Cover The beginning the year is often a great time to implement new habits (Photo: Getty images)
The beginning the year is often a great time to implement new habits (Photo: Getty images)
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From killing it on the dance floor to taking it easy, here are our Tatler Hong Kong editors’ hopes and goals for the new year
Whether you subscribe to the “new year, new me” concept or not, the beginning the year is still a great time for reflection. In that sense, 2024 heralds a brand new beginning that is full of promises and possibilities. And our editors here at Tatler Hong Kong have also been inspired by the new year to set new goals.
From experimenting with mindful drinking to practising the art of being unfazed, and even the oldie-but-a-goodie ambition of getting fit, here are the new year’s resolutions of our editors—who knows, some of them might inspire you.
You might also like: Is the concept of ‘new year, new me’ empowering and effective for personal growth?
Focusing on mental health
I don’t believe in the “new year, new me” thing. To me, we don’t need to wait for a certain time to start doing something or make a change. I also practically never leave the gym, so “working out” is not something I need to add to my list—it’s already at the top (yes, that’s a brag). Having said all this, I do have a few resolutions for 2024.
I began meditating regularly last year, and going forward, I’m committed to doing so at least twice a day. I started this practice at the end of December and have already seen a difference in my mood: life’s stressors feel more manageable, I feel less anxious and I sleep better. I’ve also decided to zero in on my mental diet—something that, in my opinion, is just as important as a clean, healthy physical diet. This includes things like setting strong boundaries, allowing myself to process my emotions and letting go of any anger and resentment from the past. In so many ways, mental and physical diets go hand in hand. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.
Being present and prioritising joy
Generally speaking I don’t do new year’s resolutions. Inevitably, I never stick to them, and since I consider myself a constant work in progress anyway, it seems much more realistic and achievable to just meet each day with my best that day—whatever that day’s version of “my best” happens to be. I have, however, acknowledged hopes I have moving forward: to be more present and connected to those I love, and to seek out or create more moments that bring me happiness.
Also, just for funsies, as a beauty lover who finds so much joy in the creativity of make-up, I’ve been wearing super minimal (for me) looks since the outbreak of the pandemic. What with working from home and just trying to stay above water in terms of my physical and mental health, I had stopped prioritising having fun with make-up—which is such a shame because I have an amazing collection of products! So, this year I’m going to have fun with beauty again. Hey, that Pat McGrath Labs eyeshadow quad isn’t going to use itself.
Slow down
My New Year’s resolution is to live slowly. With life in general, and especially with my line of work in media, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and I’m constantly rushing from one thing to another. This is my dream job, but I think if I slow down and truly savour each moment, I can find more joy, fulfillment, and peace in my life.
This means prioritising self-care, allowing myself time to rest, recharge, and reflect. It also involves being mindful of my choices and focusing on what truly matters to me—both personally and professionally. “No” is a full sentence and in 2024, I intend to live with intention and do the things that really make my heart happy.
- Tara Sobti, head, VIP content & community, Tatler Hong Kong
Mastering nonchalance
In the grand tradition of New Year’s resolutions, where one pledges to climb mountains or nibble more kale, I, too, shall embark on a journey of self-improvement. I resolve to elevate the art of not giving a flying fig (or any airborne fruit, for that matter) about the mundane, while maintaining a keen eye on matters of actual consequence—like staying vigilant against the tragic depletion of my gourmet cheese stash. In a world inundated with fleeting fads and must-dos, I will be the immovable object, a bastion of blissful apathy, selectively engaged only by matters that stir the soul, such as a perfectly cooked steak (don’t you dare say medium well) or finding socks that actually match. Here’s to a new year of masterful nonchalance and judicious enthusiasm, my friends.
Everything in moderation
My new year’s resolution is moderation. This year I don’t want to go overboard with anything, neither in terms of excess indulgence nor in terms of too-hard workouts, diets or strict regimens. Instead my plan is to stay solidly in the middle of the road, focusing equally on my physical and mental health as well as my work, and listening to my body and mind—but without being obsessed with any one end result or goal. In short: 2024 is the year I will take it easy and be kind to myself.
- Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, digital sub-editor, Tatler Hong Kong
Working out (a little) more
Every January, I put on my spandex pants, blast some Eye of the Tiger, and declare that this will be the year I morph into a gym rat extraordinaire. But my aspirations of becoming a muscle-bound machine never go beyond January 5 ... yet each new year, I am stubbornly determined to revive this failed fitness quest. I may never reach my goal of 365 straight days of exercise, but I refuse to abandon the dream of someday having abs so ripped they could shred cheese. This year, I vow to boldly go where so many of my resolutions have gone before—down in flames. But at least I’ll look good doing it in my brand new pair of leopard print yoga pants. Aiming for 30 days of working out would be a new record for me. Baby steps!
- Amrita Katara, watches and jewellery editor, Tatler Hong Kong
Perfecting ballroom dance skills
My new year resolution isn’t just limited to this year: in the long run, I’d love to perfect my ballroom dance skills so that I can waltz away at balls in Austria, where the dance originated.
This is a dream from my childhood, when dance was a huge part of my life. From my Chinese dance team and Bollywood classes in school to my Latin and salsa dancing days in London, some of my best friendships and memories stem from dancing. Nowadays, I head to the ballroom dance floor every week, which is a great way to stay fit and rejuvenate from a busy day of work. In 2024, I’m hoping to take it to new heights by reaching a competitive level; or maybe I’ll take up ballet, which I write about so often but haven’t really tackled before.
Nourishing my soul with fire and passion
I’m a huge fan of new year resolutions. Not that I think I can’t change my life—or start new habits—whenever in the year, but starting them on January 1 somehow forces me to be accountable for my own actions. However, I’d rather find a yearly theme, rather than a specific resolution.
So, on top of very small and practical resolutions (such as starting maths lessons on Duolingo—yes, they also teach maths now), I want to invest more energy in activities that make me feel alive. As someone who can be too complacent with pursuing her own happiness and too often stays in her comfort zone, I want to use 2024 to nourish my soul with fire, sparkles and passion. That includes spending more time in nature, hanging out with people that are truly important to me, and allowing myself to be spontaneous.
Mindful drinking
Inspired by Sober Curious (2018) by Ruby Warrington, I’m taking dry January one step further and my new year’s resolution is to explore mindful drinking and experience more sober celebrations. That means no more red wine at the end of a long day, birthday brunches with free-flow, or G&Ts at the weekend. Learning about the benefits that come from not drinking has made me all the more excited to see 2024 through with minimal booze—because, why not?
Enough is enough
I believe that deep down most of us know what’s best for us, but for some reason, our knowledge doesn’t always show in our actions. How many times have I said “yes” to a drink I didn’t really want when I was already having a good time? What about that fifth cookie I ate “just for fun” half an hour before dinner? Or those lazy weekends spent ignoring the urge to exercise?
Enough of all that. This year, I’m going to do myself a favour and heed those inner calls that have often (if not always) done more good than harm.
- Khoa Tran, social impact editor, Tatler Hong Kong
