New Years Resolutions

[NotAChevy]

With 2023 ending, and 2024 starting, we’re starting to think about all the grandiose things we’d love to do next year. So, I figured I'd take this opportunity to write a little bit about New Year's Resolutions.

We all know the facts- that those of us with ADHD don't understand time, and create this impossible list of things we’re going to accomplish, a list so grandiose no one human could ever dream of accomplishing it, especially in the timeline we’ve given ourselves. So, what do we do? We stress out trying, and then become anxious, depressed, and rejected because we have failed again.

This year, I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to only create 5 goals for the year, and then I'm going to break them down into smaller pieces so they're easier to accomplish. That way, I can be successful, and not stress out. Here’s my 5 goals for the year and how I broke them down:

1. Read 30 books for the year

2. Become proficient with AI and ML (Machine Learning) and how it can aid me in my business

3. Walk 900 miles

4. Research more on Wesleyian Religion and its history

5. Start my side hustle (Digital Decluttering).

Now, how I break them down:

1. Read 40pgs a night right before bed. I'll also keep a list of all my books so I ensure I don't read the same one twice.

2. Complete basic class, in Linkedin, allowing me to get certified. Then, complete course, related to my field- Data Management. I'll spread these courses to 1 per quarter so I can not get overwhelmed, or too far behind. Finally, I'll spend 30 minutes a day trying new things on my ChatGPT app to become better familiar with its capabilities.

3. Walk 3 miles a day for 300 days. I'll take Mondays & Thursdays off- I do add in the distance I walk every day while at work.

4. Listen to the UMC podcast- UMC Untied- on Sundays. Then, I'm going to spend 30 minutes a day reading on the subject- through books and on related webpages.

5. Ill start by making a list of what needs to be done, and the date I want things to be up “full throttle”. Then, I'll talk with experts in that field to determine the amount of time each will take. Next, I'll add an extra week to each to make sure I can get each done on time. Finally, I'll add those smaller pieces to my To-Do list to make sure I can't forget.

These steps, which I know I'll have to review daily, should allow me to be successful. We’ll see how it goes, and I'll keep anyone updated, if you want..

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Or, do you skip all the hoopla, and just add things to your schedule as need be? Since I'm one who needs the structure, I need to keep myself deeply embedded in my To-Do list or I know I'll forget something…

Happy New Years To You All!

May 2024 be your best year yet!!

[Hidden]

I sort of skipped it this year. I usually make a list like yours with how to accomplish, but I am starting this year just focusing on my mental health. I have overloaded myself too many times and I told myself no for this year. My only goal is to find a counselor and go to counseling to make some breakthroughs. I just got numbers from my doctor so I will start calling today.

[NotAChevy in reply to Hidden]

Hey Sciteach13,

It's great that you know yourself well enough to know this is what you need to do. I try to keep my goals very generic,and easily obtainable, so as to to not get too overwhelmed. Good luck with finding a good counselor as they can be a person’s key to success- I know mine is.

[BigBugger]

Your list stressed me out just from reading it...lol! This year I am going to cut back my work schedule so I have time for everything else in my life. I'm getting help with the weekly and monthly planning that I have trouble with. I am self employed, so I get caught up in the day to day with my nose to the grind stone.

I am working on habit stacking. So before dinner, I am going to do a 10 minute workout video on YouTube. So far, so good!

[NotAChevy in reply to BigBugger]

I agree, my list looks pretty daunting; but, with the way I break it down, it's very doable. Remember, I have a whole year to accomplish these, and with the breakdown, it only take 10-20 min. a day.