As we welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. For many, the start of the year brings a renewed sense of motivation and the opportunity to set new goals. New Year’s resolutions can serve as powerful tools to inspire change, improve habits and create lasting impact. Whether you’re focusing on personal growth, fitness or expanding your knowledge, resolutions can help guide you toward the best version of yourself.
Walking 20,000 Steps a Day: The Power of Consistency
One of the most impactful resolutions I set for myself last year was to walk 20,000 steps a day. At first, it seemed like a daunting challenge, but with consistency and planning, it became a habit that transformed my daily routine. It was greatly helped by the lovely Elvis, my son’s dog.
In 2024, I hit an average of 20,000 steps a day, which equals:
- 7,300,000 steps in total for the year.
- Over 3,650 miles walked — equivalent to walking around the world almost one and a half times!
The benefits weren’t just physical; walking became my time to clear my mind, reflect, and even come up with new ideas. This resolution helped improve my overall health and mental well-being, proving that small daily actions can lead to big, life-changing results. Walking 20,000 steps a day also kept me connected to the outdoors, allowing me to appreciate nature and reduce the stress that so often accumulates throughout the day. #seenonmywalk
Reading 50 Books: Fuelling the Mind with Knowledge
Another resolution that made a lasting impact was reading 50 books over the course of the year. It might sound like a lot, but once you break it down, it’s manageable.
Here’s a breakdown of my reading achievement for 2024:
- 50 books read — an average of one book every week.
- Approximately 15,000 pages turned throughout the year.
Reading provided me with a sense of escape and personal growth, opening up new perspectives on life and enriching my understanding of the world. It also served as a reminder of how important it is to constantly learn and challenge ourselves. Whether it was through a gripping novel or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, reading was a resolution that filled my days with inspiration.
My top ten books from 2024
- The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods
- Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle – Stuart Turton
- Weyward – Emelia Hart
- Butter – Asako Yuzuki
- Dare to Lead – Brene Brown
- In Memoriam – Alice Winn
- Breaking the Dark – Lisa Jewell
- Mona of the Manor – Armistead Maupin
- Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson
- The Figurine – Victoria Hislop
#lovereading
Setting Resolutions for 2025
As we look forward to 2025, consider setting resolutions that will push you to grow, both mentally and physically. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Commit to daily physical activity: Whether it’s walking 10,000 or 20,000 steps, or setting a goal to hit a certain number of workouts per week, consistent exercise has countless benefits for your physical and mental health.
- Read more books: Set a realistic goal for the number of books you’d like to read this year. Aim for a range of genres to keep it interesting and broaden your understanding. There’s no limit to the knowledge you can gain.
- Practice gratitude: Taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can greatly improve your outlook on life and boost your overall happiness.
- Cultivate a new skill: Choose a new hobby or skill that excites you — whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or honing your cooking skills.
- Prioritise mental well-being: Set aside time for self-care activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply disconnecting from technology. Your mental health deserves just as much attention as your physical health.
Resolutions Aren’t Just Goals
This New Year is the perfect time to set resolutions that not only challenge you but inspire you to grow. Whether it’s stepping up your fitness game by walking 20,000 steps a day or diving into a world of books, the key is consistency and the belief that small steps can create big changes.
Remember, resolutions aren’t just about achieving a goal — they’re about committing to the journey of self-improvement. Let this year be the one where you make lasting progress toward the person you want to become.
Here’s to an inspiring, fulfilling, and successful 2025!
If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at the Antwis Collaborative website. Home (antwiscollaborative.co.uk)
At Antwis Collaborative, we are dedicated to empowering school leaders through personalised coaching, cutting-edge professional learning, and unwavering support. With decades of experience in education, we understand the challenges and opportunities that today’s school leaders face. Our goal is to help leaders unlock their potential, foster positive school cultures, and create transformative learning opportunities that impact both staff and pupils.
With 30 years of experience working in schools, including 20 years as a school and Trust leader, Antwis Collaborative brings expertise, insight, and empathy to the table. We are more than a consultancy; we are partners in your leadership journey. Our collaborative approach ensures that support is tailored to the individual needs of each leader and school, driving sustainable, long-term impact.
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