One thing you probably know about me by now is that I’m always trying to improve. I’m always working towards new goals, new levels and being better than I was yesterday. Certain areas of my life are much easier to work on than others, but overall, I’m constantly striving to be the next best version of myself.
To do that, it requires building habits and routines that support my growth and development. It also requires letting go of habits and routines that no longer serve me. I spend a lot of time at the end of the year reflecting on things that work and don’t work in my life, money and business. I want to share those reflections with you! Keep reading for the habits I plan to implement as quickly as possible to help me step into the next best version of myself this year.
5 Ways I’m Leveling Up My Life This Year
#1 Expand My Overall Knowledge
I’ll be the first to admit when I don’t know something. However, if there’s a gap in my knowledge of something, I work to close that gap by seeking out information. I don’t want to wait until I have a need for information to expand my knowledge. I want to be proactive and work to expand my knowledge immediately.
There are so many ways a person can go about expanding their knowledge, but for me, I plan to do so by reading physical books, listening to audiobooks, taking online classes and courses, and regularly reading news articles. I currently read physical books and one of my goals for 2025 is to read 2 books per month. As far as audiobooks go, I love listening to topics on business and personal growth, so I will do a better job of increasing the amount of time I listen to audiobooks this year. Check out this YouTube short I did about some of my favorite audiobooks.
Lastly, I want to expand my knowledge by taking more online courses. I’ve taken a few in the past, mostly around building up a business, but I’d love to take classes related to things I have an interest in but never took the time to learn. I’d love to learn more about podcasting, maintaining a healthy diet, fostering a successful marriage, and marketing. Fortunately, there’s a course for everything now, so while it may require initial research up front, it will be worth it when my knowledge base continues to increase!
#2 Monitor What Goes into My Body
My health and physical wellbeing are important to me. I know I can be better with my diet, and it’s going to start with me being more mindful about what I put into my body. I’m very aware of the foods I eat, whether they’re good or bad, but I don’t do a good enough job of monitoring what ingredients are included.
Basically, I haven’t closely monitored what I eat and can’t really say what does and doesn’t have a negative effect on my body. I want to know my body better than I currently do. I want to be the healthiest version of myself. I want to know what I’m eating, what the ingredients are, and what the macro count is always.
Even as I think this though, it sounds intimidating, but it’s going to be worth the work. I’m not fully happy with where I’m at in my body and the only way that will change is if I give more attention to the foods and drinks I consume. My goal is not to be extremely skinny or hit a certain number on the scale. My goal is to feel my best, have confidence in the clothes I wear and know that I’m doing what’s best for my body.
#3 Surround Myself with Successful People
You may be surprised to learn this, but I’m more introverted than extroverted. I can put myself out there. I can show up on camera. I can meet new people if I’m in those situations, but it’s been a while since I’ve proactively put myself in situations to meet new people.
I have my core group of friends that I love to spend time with. I have family members that I see. I have a few clients and industry acquaintances that I connect with, but outside of that, I’m not really out and about meeting new people. I think that needs to change if I want to become the next best version of myself. Not just in meeting new people, but in surrounding myself with successful people – people who’ve built more than me, who run bigger businesses than me, who are wealthier than me, who have long lasting marriages, who have been to more places than me.
I don’t just mean successful in terms of financial means, but successful in life and the pursuit of happiness. I need to surround myself with people who have things I don’t or who’ve achieved things I want so that I can learn and hear their perspectives.
Jim Rohn said, “you are the average of the 5 people you hang around.” While I adore the friends and family I do hang around, and I need to expand my network. One way I can start is by suggesting virtual “coffee chats” with some people in my industry. Another thing I can do is attend events in Austin. My fiancé is in the luxury car industry and when there are events, I should be going with him to meet different types of people. Just the thought of it is a little nerve-wracking, but I know it’s necessary.
#4 Continued Self-Reflection and Inner Work
I fully believe the self-work never stops. There’s always more to learn about ourselves. There’s always inner work that needs to be done. To become “Raya 2.0”, I need to double down on the self-reflection and inner work I’ve already started. I need to keep going. I need to go deeper.
The therapist I worked with all of 2024 is no longer under my insurance, so I’m taking this as an opportunity to find someone who can really help me take the inner work to the next level. It may cost me, but I know it will be worth every penny.
Another part of doing the inner work would be for me to work with a business coach. I understand that I am not my business, but my business and the work I do IS my passion. If I can continue to grow and hone in on my business, there will be an enhanced sense of purpose in my life and living/working in my purpose is very important to me.
#5 Doing More of What Makes Me Happy
The next best version of myself is going to be the happiest I’ve ever been. To achieve that, I need to make sure I’m constantly doing more of what makes me happy. I don’t want to confuse this with never being uncomfortable or putting myself in challenging situations, I think those are needed for continued character growth.
I’m merely saying that instead of watching TV or scrolling social media, I want to be doing things that truly bring joy. This could be taking an extra walk outside, playing with my dogs, planning a trip, going to the movie theaters, researching new restaurants, or visiting local libraries and bookstores.
I use TV and social media to “check out”, but I know I’d feel 1000x better if I spend that time doing things that make me happy. In the grand scheme of things, our time on this earth is so short. Filling our time with things, people, and places we love seems like a great way to make the most of the time we do have.
Related: CGS Podcast Episode #108 – 6 Next-Level Habits I’m Adding to My Life
So, there you have it – the ways I plan on stepping into the next best version of myself this year. I want to give these habits and routines an honest shot. I want to see how they impact my personal and professional growth. Then, I want to continue to find new ways to become the next best version of myself! I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same!
Do you have plans to level up your life this year? What habits and routines will you be implementing? Drop a comment below to share!
-Raya
The CGS Team
