Yearly, on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, my sister Elizabeth and I do the Happier Trifecta to set ourselves up for the brand new yr.
Many individuals don’t like making New 12 months’s resolutions, and the workout routines of the Trifecta provide a enjoyable (and nonetheless efficient) different.
The Trifecta for 2024:
- One-word theme—Elizabeth’s is “Ebook” and mine is “Revisited”
- Yearly Problem—this yr’s problem is “Write 24 in ’24“
- “24 for ’24” record—see under!
Analysis reveals that after we set particular goals for ourselves, we’re way more more likely to obtain them. So taking the time to make a listing of issues we wish to accomplish through the yr could make a giant distinction to our happiness.
Nonetheless, how we strategy our goals could make a giant distinction. As an example, as a result of many individuals have dangerous associations with “New 12 months’s resolutions,” they like to make use of the instruments from the Trifecta.
By reframing a job, we will make it appear extra enjoyable, extra manageable, or much less intimidating. For some purpose, individuals love a “24 for twenty-four” record!
There’s no proper manner or fallacious option to make this record—no matter works for you.
As you take into account what so as to add to your “24 for twenty-four” record, these strategies would possibly spark concepts:
Have enjoyable with the quantity “24”
- learn 24 novels
- stretch for 2-4 minutes each hour
- hand over expertise for twenty-four hours
- hold the hours of 2-4:00 pm meetings-free
- go for a protracted hike twice a month (2 x 12)
Be concrete, and body objects as actions, not outcomes
“Attempt 24 new recipes” or “Put together meatless meals 2-4 occasions per week” works higher than “Change into an achieved prepare dinner” or “Prepare dinner extra”
Divide your record into classes
Contemplate the Very important 9 classes of habits to decide on areas to work on:
- Power: train and sleep
- Productiveness: focus, work, progress
- Relationships: join and deepen
- Recharging: calm down and relaxation
- Order: clear and set up
- Function: mirror, establish, have interaction
- Conscious Consumption: consuming, ingesting, spending, scrolling
- Conscious Funding: save, assist, expertise
- Creativity: study, observe, play
As an example, you would possibly divide your record into Power, Productiveness, Order, and Creativity, with six objects in every class.
Select a mixture of large, small, and kooky objects
I at all times embrace one merchandise that I can cross off instantly and likewise throw in a couple of straightforward ones, like “Purchase an area heater for my workplace.” Some are robust duties, like “Get caught up on my bodily picture albums.” I at all times have a couple of enjoyable ones, comparable to “Plan a fragrance evening with pals.”
Construct your record round a single theme or purpose
If you happen to’re particularly enthusiastic about your one-word theme, or you have got a giant problem or transition developing in 2024, you might wish to dedicate your total “24 for ’24 record” to that space—it’s all about “Evolve” or about your transfer to a brand new metropolis.
Embody objects which might be enjoyable or revitalizing
Many individuals fill their lists with issues they ought to do and don’t embrace objects they need to do—particularly Obligers (see under)! Obligers, use your “24 for ’24” record to create outer accountability for issues which might be enjoyable for you. Enjoying tennis, getting a therapeutic massage, studying in your favourite chair on Sunday afternoons…that purpose can go in your record.
Contemplate your Tendency
Take into consideration whether or not you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Insurgent. (Don’t know? Take the free quiz right here.)
- Obligers—discover an accountability associate for tackling the “24 for ’24” record, or discover a type of accountability for particular person objects; additionally, the “24 for ’24” record might itself function a type of accountability
- Questioners—take into account monitoring your goals, customizing a plan, or articulating clearly why you’ve determined to place one thing on the record
- Upholders—spell out your objects clearly and add them to your calendar, if attainable (I discover that I do significantly better with an merchandise when it truly seems on my schedule)
- Rebels—keep in mind, this record isn’t a “to-do” record however a “could-do” record, and it’s meant that will help you do what you need, if you select, to place your identification into the world
Goal for progress, not perfection
Elizabeth and I’ve made these lists for a number of years, and we’ve by no means checked off each merchandise. Nonetheless, we’re at all times joyful we did it.
Discover a option to show your record
Making an enticing show of your record might be enjoyable, and it additionally helps to maintain your record uppermost in your thoughts. I’ve seen individuals do lovely, artistic issues with their lists.
Or if you wish to hold it easy, obtain this free PDF, print it out, and hold it someplace you’ll be able to seek advice from it all year long.
Study from the previous
If you happen to’ve tried and didn’t hold a decision previously, strive approaching it another way. Don’t resolve, “I’m doing it fallacious,” “I have to strive more durable,” or “I’m lazy.” Ask your self, “How may I strategy this purpose a unique manner?” I’ve tried for 2 years in a row to do every day “evaluation studying,” and I’ve by no means managed to do it. So this yr, I plan to do one hour of “evaluation studying” on Saturdays and Sundays. I hope that altering the behavior will make it simpler to maintain.
Backside Line: Go well with Your self
It’s a lot simpler to fulfill our goals for ourselves after we do it in the best way that’s proper for us. Which is less complicated stated than achieved!
Good luck making your “24 for twenty-four” record. I discover it to be such a hopeful, partaking train to set the tone for the brand new yr.