6 New Issues to Attempt in 2024 for Progress and Transformation

At the beginning of each new 12 months, I discover myself caught between two opposing approaches. On the one hand, I desire a huge lofty aim for the months forward that I can dedicate all my focus to. And on the opposite, I simply wish to preserve issues easy—setting my sights on doing and being higher. However this 12 months, I made a decision to decide on a phrase to information me in my decision-making and development throughout the board: braveness. Why braveness? Nicely, candidly, I felt like I lacked a little bit of it in 2023. I spent extra time second-guessing myself than going for it. And I let the noise in my head take over greater than typical. Belief me: that’s not my go-to habits.

With braveness on the forefront, this additionally received me excited to discover extra newness this 12 months. For me, the novelty of making an attempt one thing new all the time results in a lift in serotonin, a spark of curiosity, and a newfound pleasure and appreciation for being a newbie. Plus, I all the time go away an expertise seeing the world just a bit in a different way. 

Featured picture from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley.

I hope that with a little bit of braveness, and by opening my coronary heart and thoughts to new issues, I can even inject extra enjoyable and play into my life. 

6 Methods I’m Embracing Extra Braveness in 2024

After I considered the why behind all that I wish to invite into my life this 12 months, I leaned into what I felt could be lacking. This ensured that the experiences I selected to prioritize felt additive and exploratory. A couple of issues that got here to thoughts:

• feeling extra linked to my group
• shifting my physique another way
• disconnecting from my cellphone to reconnect with one thing else

However above all, I needed to get out of the day-to-day rut I’ve been feeling. The one requirement? These needed to be enjoyable and solely for myself—not social media or anybody else. Right here’s what making an attempt new issues in 2024 seems like for me.

Asking for What I Need

It is a onerous one to confess, however I struggled right here in 2023. And fairly frankly, that shocked me. Final 12 months I reverted to previous people-pleasing behaviors and one complete 12 months later, I’ve the readability on how that each held me again and compelled me into enjoying small. 

This 12 months, I’m going for it. I’ve already began to. Asking for what I want in all features of life and placing myself on the market for development. I’m absolutely conscious which will include rejection, however I actually consider the results of not asking are far riskier than any rejection might ever be. 

Apply this in no matter method it aligns for you. It could possibly be asking for a increase, pivoting careers, asking somebody on a date, or declaring your wants proudly. Possibly it’s saying no to one thing or somebody even when it’s onerous, or saying sure to one thing even when you’re scared. I do know you’ll be so grateful you probably did. 

Writing Poetry

I used to be struck by a put up I noticed on Instagram by a author who stated that at the start of 2023, they made it a apply to jot down a poem day by day. It was a fantastic aim, and I instantly started researching how I might do the identical myself. That is one new factor that I’ve already begun, and whereas I haven’t hit that each day cadence, I’m averaging a poem each different day. It’s been a enjoyable apply to share my ideas in a very new format. I’ve written all the things from a brief rhyme to a haiku, and am even exploring humorous, lighter tones in addition to the extra melancholy and private. It’s helped me see the world just a little in a different way and increase my very own vocabulary. 

I haven’t shared a poem with anybody but, and I’m unsure that I’ll. I like that that is one thing that’s only for me. At the very least for now. 

Pole Dancing

Ever since I noticed Dita Von Teese’s burlesque present on the Paramount Theater in Austin final January, I’ve been so enamored by the female and attractive methods she and her troupe moved their our bodies. What drew me to pole dancing is its issue—it’s a complete core and higher physique exercise, very like aerial silks may be. But it surely’s additionally edgy, female, attractive, and for probably the most half (for my functions), one thing performed solo. 

I’ve advised a minimum of seven pals that I’m doing this and so they all responded with the identical Are you critical? Is that this a joke? After which all seven of them promptly requested if they may be part of me. I feel I’m onto one thing.

I’m impressed by ladies who aren’t afraid to attach with their our bodies in new methods and who bravely lean into feeling attractive and female—even when only for themselves. 

Attempting a New Exercise Every Week in January

Talking of being in a rut, my exercise routine wants an entire refresh. Whereas I like the exercises I’m at the moment doing—usually a morning stroll across the lake and a bootcamp-style class, I spotted my concern of failure is at the moment conserving me from exploring new types of motion. However reasonably than staying caught in that cycle, I’m springing out of it and making it my mission to maneuver out of any funk or rut.

Plus, if I wish to join with the group in a brand new method after years of working remotely and feeling a bit caught inside my place, that is the PERFECT strategy to be round individuals as soon as once more. 

I’m shifting from What if I hate it or embarrass myself? to What if I like it and discover a new strategy to construct energy?

I’d like to say that I received’t purchase something for a month or that I’m going to solely store my closet, however I do know these sweeping declarations will seemingly set me up for failure. Nonetheless, I actually wish to shift my client habits to being extra accountable each financially and for the setting. My method: default to second-hand purchasing. Austin is dwelling to some extremely curated consignment outlets (taking a look at you, MOSS), and reasonably than go to the 5 rotating web sites I all the time search, I’m turning to a few of my favourite consignment outlets or pals’ closets.

Constructing a Imaginative and prescient Board

If you recognize Camille, you recognize she’s hosted imaginative and prescient board workshops and designed an at-home equipment to construct your personal. I’ve been a naysayer for years questioning how photographs on a chunk of paper might really come to life, however after sufficient pals have preached the facility of a board, I’m lastly coming round.

There are a couple of particular issues I wish to occur this 12 months that I’m acutely targeted on. My true hope is that by shifting my outlook and placing constructive power into these intentions, that I might help carry them to fruition. I additionally really feel like at this level, it actually can’t harm my probabilities. 

So, what’s in your checklist of recent issues to attempt in 2024? Is there something you’re leaning into this 12 months that you simply’ve by no means tried? I can’t wait to re-read this text in December and see what’s transpired. I’m excited simply enthusiastic about the chance.