I am back, and I am better.
Wow, what a ride 2023 was. We achieved our goals and came out smarter and stronger.
The last post I created was 02/21/2023, when I started my 40-day social media detox. I took it a bit too serious, because I restrained myself from using social media way longer than those 6 weeks - simply because it was one of the most refreshing experiences I have made so far - but also because my year early on was quite turbulent and I needed the time to fully focus on myself. That being said, I would like to take the opportunity and reflect on my highs and lows of 2023 as well as set my New Year's goals straight for 2024. This is going to be a personal post - view my New Years Goals as something that might inspire you to pursue certain areas in your life as well. <3
My grandfather died. I loved him dearly, and he was my last grand parent to be alive.
My boyfriend and I had a one month "no talk" break that was initiated by him; he came back and we are on good terms again. However, I've been since then seriously questioning our relationship, and things haven't been the same, at least for me.
I've met some great people this year, but also some that turned out to be false friends.
Despite my social media detox, I have found myself quite a lot on YouTube again lately. It is distracting me from important tasks and my goals and always leaves me unmotivated and mentally drained.
Since moving abroad for my Master's, I feel like I am losing connections to my old friends. This, combined with the fact that I have moved around a lot in the past three years, makes me miss deep relationships and deep conversations.
I achieved my goal and enrolled in my dream Master's, a highly selective program with connections to very prestigious companies.
I secured a VC internship, just as I had planned.
I achieved excellent grades at uni and outperformed myself - in all subjects (except for one unfortunately, which was, however, a disaster for everyone).
I had the privilege to travel Europe and stay in the finest hotels.
My relationship with my body and mind have never been better. Ironically, it was specifically during the one month break with my boyfriend that I have taken self-care very seriously and my self-confidence has reached an all-time high during this time.
My social media detox. For most of 2023, I haven't been on Instagram anymore, allowing me to fully focus on my life and goals. And it paid off. The mental clarity I've gained is insane.
To keep track of my finances, set a budget, avoid making unnecessary purchases and increase my income.
To take my investments more seriously and start investing my money - otherwise it will just lose value. I have done it in the past, but I have not pursued it as thoroughly as I want it to be pursued.
To be more smart with my money. One of my worst financial habits was to defer certain purchases to the last minute (e.g. booking flights), in the end spending more money than actually necessary.
Rich people don't get rich by wasting money. You get rich by keeping it and investing it wisely - into yourself and your future.
To take care of my outer appearance every day and invest in good skin scare that will benefit me in the future as well.
To take care of my nails - I've never been to a nail salon before as I keep my nails rather short, without polish. My goal is to keep nice looking, natural nails throughout the year, done by a nailtech.
To elevate my style and get rid of old clothes that no longer serve me. Donate or sell them.
Never underestimate the power of good looks - for every aspect in your life. Love, worklife, personal life. Like it or not - pretty privilege exists.
To keep my self-compassion and self-confidence high and put myself first, as I should; but to never become vain and self-absorbed.
To care for my body and regularly work out. My goal is to become phsyically stonger and increase flexibility; a lean body is great, but the goal is to continue becoming the fittest and healthiest version of myself. Everything else follows.
To reduce my phone usage, specifically social media, to 2h / day maximum.
Your body is your temple, your mind the director of your life. Make sure to care for it - your future self will thank you.
To keep full focus on my studies, attend lectures, pre- and post prepare lectures and stay on top of my assignments. My goal is to keep my GPA high and always strive to outperform myself.
To secure a summer internship that will help boost my career.
To be more bold and network with people more - in the end, everything is about good connections.
Never underestimate your abilities. You are smart and strong - you wouldn't be where you are right now, had you not worked hard in the past. Your place in the world is deserved. You are an independent woman - ain't no man telling us what to do.
To declutter. To get rid of old things that no longer serve me and create fresh space for good things to enter.
To become more confident on social media and post more frequently. It doesn't matter what others think of us - why would we care? Besides, I live an exciting life - sharing my moments might inspire other to aim high as well.
To start my own small business. To just start. I have so many ideas, yet have never started one of them. Progress over perfection. Fail fast, learn and move on. 2024 is the year we finally start our business.
To connect more. Yes, I am incredibly busy but nobody should wait for my response for TWO MONTHS. Reply faster, dare to reach out more. Leverage your connections.
To allow myself for conscious time-off. During stressful periods, I tend to focus on work and uni only. This is not productive. There needs to be time for sports, meeting friends and self-care. 2024 is the year we prioritize having free-time as well - it is incredibly important for a healthy brain and increased productivity.
2023 was amazing for my personal growth, and 2024 will be even more so. Let's do this.
I have created a very detailed Notion page with all my goals for 2024, broken down into why I want to achieve them, when I will have achieved them and what steps need to be undertaken to achieve them. What you see above is just a part of it - it is important that you make your goals SMART as well (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) in order to hold yourself accountable and have a clear vision of where you are going.
I highly recommend you do the same - visualizing and writing down your goals are such powerful and important steps to achieve your goals.
Much love to you all. May 2024 be your year!
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