Are you looking to level up this upcoming year? I am too! In this article, Iβm sharing my top 6 picks for self-improvement activities that have not only transformed my routine this past year but that will help you revamp yours too. Weβre talking about activities that will nurture your mind, body, and soul, making you the best version of yourself. 2024 is all about focusing on your dreams and becoming the person who can make them happen. Whether youβre a self-improvement enthusiast or just starting out, these activities are tailored to inspire, challenge, and grow you. So, grab a cup of coffee and your journal, and letβs dive into the 7 best self-improvement activities to try in 2024.
Work on developing your discipline
A long time ago, my therapist said that discipline is a form of self-love. When you actually do what you told yourself you were going to do, youβre building your discipline and the confidence you have in yourself. However, as most of us already know, discipline is not an easy quality to acquire. Some ways you can start developing it is by keeping those little promises you make to yourself, such as βI will make my bed tomorrow morningβ, βI will work out 3 times this weekβ, or βI wonβt overindulge in dessert todayβ. Donβt expect to be very disciplined overnight, it is something that takes time to develop. But I truly believe discipline is the one trait that is essential for success.
Book a solo trip
Have you ever been on a solo trip before? Me neither, but it is definitely on my bucket list for 2024. Traveling solo isnβt only about traveling, it is a way to develop independence, resilience, and confidence. Itβs an opportunity to make decisions solely based on your interests and desires, listening to nothing but your intuition.
It is a way to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Maybe something you were always nervous to do, wasnβt so bad after all. Whether itβs striking up a conversation with strangers, handling unforeseen situations, or simply enjoying your own company.
Related: The Only 13-Day Egypt Itinerary Youβll Ever Need
Make exercise part of your routine
Most of us, have a love-hate relationship with exercise. I believe this is because oftentimes we have forced ourselves to do workouts we absolutely hated, shattering our relationship with exercise as a whole. If that sounds like you, this year, focus on doing workouts you actually enjoy. Working out should be something fun and something we look forward to. Not something we dread.
You could sign up for ClassPass, which makes it easier to try different workout classes in your city. Whether, itβs pilates, yoga, Zumba, or something a bit more innovative like HOTWORX, which takes place in an infrared sauna.
Go to networking events
The idea of going to an event where I donβt know anybody and have to strike up a conversation with strangers used to make me cringe. But, this past year, I went to 47 networking events. Apparently, networking is an essential part of starting and growing a business, nobody tells you about. For some background, I started a software company, along with my co-founder Val, during my last year of college β It is a project management tool for content creators.
Networking is essential if youβre looking to advance in your career or to switch careers. Most jobs arenβt even posted online. People who work at that company, get the word out and that is how most companies end up hiring new employees. Now, imagine youβre a well-connected person in your industry. A lot of doors would open for you!
What helped me the most when it came to overcoming the fear of going to networking events by myself, was knowing that if I feel incredibly uncomfortable, I can always leave. Allow yourself to leave an event without beating yourself down for it. Kick all of that negative self-talk to the curve and give yourself grace for at least trying.
Make reading non-fiction books a habit
I canβt express enough how important reading is! Growing up, I used to hate reading books and now I do it almost daily. It is one of the habits that I believe has had the most impact on improving my life. Reading opens you up to new ways of thinking, helps you expand your vocabulary, reduces cognitive decline, helps you expand your knowledge, enhances creativity, reduces stress, and more.
It can be hard to make a habit out of it, but I believe it is extremely important to start with short books youβre very interested in. Choose one or two topics youβre interested in learning more about.
I can write another article going in-depth on how I organize my reading list, and how I implement what I learn into my life. Let me know if this is something youβd be interested in reading.
Expand your knowledge by taking a course
I grew up in a family where I was constantly reminded that all material things can be temporal, and people can choose to leave, but your knowledge will always stay with you. Not only is learning good for advancing in your career, but it also helps keep your brain younger for longer. If you are a curious person and are always looking forward to learning something new, then it would be a good idea to take some online courses.
There are plenty of free courses online on every single topic you could be interested in. Whether itβs for a hobby or an industry-specific topic, as long as you learn something new, youβre on the right track. You could even just watch a few TED talks in a subject area youβre interested in β if youβre low on cash and time but still want to delve into a topic, this is the way to go.
Hereβs to making 2024 a year of incredible growth and transformation with these self-improvement activities. Letβs make it a year to remember, filled with personal achievements and unforgettable experiences.
