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Here are some tried and true methods to help keep you on track:
Begin with Journaling
Photo by Hannah Olinger on UnsplashJournaling has many science-backed benefits. Amongst the best of them is that it can help reduce stress/anxiety and improve mental health. Through journaling you can put all of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas into writing, which makes soul-searching a little easier. Through journaling you can easily discover what’s making you happy and what is no longer serving you, making planning that much more simple and clear. In the words of Chilean author Isabel Allende, "You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your own legend, or not.”
Set Measurable Goals
Photo by engin akyurt on UnsplashWe encourage you to dream as big as you want, but in order to make these dreams come true, think about what the beginning steps are. Start small to make sure you’re not overwhelmed from the beginning. It will make sticking with it easier, even when the road gets a little bumpy. The evidence supporting the effectiveness and benefits of this approach is vast, so we know it works.
When you’re thinking about what these first steps are, think about how you can measure progress, for example, if your goal is to run a marathon, your measurable goal can be to start running 2 times per week to build endurance. Thinking about trying to tackle the entire 26.2 miles will feel overwhelming but if you focus on building towards the race a few miles at a time, all of a sudden it doesn’t feel so impossible.
Organize Your Year into Segments
Photo by Gaining Visuals on UnsplashWhether all you have is one big goal or you have a bunch of smaller ones, the best approach is to not try to do it all at once. Instead, try to divide your year into segments and divide the goals into each segment. If any goal is big enough that it’ll take the whole year or more than a year, divide it into the smaller steps you’ll take to accomplish it and assign them to different segments in the year.
The year can easily be divided into trimesters and, as mentioned before, keep writing everything down, so you can come back to it when needed. More importantly, learn how to face and manage your fears. As Elizabeth Colón, Latina entrepreneur and author, advises: "Don't let fear stop you from achieving what you want." Get organized, follow your plan, and keep your eye on the prize.
Celebrate Every Single Accomplishment
Photo by Vanessa Kintaudi on UnsplashBecause you deserve it! Make sure to give yourself the deserved credit for every little step that you’ve accomplished. At the end of the day, those accomplishments that seem small are what’s getting you closer to the finish line. Plus, it gives your brain a little dopamine hit and it reinforces the behavior that led to it. This will motivate you to repeat that behavior, ultimately keeping you pumped and on track.
As Latina TV host and entrepreneur Gladys De La Mora put it, "Making a difference is always possible, especially with persistence and dedication.” Recognizing your progress, no matter how small, is how you can acknowledge your efforts and cheer yourself on. Celebrating is especially important when an accomplishment was so challenging, it made you consider giving up, but you got through it anyway.
Have Fun with it and Don’t be too Hard on Yourself
Photo by Miguel Bruna on UnsplashRemember that what’s most important is how you’re feeling and if any goal becomes overwhelming, or changes into something you don’t want anymore, don’t be afraid to pause and come back to it later in life, or just ditch it altogether. This doesn’t mean you’re a quitter, on the contrary, it shows you aren’t afraid to put yourself first.
As we enter 2024, remember the words of iconic Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla: "If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away, and always believe that the impossible is possible.” Approach your goals with optimism and determination, and may the year ahead be filled with the success you deserve and work toward.
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Get a voucher for a fun indoor activity
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva
Sometimes you need to get out of the house for a lil’ bit, which can get tricky in the winter months. Luckily there are tons of cool things to do indoors. A match at the bowling alley, a trip to the skating rink, a fun trampoline park, indoor rock climbing, going to an arcade like the good ol' days, or a challenging escape room aren't only entertaining things to do, they’re a chance to break free from routine and just have a good time. You can even encourage your loved ones to try something out of the ordinary, like pottery-making or a rage room (because who doesn’t feel like smashing a plate or two every now and then?). It’s all about the stories you’ll tell afterward.
Get tickets to a concert or sporting event
Photo by Harian Nunes
No need to break the bank for this one (although seeing Bad Bunny live in concert would probably be life-changing for your prima, though). You can check out events, concerts, and sports matches near you to find one that might pique their interest! Nothing like bonding over screaming for their favorite artist or chanting their team’s name.
Plan a day trip
Photo by KoolShooters
You don't have to go far for a memorable trip. Bet you there are many places in or around your hometown that you’ve never even been to! Invite your mamá to escape her daily routine with a day-long trip to that winery you’ve always talked about, that beautiful park just a drive away, or that restaurant your gift-received loved that one time and hasn’t had the chance to go back to. Pick a few spots to visit around town and enjoy your one-day holiday!
Prepare a night in
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Some of the best memories happen when you keep it simple. If your gift-receiver is a homebody who would much prefer staying in, set up a cozy movie marathon with all the snacks, a board game tournament where stakes are high (we’re talking bragging rights for months), or even a karaoke session in your living room. Bonus points if you throw in a homemade pizza night or some cheeky drinks to keep the party going. Promise you’ll be talking about this experience for days.
Get them a membership card, subscription, or yearly pass
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Depending on what their interests are, your friends and family might benefit from a museum pass to see all the different exhibitions and events happening throughout the year, a gym membership to help ‘em get on track with their New Year’s resolutions, a yearly book subscription so they receive a new title every month, or even a subscription to a food delivery service that’ll help them catch a break from cooking every now and then. There are also state park and national park passes that are a steal if you visit just two times. Truly a gift that’ll keep on giving!
Sign them up for online or in-person classes
Nowadays there are a million ways to learn a new skill, hobby, or even language. You can take a look at what courses are being offered in your vicinity or online. Maybe some bachata or salsa classes for your primo who has two left feet but has always wanted to learn? A course that’ll teach your papá how to paint with watercolors? Or better yet, sign them up for an online learning platform (there are many of ‘em both in English and Spanish) where they can choose their own courses and learn at their own pace.
Give back to the community
Photo by Timur Weber
A meaningful experience for you, your loved ones, and those who need it the most, volunteering can be a wonderful way to give back to your community while enjoying the company of those you care about. There are many ways you can volunteer. You can find a local soup kitchen that needs some help, reach out to a community center near you, or ask your local library if they have any openings. A quick search will surely have some interesting things pop up!
Book a Wellness Experience
Photo by John Tekeridis
Life is stressful, so sometimes the best gift is a chance to relax. Treat them to a massage or facial at a spa, or book them into a cozy sauna or steam room session. For something a little different, consider a yoga or meditation class, a relaxing aromatherapy experience, or even a sound bath. These simple wellness experiences are a great way to help someone recharge and feel amazing.
Gift them a DYI experience
Photo by Elena Kloppenburg on UnsplashA little creativity goes a long way! Consider gifting your loved one the opportunity to make something with their own hands. You could give them a scrapbooking set so they can capture their favorite moments of the year, a painting or pottery kit so they can let their inner artists shine, or a cooking set for making homemade pasta, cupcakes, or even personalized pizzas. If they’re into pampering, a soap or bath bomb-making kit will allow them to create their own spa experience at home. The options are endless.
Donate to a cause close to their heart
Photo by RDNE Stock project
What better way to celebrate this time for giving than to support a meaningful cause? Talk to your loved one about making an end-of-year donation in their name to an organization that needs your help. There are many Latino nonprofits that could surely use a hand.
That one crazy family get-together, that impromptu weekend road trip, the time you went out dancing with friends ‘til you were sore, and the very first time you went ice skating, are all experiences you will remember forever. So this year, how about we invest our time and money into living life to the fullest?
