, starting smoking again, and generally letting go of their resolutions.

In 2000 B.C. Babylonians had 12 days of festivities leading up to New Year’s Eve, during which, including other things, they promised to pay off their debts and be better citizens. I’m sure that 4000 years ago, they also managed to slack off their resolutions. So, there's nothing new here.

Fanni, you are a mood killer…

Yes, I am. But today, I have a few quick pieces of advice on how not to be like the guy who died 4000 years ago and still hasn’t paid off his debts.

1. Choose a Word

I think the biggest problem is that people choose their New Year resolutions based on social pressure.

You don’t have to promise yourself to quit eating dessert if you actually enjoy doing it. Stressing about it is worse than just doing it.

Focusing on who you want to be is much more productive, as it gives you a guide on what to work on instead of empty promises.

In 2023, my word was Growth.

I knew I didn’t like my old career, social situation, or daily lifestyle. So, I focused on what growth meant. I learned to code, worked on my mental health, found my love for cooking, and made conscious efforts to connect with people outside of work and business scenarios. I focused on what growth meant to me.

In 2024, my word is Quality.

Quality of life.Quality of the products I purchase.Quality of my content.Quality time spent with things that make me happy.

2. Have a Conversation with Yourself

Again, having shallow promises is the fastest way to slack off on your resolutions. Sit down with yourself and have a conversation about how you wish the next year will look like for you.

We, as humans, tend to communicate differently with others than with ourselves. So, when working on these questions, promise yourself not to share them with others. This way, you can ensure brutal honesty.

3. Turn Your Answers Into Steps

One other common problem with any goal is that people shoot for a start but scare themselves at the same time.

Promising yourself to quit your job and open a luxury dog spa sounds good while being half tipsy on New Year’s Eve, but the next day, reality sets in, and you start saying to yourself: I don’t have the time for it today, but one day…

To combat this trend, you have to cut your goal into smaller steps.

1. Looking into rental prices

2. Talking with an accountant

3. Meeting a dog for the first time

Free Notion Template for You

To help you work on the exercises above, I created a whole free Notion Template for you to use in 2024.

Just create a copy of it and make it your own.

This is my short and sweet email for this week.

I’m leaving for Toronto in 5 days, so my mind is racing with 500 km/h. These are the times when the small steps mentioned above help you stay on track. For example I already found a pilates studio I want to checkout during my first week!

🌼 Cheers,

Fanni Sophia