For multiple reasons, 2024 has copiously been on my mind. Maybe it is the magic of the holidays or thinking about the meaning of the New Year. Possibly for me personally, it is the number 24 as I was born on the 24th day of the month.
Each new year is typically a moment of reflection for all of us. We think back on the previous year and a substantial number of us engage in the ritual of setting 'New Year Resolutions'.
From the results of a new YouGov survey, just over one-third of USA adults plan to make New Year's resolutions or set specific identifiable goals for 2024. Adults under 20 (52%) are most like to do so, followed by 30-to-44-year-olds (44%). Older individuals are either wiser or simply seem to ignore this goal setting ritual. Only 27% of 45-to-64-year-olds and 18% of people 65 and older will set New Year's Resolutions.
For 2024, the top 5 New Year Resolutions for Americans are:
- Saving Money 23%
- Be Happy 22%
- Exercise More 21%
- Improve Physical Health 21%
- Eat Healthier 20%
The idea of preparing for a new year is a human condition with a long historical tradition. The month of January
which kicks off the New Year gets its name from the Roman god Janus. For the Romans, Janus was the god of beginnings and transitions. He presided over passages, doors, gates, and endings as well as between war and peace. He was usually depicted as having two older men faces looking in opposite directions, one towards the past and one towards the future.
This reflective celebratory article analyzes the number 24 and provides some insights from the Chinese Zodiac Calendar of what is ahead in 2024.
Fun Facts About the Number 24
Even though I was born on the 24th of the month, I have never really taken the time to understand the significance of the actual number. Here are some fun facts about the number 24:
- There are 24 hours in a day. In a complete day, the earth rotates 24 degrees on its axis.
- 24 is the number of carats in 100% pure gold.
- The standard for film projection at your local movie theater is 24 frames per second.
- The average person takes 12 seconds to count to 24.
- In Roman numerals, the number 24 is written as XXIV.
- The total number of human chromosomes is 46, but a set of 24 is passed down from each parent.
- Two dozen roses or 24 symbolizes that you think about that special person 24 hours a day.
- There are 24 edges on that popular Rubik's Cube puzzle.
- Every 24 seconds, a new baby is born in the world.
- 24 is the atomic number of Chromium, a steely gray metal used in stainless steel, leather tanning, and other industrial applications.
- 24 is a factorial number, which involves multiplying a series of decreasing numbers. 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 24.
- There are 24 letters in the Greek alphabet.
- There are 24 points in a backgammon game board.
- In 1851, Gerhard Lang, a printer from Stuttgart, Germany, created the first known commercial Advent calendar. Lang’s calendar was made of cardboard and had 24 doors, one for each day of Advent leading up to Christmas Eve. In the original version, behind each door was a small picture or verse.
- In both Chinese and Japanese culture, the year is split into 24 blocks of 15 days.
In numerology, the number 24 represents family, harmony, idealism, and companionship. There is also a desire for long-term security. The number 24 is a great diplomat who tends to use sensitive cajoling to mitigate differences and restore and keep harmony. A magical New Year with good tidings is indeed possible with the number 24.
The Lucky 2024 Dragon Year
The Chinese zodiac calendar consists of 12 animals that first appeared in the Zhan Guo period (5th century B.C.). It is an ancient cultural belief system considered to be a tool for deciding one's destiny. During the Han dynasty to Qing period, the great and powerful dragon was associated with emperors as a way to show rulers had been divinely chosen.
2024 is the very lucky year of the Dragon. If you were born in any of these years, you are a Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
In traditional Chinese culture, the Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success. It is a
supernatural being with no parallel for talent and excellence.
The luckiest Chinese zodiac signs in 2024 will be Monkeys Roosters and Pigs. As I was born in the year of the Pig, my career predictions are interesting.
"In terms of your career, the year 2024 will offer a plethora of opportunities for growth and advancement. The favorable alignment with the Wood-Dragon signifies that you will have the energy and motivation to excel in your professional endeavors. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed, and you may receive recognition or rewards for your achievements. It is important to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude, as this will contribute to your success. Keep an open mind and be willing to embrace new ideas or approaches that may enhance your career prospects. Networking and building strong relationships with colleagues and superiors will also play a vital role in your professional growth this year."
Happy New Year Everyone
Hope you had fun reading this year's summary on the potential of 2024. Recall the Roman god Janus who allows you to peek backwards to the past to understand it better, but ultimately you cannot change history.
Your future, including what is in front of you, has not been written. Maybe setting New Year resolutions is a good place to start. Always remember that you are in control of your destiny and can craft the life you always dreamed about.
Someone once told me that my last name D'Onofrio translates somewhere in old languages to "son of a peacemaker" with historical connotations that ambassadors were legacy careers of my family. Maybe there is something in the numerology of being a diplomat and the year is certainly setting up for a positive career next phase.
I had an amazing 2023 in completing one leadership role and starting an even bigger one; celebrating my father's life and his legacy; writing and publishing my first book; and most of all, growing the engagement with all of you around the world on the journey of continuous learning and improvement.
Have a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year. In my native Italian, a toast to all of you, 'Salute', which literally translates 'to your health'.
