Zainab Aderounmu 
If there’s something that really excites me, it’s the ability to measure real growth through data and documentation. Think of the nostalgia you feel when you go back to your baby photos or your children’s; you can see how they really grew through the years. It’s exciting, isn’t it?
I feel the same when I can visibly see how much something changed over the course of one year. Let’s take personal finances for example, there’s a kick you get when you can see what happened from the data you collected. That day you decided to treat yourself to a fancy restaurant instead of investing in Fidson shares. You’re suddenly transported to the evening of your solo date and the taste of quinoa and prawns feels fresh on your tongue; it was a good experience but maybe a terrible financial decision.
Yes, that feeling!
I’m on a quest to start 5 projects that can induce such feelings at the end of the year. And I’m inviting you to do the same.
Start a gratitude jar; This isn’t a journal, it’s not sitting down every night to write down 10 things you’re grateful for, it’s just you writing down random things you’re grateful for and putting them in a jar. If great things happen during the course of your days or weeks, write them down on sticky notes and put them in a jar. The idea is to be able to open them at the end of the year and relieve the same gratitude you felt in the moment.
Document your personal expenses: This is a bit more serious-sounding because it is! Track exactly what you’re spending on, on what day and why. By the time you’re reviewing your year, you have enough data to work with, to either alter your habits or to keep at them.
Write your future self a letter: Imagine yourself in a future you’re working and wishing for, and write a letter addressed to that self. Ideally, it should be 12 months away from when you write the letter, so if you write a letter addressed to your future self today, you’ll get to open it in December 2026. What would you want to read in December? Write it today and store it away.
Take a picture a day: it doesn’t have to be a picture of you, it could be of a family, work environment or nature. Essentially, document your environment and your space as you go. Imagine being able to look back and remember the exact moment you stopped to take a picture of the tree outside your office.
Schedule a weekly digital detox day: this may be really hard to do, I know. Tell me about it. But, you will see the difference and instantly feel the results. Not only does it allow your mind to relax and refocus but it also allows your brain to take a dopamine break. Frequent detoxing also helps regulate your sleep patterns and reduce anxiety.
Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.