P.S. Should We Talk About Our 2024 Ins + Outs?
- Kaitlen Elaine
- Jan 4, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2024

First and foremost, Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe that it's already 2024. The last few years have felt like a blur to me, but I believe that's a collective feeling amongst most people anymore. Why does it seem like ever since COVID-19 happened, time has just been moving so quickly? Where have the last three years gone? It's insane to think that I have one more semester until I am completely done with both of my undergraduate degrees and I will be moving to the United Kingdom this autumn! Like what?! It's insanity.
I am typically not one to make New Year's resolutions—mainly because I hate feeling restricted or tied down to firm commitments in my life, but also because resolutions are kind of redundant. Humans put a lot of emphasis on time, so I understand the point of the "new year, new me" attitude, but it doesn't need to be a new year to choose to be a better you.
While I don't typically make resolutions for the new year, I noticed a trend going around where people were listing out their "ins" and "outs" for 2024. I loved this idea because not only does it not feel like a strange commitment to something (that may last two months), but it makes me feel a lot more mentally organised for the upcoming year. It's more like throwing out all of the things that weren't working for me last year and adding more important things to my list of things I want to improve or spend more time on this year!
I posted my 2024 ins + outs list on my Instagram but I feel like it's only right to post them here as well, you know, to explain why I specifically chose these things. Some of these are very self-explanatory, but let's go ahead and go through my list together. You might even find something that you want to add to your list of ins + outs!

2024 Ins
Journaling
I have been terrible with writing down my thoughts and feelings throughout the years—which is weird considering that I have this personal blog. There have been so many times where I've wanted to go back and read about what was going through my head during certain periods of my life, so I am hoping to start journaling more this year to keep better track of my personal growth.
Reading More + Different Types of Books
As an English major, I quite literally have to love reading. However, I find myself in little reading ruts because I read so much during my semesters that I don't want to read as much when I'm not actively in a course. In 2024, I would like to read more of what I enjoy + other genres that I haven't typically read in the past (more self-improvement, autobiography, short stories, etc.).
Podcasts
Podcasts aren't for everyone, but I seriously enjoy listening to people talk about things. If there is one thing to know about me, it's that I am a great listener. This year I would love to branch out to more podcasts. With that being said, comment some interesting podcasts down below for me to listen to (you have to be a member to comment—but it's free ☻)!
Drinking More Water
This is so important for overall health and I seriously need to drink more water. I think I'll actually go do that right now, brb.
Saying No
I'm a yes girl, through and through. If you don't know what I mean, a “yes girl” is a term used to describe someone who constantly agrees to everything and prioritises pleasing others over their own needs and desires. This year, I want to step away from my people-pleasing qualities by starting to set boundaries and putting myself before the wants of others.
More Self-Care
Everyone should be doing this. Let's all tap into our inner beings so we can find a deeper purpose in life, create healthy coping strategies, take care of the spaces and places around us, and let's do things we actually want to do!
Teas !!
I'd just like to drink more tea in comparison to coffee tbh.
Walking Outdoors
There are so many mental (and physical) benefits to walking outdoors. Even when I don't feel like going for the walk, I always feel so much better after going for the walk. It is what it is, I don't make the rules. Let's all go on our ♡hot girl walks♡ in 2024.
Embracing the Present
I am so so bad at living for the future. I am constantly thinking "as soon as I am here" or "as soon as I have this or that," everything will fall into place. That's just not reality. Even when I get to those places or achieve those things, life still isn't going to magically fall into place. I'll then be looking forward again to the next big thing in the future. If I am consistently looking ahead, it just makes it harder to live in the moment and enjoy the journey of life. This year, I want to start enjoying more of the journey rather than focusing solely on the future.
Blogging More Frequently
Self-explanatory. I need to start writing the things I want to write!
Consistency with Multivitamins/Supplements
I have the vitamins on my bathroom counter displayed in my weekly pill organiser— so why am I not taking them?
Investing in Quality
I need to stop getting the cheaper versions of the things that I want and actually investing the things that I truly want.
Dressing Up for Little Things
I love dressing up for things, but sometimes I'm a little self-conscious if I feel like I've overdressed more than others at certain events or places. I have a full closet of things that I need to wear more often. In 2024, I want to start dressing up for literally anything. Overdressing is no longer a thing!
Learning New Skills
I'd like to branch out and learn more practical skills. I want to learn how to garden, I want to get better at ice skating, I want to improve my French and German, I want to learn how to do a hand stand, etc. There are so many new things to learn. ☻
Gym Consistency
Also self-explanatory. I've added this without the typical pressure linked to many new year's resolutions. I want to listen to my body and exercise when I want to exercise.
Brunch + Dinner Dates with Friends
Spending time with friends is a huge priority for me this year. I have been blessed to spend New Year's with the same group of friends for the past few years, so this year I'd like to plan more friend dates!
Depop
Not only limited Depop, but all thrifting apps (I just love Depop)! Let's be honest with ourselves, fast fashion is good for our wallets but bad for the environment. I want to start investing in items that aren't from fast fashion shops and buying things local and through pre-loved apps.
2024 Outs
Overthinking
If there's something to overthink about, I'm going to overthink it. Whether it be my desire for perfection in my work (and in myself) or just having pessimistic and overwhelming thoughts, I'd like to take the necessary steps to stop overthinking in 2024 (these "necessary steps" are something I'm still working on).
Too Much Coffee
I hate to admit this, but drinking too much coffee is OUT in 2024. I am an avid coffee lover; however, I drank way too much coffee in 2023 (so much that it's slightly embarrassing). Tea is IN, coffee is... still in but LIMITED.
Snapchat
Snapchat just gives me the worst vibes anymore. No thank you.
Mindless Scrolling
The amount of time that I could be doing something productive during the times that I am just mindlessly strolling on Instagram or TikTok is concerning sometimes. I want to stop wasting my own time looking at content that is meaningless to me.
Trend Culture / Microtrends
This one might seem a little contradicting considering this "ins and outs" trend is within the trend culture on TikTok and Instagram. However, there are so many absurd trends that go around almost every month that push high consumerism but die out soon after. I want to encourage myself to not feed into these microtrends this year—aka I don't want to think I want something only because it's popular in the moment, because will I actually like that thing five months later?
Procrastination
This one mainly pertains to my work within my courses and during the start of my master's programme in September. I want to give myself plenty of time to finish the work and not stress over waiting until the last minute.
Comparing
Social media is toxic. I want to stop comparing myself to others that I see on different platforms. I've been wanting to take a break from social media all together for this reason, but I love posting photos so much that I don't think I'd actually enjoy the break. I think just need to stop following certain types of people this year.
Mindless Consumption
This somewhat relates to the microtrends—I want to stop buying things that I just don't need.
Caring About What Others Say
Everyone has their own opinion and something to say, I just prefer not to hear it if it's negative (but don't we all). I think I need to work on my own insecurities this year to truly not care what others have to say.
Screen Time Before Bed / In the Morning
Read. Write. Draw. Practice my French. Anything but laying in bed and scrolling.
Stressing What I Can’t Control
A very challenging "out," but it needs to be done. I have a fairly short fuse when it comes to inconveniences and regular human issues in life. I hate to admit that, but I do get very stressed and overwhelmed quite easily when something doesn't go as planned in my head (I cry a lot). In 2024, I want to take a step back and breathe when these things happen. Everything works out eventually.
Alright, that's all for my list of ins and outs for 2024! I'm sorry it was so long but if you've made it this far, let me know what else I might've missed on my list! I really enjoyed taking the time to organise my thoughts for the upcoming year and I hope I've inspired some of you to also take the time to create your own. À bientôt!
What is on your list of ins + outs this year?
Comment below!
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