As the clock struck midnight last year, I found myself surrounded by my loved ones, armed with a symbolic $1 bill and a heart full of resolutions. As I embark on a new year, it’s time to reflect on the journey of 2023, acknowledging both victories and areas for growth, and set the course for a purposeful 2024.
1. Time Management: Balancing the Precious Moments
- Reflection: Last year, my attempt at time management was met with mixed success. While I maintained some aspects like regular family time and Scout focus, consistency in prayer and workouts proved challenging.
- 2024 Strategy: Monthly, I will refine my daily schedule, ensuring dedicated time for prayer, workouts, family, Scouts, and PhD studies. Flexibility and adjustments will be my allies on this journey.
2. Fifty Books Goal: An Odyssey Through Pages
- Reflection: Surpassing my book goal in 2023 was a triumph ( I completed 28 books beating my goal of 12 by more than double), but it’s time to raise the bar I will complete at least 50 books this year.
- 2024 Strategy: Monthly reading goals and a curated book list will guide me. Each book, a stepping stone in the intellectual odyssey I embark upon. I just started my First book of the year: “Long Range” by C.J. Box, I should be complete before the newest book in the serries is released in February.
3. Budget Mastery: Sailing Through Financial Waters
- Reflection: The financial voyage had its challenges, but a debt reduction plan and an investment plan is in place.
- 2024 Strategy: Monthly reviews will guide budget adjustments, ensuring a steady course toward debt reduction and increased investments. Automatic deposits to my retirement account as well as my wife’s retirement account will ensure that all matching funds are captured to their maximum benefit.
4. Church Attendance: A Spiritual Expedition
- Reflection: Physically attending church eluded me last year, but the desire to create a spiritual haven for my family remained.
- 2024 Strategy: A church search in January, followed by a gradual increase in attendance, forms the spiritual expedition of the year.
- I will maintain my listening to the Bible in a Year Podcast, last year I made it through missing only 20 days this year I will complete the full 365. I will begin reading the passages as well as listening to them.
5. Writing Routine: Crafting Words Amidst the Chaos
- Reflection: Establishing a writing routine proved elusive amidst the hustle of life.
- 2024 Strategy: Tying writing into the broader time management goal, I will set achievable writing goals, creating a sanctuary for my thoughts.
6. Education Odyssey: Nurturing the Mind
- Reflection: I failed to take any classes last year despite being accepted into a PhD program before the year began.
- 2024 Strategy: CGSC online and 6 PhD courses will be conquered through careful planning and unwavering determination. I am registered for my first course, the materials have already arrived, and I am going to disect the course work next week when it becomes available to plan things out.
7. Fitness Goals: Sculpting a Home Culture
- Reflection: Last year’s fitness dreams faced setbacks, but the vision of a fit home persisted.
- 2024 Strategy: Beyond personal fitness goals, this year marks the inception of a family fitness culture, fostering health and connection. I will include the childen in my workouts instead of trying to find time to maintain my fitness without them.
8. Sending Cards: Echoes of Connection
- Reflection: Card-sending plans in 2023 lacked consistency.
- 2024 Strategy: A monthly card-sending schedule ensures that moments of connection echo throughout the year.
9. Presence in Family’s Lives: A Journey of Connection
- Reflection: I’ve failed to send out Christmas cards and thank you cards for years. I want to change this.
- 2024 Strategy: Monthly, dedicated family time and continuous efforts will deepen the bonds, making each moment count.
As I embark on this year, the reflections of the past guide me. The path may have its twists and turns, but armed with purpose and resolutions, 2024 promises to be a journey of growth, connection, and fulfillment. Here’s to navigating the uncharted waters of a new year with intention and grace.
