READ MORE
I personally read non-fiction in the morning, fiction at night with the Kindle on my iPhone. Our top picks for the year are “Principles” and “Tribe of Mentors” for non-fiction and “How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia” , “Straight to Hell” and “Station Eleven” for fiction. For optimal retention, read them while playing the audiobook at 2x. What, you don’t have time? Use Blinkist and read a book every 8 minutes.
START A NEW HABIT: MEDITATE
I adopted this a year ago and my mornings always start meditating for a few minutes. Although it may seem difficult at first, apps like Headspace make it extremely easy and also offer specific guided meditation programs focused on stress, anger, relationships, balance, motivation and more. Your days will start different with this.
CREATE A PERSONAL FINANCE PLAN AND STICK TO IT
This is key for a good life. One of the most read articles at Valdour is a short guide on personal finance, that contains the very basics. Also, use credit cards as little as possible (or use them smart for rewards on flights, etc.)
START BUYING CRYPTOCURRENCIES
I know, I know, they exploded in 2017, but I assure you that they will explode even more in the next years. My advice is to buy them slowly and think of it as purchases you can’t return. Start with a initial investment of $100 and then maybe $25 a week. Use Coinbase (the easiest way to buy) and purchase $50 of Bitcoin, $25 of Ethereum and $25 Litecoin. HOLD, never sell. Instead of buying those sneakers or getting a Starbucks coffee every day, do this. It’s just a little bit of cash.
DONATE TO AN AWESOME CHARITY
Find an organization you share values with and donate some cash and/or your time contributing to their purpose. You won’t regret a second of it.
EMBRACE MINIMALISM
The documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” changed my life and I have embraced minimalism ever since (content on this coming soon). Watch the documentary, listen to the podcast and read their blog. Start making some essential change in your life. Live a life of purpose.
MASTER A NEW SKILL
Learning should be one of the things you do everyday, I personally use Skillshare to master skills and learn new ones. My focus lately is in public relations and video editing. The categories are almost unlimited, choose a 2-3 and master them in 2018.
EXPERIENCES > POSSESSIONS
My girlfriend and I decided that we won’t buy any material things for Christmas and for our birthdays. Instead, we will travel to Cape Town, South Africa for 2 weeks. Those thousands of dollars we would have spent combined in presents can be transformed into life experiences that will last forever.
WATCH AN AMAZING SERIES, DIFFERENT THAN GAME OF THRONES
The Sopranos and Friday Night Lights are my all-time favorites and watching them from start to finish is probably one of the most taughtful things you will do in 2018. Mr. Robot, Billions and Ozark are our picks of 2017.
LEARN HOW TO PILOT A DRONE
Become good at it, and use those skills in every trip you take this year. You don’t need to get professional or spend $3,000. I own a DJI Spark and it is extremely easy to use and more than good in terms of video.
DECLUTTER. FIND THE THINGS YOU DON’T USE AND LIST THEM ON EBAY
Or even better: donate them. Clothes, videogames, books, old tech…
WORKOUT DAILY & EAT BETTER
This is a very common resolution, but there is actually a way to make this last longer than January. Nowadays, there are tons of apps to workout at home, cook easy recipes and and have a healthier lifestyle. Seven will help you with the workout part in under 7 minutes and Oh She Glows will teach you amazing, easy recipes.
WAKE UP 30 MIN EARLIER EVERY DAY UNTIL YOU WAKE UP WITH THE SUN
The best and most recommended hack for boosting your productivity, period. Just set the alarm 15-30 min earlier each day and you will have it.
MAKE A NEW PLAYLIST EVERY MONTH
Time traveling actually exists, here’s how to do it. I have a playlist for every month since 2011. The song you were playing when you landed that first job, the mix you played in that trip to Thailand and that song that pumped you in the gym. I would name it, for example “DEC 2017” and add the special moment, for example “JUN 2014 – Job at Apple”. This takes me back and make me remember the exact feelings at that time. Curate your own playlist at the end of the year, with the top 12 songs.
KEEP A JOURNAL OF DREAMS, LEARNINGS, DESIRES AND QUOTES THAT MOTIVATE YOU
Write about how a day in your dream life would look like, the things you want to change, that quote you read that impacted your life and everything else you find worthy. Review it every month.
START BEFORE YOU’RE READY
Whatever you want to start, whether is a business, an online store, a YouTube channel, or program a new app, start as soon as possible. The best way to master a craft is doing it.
And remember, one day, your life will flash before your eyes. Be sure it’s worth watching. Happy 2018.
