The question (not mantra) to help you win 2024
This question will silence the White Elephant that crashed all of our NYE parties.
Happy New Year!
In an attempt not to start 2024 the way most conversations go after the ball has dropped, I’ll avoid asking if you had a nice holiday, stayed up until midnight, and have any resolutions for the New Year.
It’s not that I don’t care.
It’s just that I have something else on my mind, and it has to do with you, 2024, and a glimpse at all of us one year from now.
On this first Thursday of January, I‘m guessing that even if you haven’t officially made a resolution(s), there’s some area (or areas) of your life you’d like to see improve.
Am I right?
And even though we can make those upgrades any day of the year, January sure is a convenient time to jump on the self-improvement bandwagon and see what we can do.
This is why resolutions are so popular. They’re our shot at declaring we #giveadamn about our own livelihood and then following through on those intentions.
But there’s a glitch that happens every year… almost like deja vu.
And that glitch just happens to be What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
I’ve got a theory on why our resolutions might fizzle out and die.
They do this because of a voice in our heads. And even though it’s a voice, it actually prefers to be called the New Year’s White Elephant in the room.
That White Elephant sabotages our NY attempts by saying things like:
Whoa, slow down. Don’t say you’re going to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, etc. because what if you try and don’t succeed?
Why make a resolution? It didn’t work the last five years.
Why even say you’re going to ditch sugar when you know you’ll break it the first time Darlene in accounting shows up with donuts?
Why go to the gym when the last ten times you quit by Valentine’s Day?
That darn elephant can really get in the way of our best intentions.
But I’ve got a counter question that will put that elephant in its place:
WHAT IF EVERYTHING DOES WORK OUT THIS YEAR?
Say that again, inserting your resolution or intention.
What if this year, I do ____________(lose the weight, quit smoking, exercise more)?
Anytime that elephant tromps into your space, focus on proving that bad boy wrong.
What if everything does work out?
With that, I’ve got some fun things to start 2024 off in style.
XO,
Abbey
P.S. Shoutout to my amiga Rebecca for posting that question on FB and possibly changing my entire trajectory for 2024.
listen
In this podcast, a nutrition expert dishes on air fryers, Nespresso pods, the impact of processed foods on health, and more.
The future of work in 2024 on Working Conversations with Dr. Janel Anderson.
stream
Fashion trends in 2024 if you’re over 40, like Patent Leather, or prefer a classic look.
We all had different experiences in 2020, and personally, I prefer to block out that whole year. But there are so many interesting stories… like two New Yorkers who met at the start of the pandemic and went on The Longest Third Date - check it out on Netflix.
Photo by Aviv Rachmadian on Unsplash
read
Did you know that a person who lives to be 80 only has 4000 weeks? That’s the premise behind 4000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman (also available in Spanish).
I’m getting into blogs again (this week, focusing on fashion). I was happy to find Kathleen Jennings’ product reviews, Bohemian glam/lifestyle tips, a fabulous roundup of home/travel/fashion/more, and omg love the StreetStyleSquad.
travel
Looking to travel solo in 2024? Here are the best spots.
See what Travel + Leisure named the top 50 spots in 2024.
The latest on travel requirements for Americans traveling to Europe.
buy
Three stocks to buy in 2024 and 9 things to stop doing (to get richer).
Maximize your dollars - here’s what to buy and what to skip in January.
eat
A roundup of clean eating sites for 2024.
Delicious and easy-to-follow recipes at Healthy Girl Kitchen.
on a serious note
Whether you’ve made resolutions or prefer to take things day by day, don’t forget the secret question for 2024… What If Everything Does Work Out?
And did I mention that asking, “What if everything does work out?” also applies to manifesting?
So, whether you’re giving something up, adding something to your routine, or trying to attract something or someone new into your life… remember to focus on a positive outcome.
You got this.
Let’s make this a great year.
Ciao,
Abbey
Pic of me yelling FORE to 2024.
Happy New Year, Abbey! I love how you're encouraging everyone to focus on proving that doubt wrong and embracing the possibility of success. Your positive and empowering message resonates, and it's a fantastic way to kick off the year. Looking forward to more inspiring and insightful posts from "What I'd Rather Be Talking About" in 2024!