Aioli everyone, we hope you have all been well this festive season, as the curtain falls on 2024, many of us find ourselves looking back at the year that was. It has been a time of challenges, growth, and change. This period is a prime opportunity to assess what we’ve achieved, what we’ve learned, and how we can elevate our lives as we step into the new year.
In this blog post, you'll find practical insights in reflecting on 2024 with us while laying the foundation for New Year's resolutions. Whether your focus is on health, relationships, or personal growth, setting clear and meaningful goals can empower you in the year ahead.
Reflecting on 2024: What Have You Learned? Building New Years Resolutions
Taking a moment to think back on the past year can provide invaluable lessons. Here are questions to guide your reflection:
What were my biggest achievements?
Celebrate your milestones. Maybe you landed a new job, lost 10 pounds, or repaired a strained friendship. These moments of joy deserve acknowledgment.
Our biggest achievement for 2024 was graduating in April with a Bachelor of Communications from the University of South Australia (UniSA). It was our first-ever trip to Adelaide and even though a lot of planning went into the whole trip, it still doesn't feel real. To think we walked across that stage, had our photo taken with the dean of the university with our testamur in hand, still all feels like a dream, it was defiantly a pinch me moment, we really did that.
What challenges did I face?
Reflect on the hurdles you encountered, such as a job loss or a health scare, and how you managed to overcome them. Ask yourself what you might change about your approach if faced with similar challenges again.
Our biggest challenge that we faced in 2024, was almost not getting to graduate because we had failed a subject a couple of times running. We had to collaborate with a student advocate to plead our case, and luckily, we were successful, but the stress and nerves during that time especially being so close to graduation was so scary.
What did I learn about myself?
Recognize your evolution. Did you find out you excel under pressure, or perhaps discovered a new passion for art? These insights define who you are.
This year I learned I need to give myself more credit for what I can achieve, credit for my strength and determination, if I set my mind to it, I can do it and achieve great things, I mean I graduated with my bachelor's degree, something I thought I would never achieve and I did it, I can so do this.
How did I grow?
Consider how you've transformed this year. For instance, if you took up yoga, you likely experienced physical and emotional growth, enhancing both your strength and mindfulness.
Following on from the last answer, I definitely grew a lot in self-appreciation, letting go of the doubt and just giving it my best try is all I can ever do. I am defiantly one of those people who worries a lot if they can do it and if they can do it well, but I had to learn failure and imperfections are okay, you can only give it your best go and if that isn't enough well at least you tried than backing away in fear.
Reflecting on these questions can foster closure and prepare you for the new year.
Setting Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
Now that you have a clearer picture of your past year, it's time to set your New Year's resolutions. Here are strategies to create impactful goals:
1. Be Specific
Specificity makes goals easier to tackle. Rather than saying, "I want to get fit," commit to something like, "I will attend a fitness class every Saturday." Clear goals help track your journey and stay motivated.
2. Make Your Goals Measurable
Create benchmarks to assess your progress. If your goal is to start a side business, aim to complete one market research task each week. Tracking measurable goals can motivate you to stay on course.
3. Focus on What Matters
Identify the areas of your life that are crucial, such as health, family, career, or personal satisfaction. For example, if family time is essential, set a resolution to have a weekly game night, enhancing your relationships.
4. Set Actionable Steps
Detail a plan for reaching your goals. If your aim is to learn a foreign language, take the first step by downloading a language app and studying for 15 minutes each day.
5. Hold Yourself Accountable
Sharing your goals increases the likelihood of success. Discuss your resolutions with a friend, join a community group, or even connect with colleagues. Supporting each other can keep your motivation high.
Committing to Your Resolutions
Committing to change can be the hardest part of setting resolutions. Remember, transformation requires time and patience. It's normal to encounter setbacks; practicing self-compassion can make this journey easier.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset will help you see challenges as opportunities. Celebrate small victories. If you struggled to stick to your exercise plan, but still made it to the gym twice a week, recognize that as progress.
Keep a Journal/Blog
Document your journey to maintain accountability. Write about your daily wins, setbacks, and feelings. This practice not only serves as motivation but also allows you to observe your patterns over time, providing insight for future decisions.
Revisit and Revise Your Goals
Flexibility is essential in goal-setting. You may find that some resolutions do not resonate as the year unfolds. Be open to adjusting your targets to align with new interests or opportunities that arise.

Embracing the New Year
As we transition into a new year, reflecting on our 2024 experiences can lay the groundwork for our resolutions in 2025. By setting intentional, specific, and measurable goals, we can create a path of growth and accomplishment.
Embrace the journey ahead with an open heart, treat yourself with kindness, and be ready to adapt your plan as needed. May this New Year offer you the chance to chase your passions, achieve your goals, and build a fulfilling life.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on another year filled with opportunities and personal growth!
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