Happy New Year! đĽđž đđ
New Yearâs resolutions? Who actually sticks to them for longer than the first two weeks? If youâve managed to, youâre a hero who deserves to be celebrated.
Before I go any further, here is a true story… In 2018, I had the bright idea of doing Veganuary, so I went cold-Turkey on meats (include the pun) and just lived on quinoa and plant-based foods.
Fast forward to a fortnight, Iâm struggling to get out of bed, dizzy as anything and suffering from vertigo. At the doctors, I was told I âshouldâve phased it in as opposed to just quit it entirely overnightâ.
Therefore, due to the evident fact that I simply cannot stick to New Yearâs resolutions, Iâve decided a different tactic: goal setting.
Here are a list of 21 goals that I will be âphasing intoâ my life this year, and youâre welcome to, too…
Make learning a new skill one of your goals
Whether itâs cooking, crochet or anything else that starts with a âcâ (other letters in the alphabet are available), get started…
If you have a passion for it, watch how itâs done and put it into practice (within reason, and excluding crazy things that you shouldnât be trying at home!)
Creating a monthly budget is actual goals
Itâs true that weâve been saving a lot in lockdown, since working from home… But the reality is, Iâve actually been spending money on ridiculous things because Iâm âboredâ or depressed. This is NOT a good thing to be doing.
So, rather than continuing to do that – Iâm going to set a budget and stick to it. For example, I will only be spending money on my outgoings (and things I need such as food) in a bid to save more âwongaâ.
Read 12 books
12 books? That’s one book a month! Itâs doable where ‘goals’ are concerned – especially when choosing shorter books (if youâre not into reading much).
Sorry to those who are regular readers of my blog, I may be repeating myself here… The thing I love about reading is you can get lost in the book, and feel as though you are on the journey with the character.
Of course, itâs not for everyone, but then again – Iâd definitely say that if youâre feeling this way, itâs because youâre not reading the right books…
Start a side business
At this point, my blog should probably be called âSide Businessâ as it seems to come up in my posts a LOT! đ
That hobby of yours, start charging and offering it as a service! The extra money you make from it can either be used to boost your savings, or spent on a holiday/experience post-pandemic.
Create a morning routine …and Stick to it
If your morning routine includes reaching for your phone first thing, you have a problem – one that I have too!
Get up, wash you face, brush your teeth, have a shower THEN go on your phone. I feel like this will speak to me more than anyone else! đ
Get rid of a bad habit
Bite your nails? Just do what I did (or not), and bribe your mum into buying you an iPad if you stop… Then, stop – only to later feel guilty about it, and buy it yourself! (In my defence, I was a teen at the time, and my mum was sick of me biting them)
In all seriousness though, that bad habit you have? Kick it to the curb! Youâll feel so great afterwards.
There is no denying that some habits are harder to quit than others, but – my point is: reward yourself after quitting with something youâve always wanted.
Keep a gratitude journal
Make a list, check it twice to find out if youâve been grateful or not, because âBlessingsâ are coming to town! đś
Spend less time online
Here is another one written specifically for me… I have an addiction to my phone, and social media specifically.
There is a cool hack Iâve discovered which is also rather embarrassing, called Screen Time.
& OmG is it the wake up call that literally no-one wants… Finding out that youâve spent a ludicrous amount of time on your smartphone, who TF wants that!? đ
Taking it right back to the point at hand, Screen Time enables you to lock your phone after youâve reached the limited number of hours youâve allocated a day.
Eat healthier
Those five-a-days? Eat 10 of them. Get healthy and achieve those curb-cravings goals!
Create a fitness routine
No-one expects you to run a marathon or represent your country in the Olympics after starting your fitness journey…
Honestly, just go for a jog, whack on a fitness DVD or stream it on your TV in lockdown. It is sure to give you a spring in your step.
Travel to a new place
Lockdown called đ , it said âstay at homeâ. In that case, I assume this means just go to a different room (or a different park)…
After lockdown, travel to a new place in your country for a staycation (if you canât travel abroad – as itâs probably wiser not to).
Declutter your home
Think of it as the âspring cleaningâ before Spring itself aka: âmiddle of winter cleaningâ.
Research shows that a cluttered home makes for a cluttered mind. Start afresh.
Meditate every day
When people think of meditation, they expect it to be for 30 mins or an hour… Who made that a thing?!
Every time I mention it to someone who doesnât do it, theyâre always like âI donât have time!â đ¤Ż
Newsflash: if youâre doing it right, you could feel the same benefits of meditation in just five minutes.
Keep a diary
I bought a five year diary in 2020. & what a year to invest in one! đ
Last year was filled with âLockdown Thoughtsâ. Letâs see what the other four have in store…
Drink more water
Stay hydrated. If youâre struggling to, you can download an app that can tell you when to drink water – or even buy a smart-water bottle.
Alternatively, just follow Twitter accounts dedicated to drinking water and turning your notifications on.
Make time for self-care
Do something for yourself each week/fortnight or month. Whether thatâs running a bath, putting on a face mask , whatever it is: give yourself that well deserved âme timeâ.
Reconnect with friends
If 2020 has taught us anything, itâs that lifeâs too short. Surround yourself with loved ones.
Set a bedtime and stick to it
A good sleeping habit is so important. A set time for your body to rest is healthy for your skin, your hair, your organs – everything. The body repairs itself while we sleep, so a regular sleeping pattern is vital for wellness…
If youâre like me and suffer from insomnia, practice sleep hygiene.
Push through with your career goals
Thereâs no time like the present when it comes to revisiting old career plans, goals or dreams. Rise and grind!
Whether itâs a career change or a promotion, work towards it. Take action!
Create An Emergency Fund
Covid has certainly messed up our economy, no-one knows what the future holds.
Be grateful for the now and put some money aside for emergencies. Your savings will come in handy one day (hopefully not in an emergency setting).
Give to charity
Last Christmas, I felt guilty – big time. The fact that I had everything I needed, and there are people that didnât really didnât sit right with me. So, I was thankfully in a position where I could donate a little more than I usually do each month.
You donât have to just donate, you can fundraise or volunteer too!
Charities Iâd recommend in the UK are:
1) Crisis – for those in a crisis who need support
2) Samaritans – a comforting and listening ear for those who need to talk
3) Age UK – supporting the elderly
4) RSPCA – rehoming and saving animals from cruelty and neglect
5) GOSH – there for children who are ill and need treatment
6) Shelter – tackling homelessness
7) Trussell Trust – for underprivileged people and families living on the breadline
8) NSPCC – protecting children from abuse and neglect