Are you feeling a bit lost without any goals for the new year? Overwhelmed or underwhelmed or just floating around somewhere in between?
I want to help! That's why I came up with the most versatile and universally beneficial goals I could think of. All of these are fairly easy to tweak and implement, no matter where you are in life. And even if you just choose just one, and you'll see major improvements in your life in 2024.
Fitness Goal: Try a Combative Sport or Pilates
Exercise and build confidence simultaneously by exploring a combative sport. Whether it's boxing, martial arts, or self-defense, these activities provide physical fitness while boosting your self-assurance. Boxing changed my life and health when I was just fifteen years old!
But if combatives just don't appeal to you (I get it), I think pilates is a great alternative because it's gentle but builds a lot of strength. You can work out in a gym, or use an online resource depending on what's available in your area.
Financial Goal: Read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Reimagine your finances and cultivate good habits with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. Regardless of your income level or experience with budgeting, this book offers practical advice to improve your financial health. Easy to adjust to your specific circumstances, it's a game-changer for your wallet.
Relationship Goal: Change Your Mindset Towards Marriage
I learned this one from Father Mike Schmitz. This year, apply the same intentionality to your marriage as you do to your children. Just as you unconditionally love and care for your kids, extend that same grace to your spouse. You don't evaluate your children's performance and determine whether or not they "deserve" your attention and love. You just love them. Choose that same love and care for your spouse, even during challenging times. This shift reduces entitlement and resentment, and your spouse will likely reciprocate your efforts.
Spiritual Goal: Read Two Psalms Every Day and Say a Simple Prayer
Connecting with God doesn't have to be complicated. If you don't already read scripture, make it a daily habit to read two Psalms and say a simple prayer. The prayer can just be whatever comes to mind after you read. It's a shockingly simple approach, but the results will likely be life-changing (just ask Andrew Huberman). The Psalms offer beautiful prayers and poems written by people experiencing a range of circumstances and emotions, and I'm sure you'll find one that deeply resonates.
Other Random Helpful Goals:
Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier or Go to Bed 30 Minutes Earlier:Â Depending on your style, start or end your day earlier to allow some time for reflection and preparation for the following day.
Take a Cold Shower Once a Week:Â Boost your immune system, invigorate your senses, and build mental toughness. Once a week is totally do-able!
Make Your Bed Every Morning:Â Set the tone for a productive day by completing a small, achievable task. Sometimes, when life is particularly hard, it doesn't feel like you can do anything, but this simple task can change the trajectory.
Spend Twenty Minutes Outside:Â Reconnect with nature, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Simple but powerful goals like these are the antidote to goal-setting paralysis. They're adaptable, universally beneficial, and guarantee positive changes in your life no matter where you're at.
Don't overthink it – steal one (or more!) and make 2024 your best year yet.
Also, have you ever wondered why goal-setting is so hard for most of us? I explain the two main reasons here.
