It’s that time of the year when we look back at the last 12 months, and what that makes us feel is an indicator of the readjustments we may need to make in our lives. What defines a ‘good’ year, or a ‘bad’ one? Did you achieve your goals? Were you content with your choices? How did you deal with change?
As we prepare for 2024 at AMIH, here are five goals you might want to consider for the year ahead. We’ve carefully chosen these goals as they encourage a work-life balance, and align with AMIH’s work culture of care, compassion and consideration.
Self-care
Back in the early 20th century, even though they didn’t have the same jobs we do today, W H Davies totally got why it’s crucial to have downtime. The celebrated, working-class poet expressed this sentiment in his composition, Leisure (What Is This Life If Full Of Care, 1911). So, if your work makes you feel overwrought and overwhelmed, start taking back the reins. Set aside time to regularly switch off and make time for yourself. It sends your brain a powerful message – that you too are important.
You could spend that time with people whose company you enjoy, take a stroll every evening, or just kick your feet up and relax. Remember, you get to choose what to do; there’s a reason it’s called ‘me time’. Prioritizing self-care reduces stress levels, creates the distance needed to re-focus, and helps you recharge, enabling you to better manage the demands of a busy day.
Attitude of Gratitude
Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in your life. Start your day, saying, “I am grateful for…” and make sure you have five items on your gratitude list. Remember, five fresh items every day. Perhaps say ‘thank you’ a little more often to the people around you!
Resetting your perspective to a positive mindset creates a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Focusing on what you have rather than on what you don’t reduces stress and leads to increased happiness. It’s amazing how it can turn your life around.
Physical Activities
The work-from-home model introduced in the Covid years probably made your work even more intense. To offset those endless hours spent glued to your seat in front of a computer screen, we suggest you get moving – literally. An exercise regimen is the obvious choice but if you want something more lightweight but healthy, we have an alternative – exercising at your desk. When you’re always-on, introducing a physical element into your day is not only refreshing, it’s a must for mental and physical well-being.
Professional Learning
“What have I learnt lately?” is a question you should ask yourself every so often. Sure, take a course to upskill; attend a webinar to keep up with current trends; or sign up for a workshop to expand your knowledge base. But do you know there’s opportunity knocking at your very door? Are you maximizing your learning opportunities at work itself? Every day can teach you something new – if you keep an open mind and are hungry to learn. Observe, ask questions, try out new things, seize the initiative. You’ll be surprised at what you discover about your capabilities.
Personal Hobbies
‘Work-life balance’ is almost a cliché in our conversations at work – we know it’s important but we don’t try hard enough to get there. You can change that by find a joyful pastime or hobby. Hobbies serve as a buffer against burnout, they reduce stress levels, and bring a sense of fulfillment. A hobby can also lend a sense of purpose. Who is to say that journaling couldn’t be the first step to discovering the author in you? A hobby doesn’t have to be elaborate. Some hit ‘refresh’ by gardening, cooking or reading. Research shows that people who have hobbies experience fewer negative emotions; they also have higher levels of self-esteem. Find something you love to do, and just do it!
As we embark on a new year, embracing goals like these will set us on a path of growth and self-improvement. So let us welcome the coming year with open hearts, ready to embrace change and work towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.
