5 Tips for Navigating the Intersection of Self-Care and Social Change in 2024
In the quest for self-improvement, many of us working in the social change space find ourselves torn between personal aspirations and the pressing demands of our impactful work. Balancing the pursuit of self-care with the urgency of social change often triggers feelings of guilt. At HCN, we understand this struggle and have embarked on a journey to explore the delicate equilibrium between doing good and feeling good.
In a recent podcast episode, titled “Living a ‘Good Life’ as a Changemaker: Finding the Balance Between Doing Good and Feeling Good,” we delved into the challenges of reconciling personal goals with the imperative work of social change. Responding to a listener question from Ash, who expressed a desire to focus on self-care and self-development in 2024 while working in the not-for-profit sector, we introduced the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework in episode 9 of the podcast.
In 2015, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals gave changemakers a comprehensive plan for a sustainable world by 2030. There is a vision of what needs to happen, but progress towards this vision has so far been disappointing… because we lack the inner capacity to deal with our increasingly complex environment and challenges. The Inner Development Goals were officially founded in 2020 by Ekskäret Foundation, The New Division and 29k Foundation together with a group of researchers, experts and practitioners in leadership development and sustainability. The IDGs are grounded in a science-based understanding of inner development, and what is needed to support a sustainable future:
Our enthusiasm for the IDGs framework has led us to develop a FREE self-development course for our community. Over the course of 2024, we will explore each of the 23 IDGs, providing self-guided journal prompts and exercises with every lesson. By the end of the year, participants will possess a comprehensive understanding of essential skills for leaders in social change, allowing them to identify areas for further development.
Lesson 1 is already available, and new lessons will unlock every fortnight. We encourage questions about the content or any other social change-related topics, as we are always eager to explore them in upcoming podcast episodes.
The positive reception of the latest season of Changemaker Q&A has been inspiring, and we invite our audience to share it within their networks and leave ratings or reviews. This month’s episodes cover diverse topics such as systems thinking, abundance, permaculture, and conducting ‘subjective’ research.
As we embark on a dynamic year at HCN, we have several projects and partnerships in the pipeline for 2024. In the final stretch of a PhD, our founder Tiyana J recognises the importance of preventing burnout, and has shared her list of self-care priorities that we encourage you to incorporate into your own life:
- Reflect and Recharge: Allocate time for regular reflection and rejuvenation to move through the year with intention. Celebrate victories, learn from experiences, and recharge for the challenges ahead.
- Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning through self-directed education, enhancing personal and professional development to amplify positive change.
- Mindful Practices: Integrate mindfulness into your routine through meditation, deep breathing, or other practices to find moments of stillness amidst the chaos of change-making.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries to protect time and energy, saying no when needed and prioritizing tasks aligned with your mission.
- Connect and Support: Build a supportive network of fellow Changemakers who understand the unique challenges. Together, we can provide strength and encouragement, amplifying our collective impact. Connect with us on IG if you don’t have a local community of changemakers.
As we navigate the intersection of self-care and social change, we invite you to join us on this journey of personal and collective growth.