Welcome to 2023!
It feels like like 2023 is a year of new beginnings. For me personally, I am finally joining the workforce as a doctor. It feels very surreal and I'm full of imposter syndrome, but I am very much ready and excited for what this year promises.
The new year is often a time when we reflect. We make our new year's resolutions and then keep them in the back of our mind for a few days, until the hustle and bustle of our lives takes over.
I myself enjoy taking this time, to think about what I want from this year. As I get older, I'm beginning to realise that
"how we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives" - Annie Dillard
This year, instead of writing resolutions, I'll be writing some experiences that I want under my belt by the end of this year. I want to be able to look back on the year and see the moments and achievements that make me happy.
Come along with me, and bring your Will and Way Journal, as I plan out what I want to do with my life this year. A lot can happen in a year.
One of the mistakes I've made in the past is to curate an extensive list of all the goals I have for myself. Often I find this can be quite overwhelming and I never make any headway on anything. This year, I'm taking it a bit less seriously and only writing down a few goals at a time. As I think of them, I'll write them down, but I'm not in any hurry.
In saying that, if you are interested in writing down all your goals for the year, this is how I usually go about it:
I like to have a range of goals, across all the areas of my life. You can use the wheel of life tool to help ensure you have a holistic overview of these. For example, I would try and create a goal for each of the following categories:
1. Education/learning.
If you are a student this is a great time to reflect on how much time and effort you are going to commit to your studies. What grades do you want to achieve? What do you want to learn about this year? Where are your educational interests? In my high-school and pre-med years I had benchmarks for the number of points I needed to gain to get into my courses. But once I was in medical school it was less about grades, and more about ensuring I knew what I needed to know to be a safe doctor.
Additionally, your goal doesn't need to be about something you are studying, perhaps there is a new skill you are interested in picking up? A language, and art or more knowledge in a particular interest? I know that a goal for me this year is to learn more about finances and how I can make the most of the money I will be earning this year.
2. Health
One of the most common new years goals is to "get into shape". But how often does this become a realised goal? Not often...
Health to me is mental, physical and emotional. How do I improve my mental and emotional health? Often it's by going for walks in the evening, spending time with friends that fill my cup and by doing activities that I enjoy. Prioritising time to relax and do things that make you happy is so important and definitely something to factor into your goal setting. An example of a goal could be: budget half an hour a day of me time. In this half an hour every day you can take time to yourself to unwind, read a book, go for a walk, or even take a nap! Whatever it is you need to do to improve your mental health.
Physical health is equally as important. I tend to view physical health as movement and fuel. How are you going to consistently keep your body strong this year through movement? What types of movement do you enjoy and want to make a habit of? What relationship do you have with food and how can you make healthier, more sustainable food choices?
3. Friendships
Quality friendships are like gold. I feel so lucky to be able to share the amazing moments of my life with those around me. Having people to share in the good, and turn to in moments of need are so important.
Now is a good time to reflect on your own friendships. They say that you are a sum of the 5 people you spend the most time around. Are these people lifting you up and filling your cup? How could you be a better friend? What qualities do you want to grow in your friendships?
4. Family
Similarly with friendships, we share so much of life's precious moments with our family. How can you grow or perhaps repair your relationship with your family? How can you show your love and gratitude for your family?
6. Finances
This is definitely something that I want to focus on this year. For the first time in my life I will be earning an annual salary and I need to learn how to look after and grow my money. For me, my financial goal is about learning. I've got a list of podcasts and books to read.
7. Moments
This is what I'm focusing on this year. One of my highlights of 2022 was scuba diving in Bali. I can't wait to get back in the water and a bucket list scuba site is the poor knights island. Think about what moments have inspired you before - what memories do you want to have at the end of 2023?
I hope you found something valuable in this blog! I would love to hear your goals for the year and I will make sure to share mine as they happen! You can find me @will_and_way_journals
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