2024 Resolutions and Goals

Like so many others, I like to make New Year’s resolutions. And I tend to publicize them as a blogger, in part because doing so helps me be accountable. Once, about a decade ago, I was even interviewed about my just-published New Year’s resolutions for “The National”, a Canadian news program, which was weird. But in recent years, I haven’t really focused on them as much as I used to, and haven’t kept myself accountable to whether or not I achieved them.

However, 2024 is a “milestone” year for me – I’ll turn 50 in September (which I keep thinking should be more exciting) – so I thought this was a good time to not only make a few resolutions but to do it properly with a plan for reaching each. And it’s kind of fitting that I’ve historically always made 5 resolutions as I can continue my tradition with one for each decade, lol.

But it’s taken me a bit longer than normal to find five goals. The first three were easy, and I’ve had them written down since the first week in January, but the last two took a bit more thought. So, without further ado, here are my 5 resolutions for my 50^th year.

Resolution #1 – Refocus on my (distance) walking

I walk pretty much daily, always have as I love walking, with my daily walks being around 5-6km. However, I haven’t done any long walks (more than 15km) since October and since I’m planning another long distance walk this May (Speyside Way here I come), I need to ramp up my walks as I’ll have a couple of days of 24-25km, although most will be in my sweet spot of 15-20km.

Action for success – I’ve re-jigged my walking training plan from 2019 (for the West Highland Way) for 2024 and already started it.

Resolution #2 – Write more

As I mentioned last year, I haven’t been writing regularly for a few years and even after (re)starting blogging again, both on here and on Rambles and Walks, my new walking/hiking/travel blog, I haven’t been writing regularly. So, my second goal is to write more regularly – on Rambles and Walks about walks, hikes and traveling – and here about whatever else strikes my fancy.

Action for success – write and publish at least one post a week on BOTH sites. Don’t stress so much about every post, just write.

Resolution #3 – Continue to declutter

I started to do this last year but it stalled early on. However, it’s something I really need to do – declutter my apartment and get rid of stuff I no longer need or use. I was good with getting rid of clothes (I donated three bags!) but crappy about decluttering the rest of my apartment. And since I created a decluttering checklist last year, I’m just going to follow that, except actually complete it this year.

Action for success – declutter one area of my apartment each month, according to the checklist.

Resolution #4 – Read more books in paper format

I read, a lot. Reading has always been my favourite escape from the time I was a kid. In the last 4-5 years, I switched from mainly reading paper books to mainly reading on my tablet – via the Toronto Library (Overdrive, then Libby), Kindle (both Kindle Unlimited and purchased Kindle books), BookFunnel, Play Books (not many), and NetGalley. I also listen to books on Audible. Yep, I read a lot. But reading that much on a device is probably not good for my eyes, especially as I get older, so I’d like to change my evening reading – anything after 10pm – and my summer weekend reading (when I can read outside on my patio) to paper books.

Action for success – Put down my tablet and only read paper books after 10pm; as well as all outside reading being paper books.

Resolution #5 – Explore my spiritual side

I’ve never been religious, and throughout my adult life have identified as ‘spiritual’ when I needed to put a label on my beliefs. But I don’t really follow any specific pagan or spiritual tradition and while I don’t necessarily believe I need to, I want to explore the possibilities. To that end, I’ve started attending some free classes and reading about different rituals and traditions to see if any resonate.

Action for success – Take classes, read, research, attend rituals, and conduct my own to see what works.

Final Thoughts

While these took a bit longer than normal, although it’s not the first time I’ve published New Year resolutions so late in January, I think they are good ones that will both add value and will be ones I can accomplish. Having already started working towards a couple of them is a good start. And to ensure that I continue to work towards all five goals, I’m going to do something new. Each quarter – April 1, July 1, October 1, and then the final one on January 1 – I’ll update my progress to keep me accountable and hopefully, on track.

Did you make New Year’s resolutions this year? I’d love to hear what yours are!