Have you ever tried sticking to New Year’s resolutions? I did, but they hardly ever worked for me. One time, I ambitiously set a new year’s goal to read 10 books in 12 months. This was before the era of audiobooks, which are my preferred method of consumption. At the time, I was struggling to finish even one book in three months. I now wonder how I thought I could achieve that goal. Essentially, I was telling myself I’d be reading at least one book a month. Well, you guessed right—that goal was dead on arrival.

The realisation soon hit hard, and I understood that it is self-sabotaging to impose unrealistic goals. The world’s pressures have made us excessively demanding, even towards ourselves. The constant distractions and pressures from all directions make it nearly impossible to resist. The results? anxiety over finances or health, unhealthy competition, depression, envy, distractions, procrastination, self-hatred, and even self-doubt, causing one to be ungrateful and feel like a failure, particularly towards the end of the year.

Thriving through the world’s pressures

I admit, there were times I succumbed to the world’s pressures, dreading the end of the year and forcing myself into self-reflection. Even when I resisted, scrolling through social media feeds pushed me into negative thoughts, leaving me somewhat depressed and unproductive. However, there’s a word that has since kept me sane, focused, and at peace. It has silenced the world’s noise, directly or subtly telling me that I lack what it takes or cannot achieve my desires. Suppose you’re still reading to this point, dear readers and followers of #CareerBeacon; I want to share that word with you:

“… brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Living positively by this word can inspire you in 2024 to maintain a healthier life balance. Here are four practical ways it can positively impact your life:

1. Self-Care:

Engage in interests that bring you joy and relaxation. Allocate time for activities like meditation, exercise, reading, or spending time with your loved ones.

2. Skill Development:

In a rapidly advancing world, acquire new skills or enhance existing ones in 2024. Whether it is professional skills or personal interests, like learning a new language or a musical instrument, continue to self-develop.

3. Screen Time Management:

Set limits on your social media use. Doing this has been a blessing to me. Take breaks from screens and incorporate activities that don’t involve electronic devices. It is difficult, but possible and effective when done right.

4. Social Connections:

Spend quality time with your family and friends, strengthen your social connections, engage in face-to-face interactions, and build a supportive network that improves your well-being.

While I am still improving on all of these practices (because, let’s face it, there are times when my focus wavers or seclusion gets the best of me), I’ve witnessed how living by this word has significantly improved my personal and professional life.

As You Choose to Thrive in 2024

I hope this word blesses you as much as it has blessed me. My prayer for you in 2024 is that you think positively and act on those positive thoughts. Live life with no regrets, fear, or intimidation at home or in the workplace. Have the courage to take new strides that will propel you to greater heights. When challenges come, may you be granted the grace to overcome them and, every day, find reasons to be grateful for life.

Until next year,

Bukola Osuntuyi

If you enjoyed reading this, subscribe to my newsletter, which comes out every two weeks. In it, I discuss personal journeys, business strategies, and growth motivation.