Looking Ahead to 2024: A Year of Potential

Every New Year is an opportunity for retrospection of the year that has ended, and anticipation of the year to come. 2023 has certainly been an eventful year at ABM College. While we are always happy to celebrate the triumphs of our students and staff, we also recognize that the last few years have been a struggle for many people. Since the pandemic hit in 2020, the world has seemingly been on one chaotic roller coaster ride after another.

What will 2024 have in store for us… Robots? Aliens? Zombies? Would any of it be a shock at this point? One way or another we’ll find out soon enough. There will always be things that are beyond our control, but we can work on improving ourselves to face it in style. So how do we end 2024 as the best versions of ourselves?

Healthy Body

Maintaining good health is important; just ask anyone who is struggling with theirs. More than half of all New Year’s resolutions involve getting healthier. Gym memberships typically jump by 12% every January… With 80% of those new members cancelling within 5 months. Big changes can be hard, and it is easy to get discouraged when we don’t see results proportionate to our efforts.

Don’t starve yourself into dropping 20lbs. Don’t attempt a marathon next week. Don’t quit smoking cold turkey. Those are not realistic goals for most people and usually result in failure and disappointment. This year try focusing on small, positive steps.

Eat Healthier:  Would this be easier if unhealthy foods weren’t so darn tasty? It sure would. You don’t need to give up all your favourites for whole-grain rice wrapped in seaweed though. The best results come from making consistent and balanced food choices. Eat smaller portions, choose salad instead of fries, minimize snacking between meals, etc. Don’t focus on weight, focus on nutrition. Don’t forget to hydrate!

Exercise More:  As a technology-dependent society, we spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. Studies have shown that it’s important to get up and move around for at least a few minutes every hour (or half hour if possible). Take the stairs and go for a walk after a big meal. If you want to try the gym too, look for one with a free trial period. It can be helpful if you bring a partner too – keep each other motivated.

Smoke Less:  If you don’t smoke at all, great – add an extra 10 years to your life expectancy! Smoking and vaping are terrible choices for anyone with lungs. Whether the reason is social, habitual, stress relief, diet aid, or just pure addiction, the toll on your respiratory system is a heavy one. Be mindful of how often you smoke and work to reduce that amount every week.

Calm Mind

Having a healthy body is an excellent foundation, but it’s just as important to keep mental health in mind. Stress, anxiety, and depression are significant contributing factors to exhaustion and a wide array of illnesses. It’s impossible to eliminate all stress, but there are steps you can take to make things more manageable.

Time:  A precious resource that always seems in short supply. It can also be a constant source of stress, especially for those juggling work, school, family, friends, and numerous other commitments. Do your best to prioritize – and that includes time for YOU. Take time to relax. Read a book, watch a show, play a game, enjoy a hobby…

Finance:  The cost of living keeps stubbornly climbing. It’s hard to “cut down on luxuries” if those “luxuries” have already been whittled down to necessities. Prioritize needs over wants, wait for sales when possible, and resist the urge to spend unnecessarily when you do have extra money.

Work:  Everyone’s favourite form of stress, because at least you get paid for it. Work doesn’t have to be an unpleasant grind though. If it is, you might be working for the wrong business or in the wrong field. We spend too much of our lives working to be unhappy. Let 2024 be your turning point if you need a change. Choose a trusted education and earn an online diploma that will get you hired in a career that is meaningful to you.

Peaceful Spirit

Regardless of personal beliefs, every person has a unique spark that sets them apart from everyone else. It’s important to nurture that and to strive to become the best version of yourself. That doesn’t mean conforming to any specific societal ideal or expectation. Stay in touch with friends and family. Donate blood, used clothing, time – anything you can afford to spare that someone else desperately needs.

Above all, the best thing you can do in 2024 is focus on kindness. Kindness costs nothing but is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Everyone is struggling with something you know nothing about,  be patient and empathetic. The world will be better for it.

Conclusion

The important takeaway is that consistent positive changes even in small increments can lead to radical improvements. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice instant results – any lasting change requires commitment and perseverance. Dozens of minor victories are always preferable to a single large defeat. We hope that 2024 is an amazing year for all of you!

Is your resolution for the New Year to pursue a meaningful new career that puts your talents to good use? We might not be able to help with the zombies, but we certainly can help with your education. Get in touch with one of ABM College’s dedicated admissions advisors to learn more about our online diploma programs. If you’re interested in the fields of Health, Business, or Technology we have the right program to get you there.