Chances are you’ve set some goals for yourself in the new year – good for you! At Ironhack, we are all thinking of how we are going to improve in 2023. Setting resolutions and goals is great, but actually implementing changes can be really hard. We’ve found that instead of focusing solely on your SMART goals, it can be helpful to take on some new habits that will put you in the right frame of mind to achieve them.
Our lives are constantly evolving and the decisions we make each day have a direct impact on our overall well-being. Developing healthy habits is one of the most beneficial steps we can take to improve our lives in the long run: it helps us become more productive, efficient, and healthy.
Start with Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is key when it comes to achieving success. Start by setting aside time in your day for activities that are solely dedicated to looking after yourself. This could be anything from taking a morning walk or journaling to indulging in a relaxing bubble bath or reading your favorite book. The important thing is that you’re making time for yourself and prioritizing it.
Part of self care is definitely getting enough sleep. With our constant connectivity, it can be easy for time to escape us; with all the screen time, falling asleep can be difficult. A good night’s sleep is essential for a productive and stress-free day. Aim to get 8 hours of restful sleep each night so you can wake up feeling energized and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Exercise is also a part of this. Exercising as a habit can have extraordinary benefits for both your physical and mental health. Regular physical exercise helps control your weight, strengthens muscles, reduces fat, promotes healthy bones and joints, increases energy levels, reduces stress, and improves your mood.
In addition to these benefits on the physical level, regular exercise can also help improve overall mental wellbeing by increasing self-confidence, reducing depression and anxiety, improving cognitive skills and promoting better sleep. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and wellbeing, why not make regular physical exercise part of your daily routine? You won’t regret it!
Get Organized!
Organizing your life may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The key to getting organized is developing good habits and creating routines that help you stay on track. Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, make a list of your goals. Take some time to sit down and think about what you would like to achieve in the coming months. Writing out your goals will help make them a reality.
Another helpful tip for getting organized is to declutter and reorganize your space. Whether you work at home or in a shared office space, setting yourself up for success now will help you to maintain your organization as the new year unfolds. Go through your closet, kitchen cabinets, and desk drawers and sort out what you need and what can be donated or thrown away.
Finally, make a calendar! Map out your year. Write down important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, and more so that you never miss anything important. Set up reminders on your phone or computer to check in with yourself on a regular basis and make sure everything is still running smoothly.
Consider Meditation
Meditation has been increasingly recognized as a helpful method for managing mental and physical health, as well as improving one's overall wellbeing. In the past few years, many people have turned to meditation to help them cope with challenging emotions and stressful situations. One of the most important goals for anyone practicing meditation is to become more mindful and present in each moment.
In 2023, consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine. Dedicating at least 10 minutes each day to a guided meditation or visualization practice can help you to achieve inner peace and clarity. With regular practice, you can improve your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing in the long term. A mindful approach to life will help you to reach your goals faster and more efficiently.
Embrace Technology, but not TOO Much!
In 2023, technology will be playing an increasingly central role in our lives. From smart phones that can answer questions and make decisions to intelligent transportation systems that can minimize traffic congestion, technology will be making life simpler and more efficient. This is great news, regardless of the industry you work in. Technology is going to be a part of your life and hopefully it will be for the better.
That being said, we want to encourage you to find a healthy balance between screen time and real life. If you are working in technology, it can be easy to stay connected constantly, but you’ll want to make it a habit to break that time up. Be sure to get up and go for a walk periodically, or find a group with similar (non-tech) interests so you can nourish the social side of your life as well. Take some time away from screens and gadgets to give your mind a break and your tech-weary brain will thank you for it.
Invest in Your Education Regularly
Your education is one of the most important investments you can make in your life. It can help you to open up a world of opportunities, from increasing your earning potential to developing skills that will make you more competitive in the workforce.
An investment in your education may be the best one you ever make! Not only could it lead to greater job opportunities and higher pay, but it could also give you the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world. Plus, you’ll be setting yourself up for success for years to come! In 2023, we want to encourage you to invest in an education that will help you meet your goals and have fun while doing it.
Education is really lifelong currency. If you dedicate around 18 minutes per day to a single skill or subject, you’ll become an expert over the course of a year. Think about what you enjoy doing and how it could fit into the mosaic of your life and career, then make a plan. If there’s a subject that interests you or piques your curiosity, learn more about it. You never know what doors that knowledge will open.
The best part about investing in your education is that you quite literally get to choose your path. Sure, we have to go through traditional education systems to get to our first professional role but as adult, life-long learners, we have the autonomy to decide what we want to learn, when and why. Education has a huge impact on your career options. Of course, there are people who become successful without a formal education, but those are exceptions to the rule. The data is clear: the more education you have, the more likely you are to achieve professional success and satisfaction.
An Ironhack bootcamp is a great option if you want to jumpstart your career with new tech skills. From web development to data analytics and UX/UI design, Ironhack has the right career path for you.
With these simple tips, you can start the new year off right and set yourself up for success! What are your goals for 2023? Let us know in the comments below. Happy New Year!
