Tag: goals

  • Happy New Year (2022)

    Happy New Year!

    You and I have officially made it through 2020 and 2021 – the pandemic years. We’re now several days into the year 2022 and most people are getting ready to return to work, or have already started. Hopefully, you were able to take some kind of break over the festive period to recharge.

    I have hope that this is the year we can start getting back to some kind of normality. What does a new year mean to you?

    Has the pandemic changed its meaning?

    These last couple of years have been difficult, strange and often unrelenting. We have lost so many people and, due to restrictions, may not have been able to say the goodbyes we needed to say.

    The pandemic has been a time for many to be able to slow down and reconsider what they want from their lives, rediscover their passions and reconnect with loved ones.

    With this in mind, I wonder if the pandemic has changed how you feel about the transition into 2022. If your hopes for the next 12 months have a different feel to the hopes you had in 2019 and before.

    Resolutions and goals for a new year

    Many people are still setting their yearly goals and resolutions, but they seem different this year. They seem to be more connected, more meaningful. The why behind the goals seems more pertinent.

    Why do changes have to wait for a Monday, or the 1st of the month, or at each new year though? Age is just a number, time is as important or unimportant as you make it. Nothing stops anyone from making changes at any time, but we always seem to put things off until the next week/month/year depending on how daunting it may be.

    I don’t know what it is, but each new year seems like a new week or month on steroids. So much pressure. Many people go crazy thinking about how much their lives are going to change because it’s January 1st. Are they going to put the effort in to make these changes happen though? Do they have a strong enough reason why so that they don’t give up on the first hurdle? As the year rolls on it is soon easy to see.

    Starting a project?

    I am one of those people who make countless to-do lists throughout the years. Big goals for the future but never seem to get much closer each time the next countdown at nye comes back around.

    Celebrating the small wins throughout the year is so important. There’s always that little voice saying “I wish I’d accomplished more”. So much time spent thinking and not enough time doing. I’m determined for that to change, at least a little, for this new year.

    For lots of people, a new year is the push they need to start a business or learn a new skill.

    We set ourselves huge challenges!

    My wish for you is that you are able to carry it through until you create/achieve/earn what you have been working toward.

    What does this new year have instore for you?

    My biggest resolutions this year are to do with travel. I haven’t been outside of the UK in over 2 years and I’ve not ventured far from my home within that time either. There are several places on my travel bucket list but I’m hoping to tick off at least 3 over this year.

    Other than the travel goals, I aim to;

    • Move house in 2022
    • Get a pet in 2023
    • Become self-employed in 2024
    • Be debt-free in 2025 and start my journey of motherhood
    What are your big goals? I’d love to know.

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and NYE as well as a relaxing break.

    Wishing you the best for 2022, I hope your drive and determination help you to keep dreaming, and make those dreams your new reality.

  • Know your limits

    It is often difficult to know your limits (or at least stay within them). When starting a business or new project it is no different. Saying yes to everything, responding to everyone within a few minutes so you get more sales seems tempting. All this does is push you to exhaustion. You do not need to burn out for your business/project to be successful!

    You want to please everyone, sort things instantly and still maintain an active social calendar. This is a very tricky path to follow whilst also meeting your own needs. A lot of people find the word ‘no’ a challenge. Please know that you do not have to say yes to everything for people to love you. You are never going to be able to please everyone, and that’s ok. Know your limits, and make sure you keep them in check.

    The pressure of perfection

    We are all put under a lot of pressure to be able to juggle everything in life without dropping something. However, we are not superhuman. We all need rest, time to recharge and to not be made to feel guilty for our choices or priorities. No one is able to do everything to the best of their ability, all of the time. Something will always have to take precedent. Prioritising tasks is paramount. Choosing the things to sacrifice is down to your decisions. Find your own balance, know your limits and don’t compare your successes to other people’s.

    Make time for yourself. Set up routines. Create a timetable – one that you then actually stick to. Separate work time from personal time, time with family and friends and recharging time. Ask for help when you need it. Use the skills of those around you.

    Every person needs time to recharge, time to themselves and time away. It’s also a good idea to make sure you schedule in time to meet up or check in with your support network. Whether it is a weekend away with your nearest and dearest, a coffee break, brunch date, spa day, a day trip with your family or a month-long holiday to another country.

    Boundaries

    As well as knowing your limits in regards to how much you can take on, establishing boundaries is also highly important. Making sure that those around you know your limits and respect them. It may be difficult for some of your friends and family. You may have to miss birthdays and other celebrations. There might be some else to prioritise within your business. You may not have the energy when the scheduled meet up arrives.

    Those who understand the importance of self care, boundaries and your journey to self improvement are most likely to understand your needs and boundaries. Others may not be so understanding. Know your limits, know your worth. Be patient, be kind. Have faith in yourself and maintain your boundaries. Stay strong and stay focused on your goals. Most importantly remember your reason why and visualise it daily.

    There will be lots of challenges along the way of any journey, but with a strong why and the determination to succeed you can do anything.

    Keep believing x