Slingshot
New Years Eve is one of my favorite times of the year, not just for the lights and celebrations, but to observe the collective consciousness of my family, friends, and coworkers identifying how they want their lives to change in the new year. Resolutions themselves may be lost to time, or written in a notebook never to be referenced again, and yet I love that in this moment there are billions of people all thinking about how they can make their life better, and in turn, the world.
I have a few goals for the new year, which are small but meaningful. I'd like to run my first half marathon in April, move into a 1-bedroom apartment in New York City (and support a more independent lifestyle), become the healthiest version of myself by the time I turn 25 (only 10 months to go!), take classes in mathematics and education, read often, have a second source of income, and wield higher responsibilities at work. The reason why I'm sharing this is because of an observation that I made about these resolutions in particular, and why I like them so much: they aren't finish lines, they're slingshots.
A good goal isn't terminal. It's something that will pay dividends after it has been accomplished, or open the door to new opportunities. Good goals aren't too far away, and you should be able to create a daily actionable system to achieve them. The consequences of a good goal should benefit your life in more ways than one (the direct outcome of said goal). They should excite you, though the act of showing up may be uncomfortable. They are approached with care, which in turn catalyzes good Quality in the work you choose to do.
During a contemplative time like this one, assess whether or not the goals you're setting for yourself are finish lines, or if they're slingshots. Finish lines are crossed once. Slingshots accelerate you. A few examples of how to add momentum to a goal:
- Save $5000 in a separate emergency fund (finish line) vs Develop an automatic budgeting system, like weekly auto-transfers to high-yield accounts (slingshot).
- Fill up an entire sketchbook by the end of the month (finish line) vs Take an art class (slingshot).
- Lose 15 pounds (finish line) vs Create a workout and wellness plan that works for you (slingshot).
Personally, I'm super excited about what 2025 has to offer. It's going to be a big year for AI, technology, politics and policy, etc. It'll also be a big year for the important people in my life (my twin's first time running the Boston Marathon + applications to PA school, my younger sister's entrance to the working world, my Dad's retirement). I feel grateful to have so much to look forward to, and to enter the new year with supportive friends and family who can hold me accountable. The rhetoric that one should "move in silence" when working hard completely ignores the fact that there should be people in your life who genuinely want the best for you. If these people do not exist, find them. That's a pretty good slingshot.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year! 🎉