As the year draws to a close, it prompts a period of self-reflection owing to the symbolic culmination of a cycle. However, the significance of these assessments is far more influenced by our ongoing momentum than the rigid constraints of a particular date. Resolutions, too, are subject to the limitations of personal will, and acknowledging this, I find it more genuine to consider them as intentions and aspirations.

Intentions

Enhancing sleep quality

I’ve always felt more awake at night (normally called night owl or wolf), which makes my natural biorhythms unmistakable. This inevitably means that I often don’t get enough sleep and my bedtime isn’t as regular as it should be. I’d like to improve my sleep routine by 2024.

Eating better

After a period of great control and discipline when it came to eating certain foods such as bread (among other carbohydrate-rich foods), in the last two years I’ve lost a bit of that rigour and the weight gain didn’t take long — I currently weigh 4 or 5kg more than I’d like. I want to reduce my carbohydrate intake again and lose some of the other habits I’ve picked up.

Portfolio and new professional challenges

After a number of years of neglecting and procrastinating on putting together a decent portfolio I hope to finalise, in the first few months of this year, the work started in 2023. I also want to increase my freelance involvement in more interesting projects and be open to new professional challenges.

Being better at wasting time

It’s very important to have time for myself. Non-productive time. However, I find that I easily waste that non-productive time on activities that don’t bring me any return — especially that damn time I spend watching some videos on Youtube or news on the telly. I’m hoping that this year I’ll be a little more judicious about where I waste my time.

Aspirations

Greater emotional flexibility

I enter 2024 aware that I need greater emotional restraint and flexibility at certain times. This is something I’ve been trying to improve, but there’s still some way to go. It’s an ongoing effort, but I believe cultivating this aspect will make me more receptive to others.

Being present

Sometimes it’s hard for my mind not to wander. Not only do I have a very active ruminating mind, but I also have a somewhat selective attention deficit… being in the moment, present and really paying attention to the other person is a challenge.

Happy new year to everyone! 🥂