reacting to my old new year's resolutions

Successes

Emma Chamberlain reflects on her New Year's resolutions from 2023 and 2024, examining which goals she successfully achieved. She acknowledges a shift in her spending habits, moving away from a shopping addiction to more mindful spending, a change that manifested fully in 2024 1. Emma emphasizes the importance of planting seeds with resolutions, noting that while many goals didn't materialize in 2023, they eventually came to fruition the following year 2.

I wrote these resolutions in the beginning of the year and did not return to them again. I didn't check up on them on a monthly basis. So my New Year's resolutions for me were more of a seed planted.

--- Emma Chamberlain

This approach highlights the value of setting intentions, even if immediate results aren't visible 3.

   

Challenges

Emma candidly discusses the challenges she faced with some of her resolutions, particularly in reading and creative exploration. Despite her desire to read more, she only managed to finish three books in 2024, attributing this to a lack of energy after her daily activities 4. She also struggled to engage in creative hobbies like music production and playing instruments, despite having the resources at her disposal 5.

I have a lot of musicians in my life, including my father. So, like, it's not like this stuff never gets touched or used.

--- Emma Chamberlain

Emma's work-life balance improved as she transitioned from working in bed to a more structured desk setup, yet she still seeks to find time for personal experimentation 6.

   

Comparison

Emma compares her resolutions from 2023 to 2024, noting a shift from deeper, more introspective goals to a more surface-level approach. She admits that many of her 2023 resolutions didn't carry over, leading her to adopt a different strategy for 2024 2. Despite this, she recognizes the importance of hobbies and personal interests, though she struggles to prioritize them amidst her career and social life 7.

I haven't found a sustainable model for it yet. I will mention though that my career, a lot of my career actually includes things that are also my hobbies.

--- Emma Chamberlain

Emma's reflections reveal a journey of self-discovery and adaptation, as she continues to navigate her personal and professional aspirations.