My number 1 goal for 2024 is to celebrate 12 months of sobriety
How: by checking in daily, asking for help when I need it, reading and being open about my addiction and struggles to people close to me. I can’t do it alone.
Goal 2 is getting back on track with a healthy diet and lose 12 pounds before july
How: by calorie counting and walking 60k steps per week. Not sure about the gym yet…
Goals 3 is reading every day
How: every month of sobriety I will celebrate that milestone by buying myself a selfhelp book to read that month.
I have also accumulated quite some fiction books over the years. I bought 12 John Irving books last summer and didn’t read a single one of them yet.
Goal 4 is to save 18k this year for a house in Spain
How: by saving 20% of my salary (automatically) and trading stocks and crypto. I need to update my investment plan and work on my trading skills. Last year I wasn’t really active, but I am eager to start swing trading again.
I decided to add another goal. I have a desk job but I have a standing desk. This past year I’ve gotten into the habit of not standing, like almost never. It’s bad for my body. My hips and lower back hurt a lot.
I want to stand more but that’s such a broad goal. I decided to start tracking my standing at work by writing how long I’m standing in a little notebook. I’m going to have to work up to longer times but the log is helping me see how long I’m standing
I am trying to keep my goals for 2024 simple and achievable. I want to do more cultural things, instead of so much binge watching Netflix and co. I want to see more live music, theatre, musicals and other performing arts. Got tickets booked three events already.
And l didn’t even get close to finish my reading list for 2023, so I will work on that. No more buying new books until that unread pile of books is gone.
I am starting the 30 day minimalist challenge today. Did it twice before, never managed to finish it. I made it to day 24 or 26 last year. I am not expecting to finish it this time either, because I declutter a lot throughout the year anyway. But that doesn’t matter. It leaves me with a sense of accomplishment and a clutter free house before the end of January.
The 30 day minimalist challenge: you declutter one item on day 1, two items on day 2 etc. If you manage 30 days, that adds up to 400something items. Maths isn’t my strong point
It’s easy enough in the beginning, but can get really hard, depending on how many possession you actually have. We don’t have a spare room, cellar, shed, garage etc, so no space to hide excessive clutter.
Declutter responsibility: sell, donate, recycle where possible.
Try to set boundaries in my relationship. AKA put up with less $hit. And be less of a caregiver role to him - try to focus a bit more on me (tough one for me).
More physical activity (strength & rowing)
Eat more Mediterranean Diet style eating pattern. More fish, more plant-based foods, more veg.
Pursue counselling (much overdue)
Take my son out east to visit gravesite of mum, dad & brother (that we lost this year)
My goal is to make it through this year sober. To learn deeply, through my DUI trial and its consequences, and to be grateful that I found my bottom with no physical injury to anyone else.
