2024: The Year of Ditching Resolutions and Embracing the Empowered "No"
The champagne corks have barely settled, the glitter from Times Square's confetti still swirling in the air, and yet, we're already bombarded with the pressure of resolutions. Gym memberships are sold out, green juice detox kits overflowing grocery shelves, and everyone seems suddenly determined to conquer new productivity peaks. But what if this year, we took a different approach? What if, instead of adding more to our already overflowing plates, we focused on reclaiming what's already there? What if 2024 was the year of the empowered "no"?
My year-end retreat didn't reveal chiseled abs or a newfound love for kale smoothies. Instead, it dropped a truth bomb: I'm a master of people-pleasing. Saying yes, to everything, was my default setting, leaving me drained, resentful, and perpetually behind on my own priorities. The realization was stark: saying yes to everyone meant saying no to myself. I learnt this when I was playing the leela game which lasted me almost 9 hours to complete. I could write more next time yet saying no, setting boundaries and just let other disappointed were the major lessons in the game.
So, this year, I'm flipping the script.
Saying no isn't about becoming a productivity Grinch or building walls around myself. It's about setting healthy boundaries, protecting my energy, and ultimately saying yes to what truly matters. It's about recognizing that our time and energy are finite resources, and that saying no to certain things allows us to say yes to the things that bring us joy, growth, and fulfillment.
What's getting the "no" treatment in 2024?
Projects that spark zero passion (and minimum pay). Life is too short for lukewarm endeavors.
Meetings that could be emails (or skipped entirely). Let's reclaim our calendars and respect each other's time.
Endless "one more things" stealing my zen. Because evenings are for unwinding, not adding to the to-do list.
Requests that zap my energy and don't match my skills. Saying no protects not just my time, but also my ability to deliver my best work.
Instead, I'm saying a big, fat YES to:
My well-being, mind and body. Because a healthy me is a productive, happy me. ♀️️♀️
Doing what I love and excel at. My strengths and passions deserve center stage. ✨
Calculated risks and exciting adventures. Life is meant to be savored, not just survived. ✈️
Building relationships with boundary-respecting peeps. True connections thrive on mutual respect and understanding.
