Turning the Page: Reflections on My 2023 Reading Challenge and Looking Ahead to 2024

Greetings, Book Lovers and Goal Setters!

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the rollercoaster that was 2023, especially regarding my reading challenge. Last year, riding high on the success of meeting my goal of 20 books, I ambitiously set my sights on 24 for 2023. Little did I know, the year had other plans for me.

A Year of Change and Challenge

2023 started promisingly, with more free time during my career break. But then came a significant shift: I resumed work, this time as an expat in consulting in a new country. Hello, new people, new culture, new workplace! My priorities naturally shifted as I immersed myself in connecting with this vibrant new world around me.

The Unexpected Twists

But here’s the thing: my packed work schedule made it tough to switch back to reading during my downtime. Instead, I found myself gravitating towards ‘achievement activities’ like reading stock reports, or the other extreme – mindless social media scrolling. This pattern, a blend of seemingly busy life and a craving for pure leisure, set off alarm bells in my head. Was this really the personal growth I envisioned?

A New Approach to New Year Resolutions

As we stand on the brink of 2024, I’m hitting the ‘reset’ button on my reading goals. This time, I’m going for realism over ambition. I’m setting my target at 18 books, reflecting what I actually achieved this year. And here’s a twist: I’m breaking it down into bite-sized monthly goals – two books one month, one the next. This approach aligns with my mental state, always eager to tick off achievements, however small they may be.

Embracing Flexibility and Self-Compassion

Most importantly, I’ve learned not to beat myself up over missed goals. Recognizing our circumstances and planning for improvement is far more crucial. Life is fluid, and our goals should be too.

Signing Off with Optimism

To everyone gearing up for 2024, remember: it’s okay to recalibrate your goals. It’s not just about reaching the destination but also enjoying the journey. Here’s to a year of realistic goals, personal growth, and, of course, some great reads. All the best for 2024!

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