RLWF

Happy New Year!! 2024 brought the most amazing moments and many new challenges. I don’t have many life altering takeaways to share from this year, rather a couple things I learned that kept me on the right track when I felt like I wasn’t making progress.

I’m so grateful for this year and that I was able to use my difficult moments as learning experiences. I’m so glad I accomplished all I did this year and know I am in the right place! ALSO, so excited to continue writing on here to share value with others and document my experiences. Much more to come this year

CONSISTENCY & SHOWING UP FOR YOURSELF

I’ve definitely questioned if all these wellness habits do actually help – is it worth all the extra time and effort? I can confirm that habits themselves definitely help me as long as I’m not spending time dwelling on everything & overthinking.

I definitely enjoyed my Spring 2024 semester and said yes to everything knowing it was my easiest college semester so far, and that the rest of my year would be packed. I made consistent progress overall, but allowed flexibility day to day.

Toward the end of both summer and fall, I did begin to feel burnt out. There were days where I didn’t do any of my morning habits – I’d just wake up get dressed and go to work or class (for me, very unusual since I have a long AM routine). After a few days ‘off’ of my morning habits I begin to feel off, slow, and less productive. I wasn’t consistent until I allowed myself a bit more flexibility.

This year I’ve decided to come up with a better structure for my daily routines which originated in part from Sahil Bloom’s Newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. I read through his Annual Planning Guide and decided that thinking through my routines (can apply outside of this too) with his ABC System is will help create structure in the upcoming semester. The system suggests creating a base version of a habit/routine that would be doing the action in full (B). On top of that you create an optimal (A) and bare minimum (C) version. Will be doing this asap with my morning routine!

MAKING TIME FOR CREATIVITY AND HOBBIES

One of my biggest struggles is my perfectionism which usually manifests as overworking myself and/or overthinking. While academics are definitely are a priority, it’s very easy for me to become consumed by only classes and work.

This past semester I realized that for me, actually scheduling time for social & fun activities into my week is important. If it’s on the calendar I’m committed to it. The beginning of 2025 will look a little different with study abroad in the spring. I think this is probably the best opportunity for me to figure out what I really enjoy and explore hobbies with new people (and be a little more relaxed with my schedule and just relax a little).

BALANCING YOUR SCHEDULE

In the beginning of 2024 I think I said yes to plans a little toooo often and not leaving enough time to be with myself. On the opposite end of the scale I found myself isolating and turning down any plans when I began to feel stressed in the fall. I can easily plan a ‘productive’ schedule where I only make time for school and work, but it becomes exhausting quickly.

It has taken me a while to find a balance (still figuring it out) but I try to prioritize time with friends especially in times where I’m stressed as someone who is naturally more introverted. The right people make all the difference and I’m so grateful I can surround myself with friends who bring good energy. In 2025 I’m looking forward to my new environment and being more open to meeting new people (shouldn’t be too difficult vs the rest of my actual goals…)

Through everything this year I continue to remind myself that I can achieve anything I set my mind to!! These takeaways from the year are a few things I’m considering going into my next semester through my annual planning & reflection. I’m thinking the next post is will be a related topic about how I plan out my year!