I’ve never been one to set myself new year’s resolutions. Personally, putting any kind of materialistic goal at the forefront of every decision I make is counterproductive, as I simply spend my time planning ways to achieve this goal or to change a habit, rather than living my life. I know it really does work for a lot of people, but for me it just doesn’t.
But what I do like to do at the end of any year, is to regroup, have a good long think, and evaluate.
“How was my year?”
“Did I achieve my goals?”
“Was I happy?”
And most importantly, “what can I do to improve the outcomes of these goals in the next year?”.
I find that giving myself new goals and starting fresh on my journey to success (whatever that may be) really helps me to remain productive, whilst not restricting me in any way. Setting strict habits and routines which I must undertake every day never works, as my mind instantly finds some way to rebel every single day and the “I’ll start tomorrow” rule gets a good workout. But, setting goals that simply guide my habits truly allow me feel free in my choices and daily activities, as well as helping to give me direction in the long term.
I thought this year it might be fun to share what my goals/resolutions are to show you a new way of coming up with your own, or to inspire you in the coming year in one way or another.
1. Make time.
When I look back over 2016, I am quite proud of everything I achieved logistically. I got through my first mid life crisis, figured out what I want to do with my life, achieved great results in my first year of university, and I started the blog I had been dreaming of writing for years.
However, when I look back at how I felt, my stress and anxieties were at an all time high due to the sheer amount of pressure I put on myself to achieve and essentially spending all of my time in work mode.
When it came to free time, I really didn’t have any- that’s what I thought at the time at least. But what really happened, is that I didn’t MAKE free time.
This is why my first resolution is to focus on making time for myself where I can focus on doing things that I love- diving into a great book or channeling my creativity with photography just to name a few.
2. Stand.
When it comes to any type of confrontation, I handle things in quite the mixture of ways.
A lot of people would say I’m quite the ‘sass-master’ (don’t worry, I’m cringing too), and if something is bothering me, I will say so, things will be corrected, and I will move on in a heartbeat. I’m not one to hold grudges or hold my feelings back when it comes to social situations.
But when it comes to extended family, or anything work/university related there’s only one way to put it- I’m a coward, and everybody knows it.
As a proud Gryffindor I value bravery quite a lot, and in most areas of my social life I would say I am quite brave. But for some reason, if I am in a situation where I feel trapped or like my behaviour is being judged, it all goes out the window and I just can’t stand up for myself.
So this year, my second goal is to break down that wall and be as kindly upfront as I am socially. I want to be open with my feelings and stand up for my beliefs, no matter who it is I’m speaking with.
3. Kindness
One of my greatest joys in life is knowing that I am the reason for someone’s smile or laughter- even if it’s only for a second.
I like to help people in any way that I can, and to me, spreading love is the only way the people of the world will become one. To me, it’s the only way that the world will be the way that God intended it.
I’ve done quite a lot this year, but in 2017, I want to take this to the next level.
Whether this be helping out at home, donating to charities or simply giving random acts of kindness on a regular basis, I want it to remain at the core of everything I do this year.
4. Plan
One of my more ‘material’ goals of this year is quite self explanatory- planning.
For Christmas this year I received a wonderful Kikki K planner which I am going to use to plan for university, blogging, my health and personal life, and general tasks each week.
Although I still managed to get everything done this year, I do feel as though I am going to increase my productivity if I write everything down and come up with ways of scheduling all of the ‘musts’ in my calendar so that I know when I can and can’t afford to spend time away from all the serious stuff.
Once I get my planning system down pat, I will probably end up doing a post on it, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below so you don’t miss it!
However, what I will NOT be planning, is anything social or my ‘me time’. This leads me to my next goal.
5. Spontaneity
I have NEVER been a spontaneous person. Let’s just get that out of the way.
If someone showed up at my house and said “come on, get ready, we’re going to the movies”, my anxiety levels would be through the roof.
When it comes to social activity, I much prefer planned events as it allows me to get my thoughts together and know what’s coming. I need to have some sort of emotional stability and the unknown is kind of terrifying to me- I’m a Taurus, what can I say.
Over the last year, I’ve met loads of new people, and a lot of them have been total opposites to me in this regard which I really admire. And surprisingly, each and every time I’ve been swept up into any kind of spontaneous activity, I’ve actually enjoyed myself- who knew?
So one of my goals this year is to throw caution to the wind a little more often and say yes to more spontaneous social plans- should they tickle my fancy of course. I hate to say this but… you only live once, right?
6. “Get Fit”
Oh come on, you knew it was coming! That resolution that’s always on everyones list and only stays there for three days? Yep.
Well actually, no.
This year, I’m not setting myself that goal. At least not in the way I have in the past.
I’m not being restrictive, putting myself on any kind of diet, or formulating a strict exercise regime.
If I feel like exercising, I will exercise. If I feel like eating healthy, I will eat healthy. I will not pressure myself, but I will try. Unlike the many other times I have failed, I will be doing this my way. I always get caught up in these fancy routines and eating in a way that seems to work for one or two people, but I’m the only one who knows what works for me, and that’s what I’m sticking with.
And with that I say, bring on 2017!
