As 2024 settles in, it is important to remember that the new year is a good time to be forward thinking about who you want to be; but it's also a great time to look back at what you’re ready to let go of. Whether you're improving yourself spiritually, physically, or mentally – be prepared to let go of what holds you back from moving forward. There are various ways to improve ourselves, and that begins with faith and personal milestones to set yourself up for long term goals. Listed below are ways to achieve them. 

Islamic Goals 

Improve Salah (Prayer) -

“The first thing that Allah made obligatory upon my Ummah was the five prayers; and the first thing from their acts of worship that shall be taken up will be the five prayers; and the first thing that they will be questioned about will be the five prayers,” (Kanzul Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18859). Praying can be a struggle for many muslims, so here are some tips to make it easier. Start by trying to pray on time or doing at least one prayer during the day. We all have to start somewhere. Next, understand the words being spoken. You can do this by keeping translations next to you or on your phone. Third, Don't rush the prayer. A rushed prayer takes away your time with Allah swt. Lastly, Remove all distractions by turning off background noises and praying in a relaxed environment. Doing so will set a calmer environment for your next salah Inshallah!

Give more to Charity

“Sadaqah extinguishes the Lord's anger and protects from an evil death.” There are various forms of sadaqah (charity) any muslim can perform in order to increase your charity this upcoming year. Many assume that charity is only a monetary donation but let's not forget the many beautiful forms of charity which include:

1. Acts of kindness 
2. Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah SWT
3. Smiling 
4. Embracing righteousness and preventing wickedness 
5. Guiding another person 
6. Eliminating harmful objects from passageway 
7. Helping the blind

Read more Quran 

“The one who reads the Quran fluently is with the honorable pious scribes, and the one who reads the Quran and struggles to read it even though it is difficult for him, will receive a double reward,” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). There are many benefits for reading Quran, including: 

1. Good deeds upon reciting Quran daily: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” [At- Tirmidhi]. 
2. Healing your body and soul: Allah the Almighty says in the Quran: “And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” [Quran, 17: 82]
3. Remaining steadfast against trials: Allah the Almighty says in the Quran: “And those who disbelieve say, “Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?” Thus that We may strengthen your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.” [Quran, 25: 32]

Practice inner modesty 

“Indeed the teachings of the first prophets which has reached you is, ‘if you do not have shyness, then do as you please,” (Al-Bukhari). Modesty is not only related to the outer appearance and fabrics we wear, in fact, it is more a virtue of human character. Hence, here is a list of qualities to practice this year in order to improve inner modesty:

1. Refrain from swearing or indecent speech 
2. Lower your gaze from anything forbidden 
3. Don't boast about/showcase your achievements 
4. Be truthful all the time 
5. Don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself 
6. Dont gossip, backbite, mock, slander, or suspect people 

Personal Goals 

Explore the world (or towns) around you

Life can get extremely stressful and overwhelming fairly quickly, so take a trip for a day or  a week to form a sense of balance. If you can’t travel to Greece dont worry! Taking a trip to a nearby waterfall or animal farm will be just as fun and help you take a break from your routine life. There are many places near Los Angeles to visit such as the Greystone Mansion, The Broad Museum, or the LA Zoo.

Practice in and outs  

1. Take in organization/cleanliness and take out clutter (physical, digital, mental)
2. Take in being on time and take out being consistently late to meetings, work, or to brunch 
3. Take in productivity and take out procrastination 
4. Take in new hobbies (cooking, sports, new coffee shops) and take out laziness /staying in your comfort zone 
5. Take in learning new facts from various subjects/new podcasts each day and take out scrolling on tik tok or instagram for hours
6. Take in yes to new friends and meeting new people while taking out toxic friends that dont help you grow into a better person 
7. Take in 10-30 minute morning walks and take out sleeping in until the afternoon