Happy New Year everyone! I am very excited for 2021 and all that it has in store for us! I know that 2020 was a very difficult year for so many people, but I truly believe that things will be better this year, and that there is so much to look forward to!
I always get so excited when a new year begins because I feel so much hope for what’s to come. I also start thinking about goals I would like to reach and resolutions I would like to make. I know some people tend to laugh at the idea of “resolutions” because it is common for people to forget about them as the months go on, but I happen to be very determined, and I am not the kind of person who gives up easily on things that I really want. With that being said, I would really like to share some of my 2021 goals and resolutions with you all!
- Go hiking once a month for twelve months
If you have been following me for a while, you may recognize this goal. This is something that my uncle and I have been doing for two years now, and we plan to continue again this year! I have a love for nature, and going on hikes really helps me to stay present and even get some exercise outdoors! We don’t live in an area that has too many intense hikes, but in the past, we have been able to go to a few different places. While I love a gorgeous mountaintop view, there is something serene and beautiful about flatland hikes as well. I am looking forward to another year of monthly hikes!
- Stop procrastinating
I always knew that I was a bit of a procrastinator, but I didn’t realize just how much until recently. I noticed that I was putting off every little thing (even some things that I wanted to do). I started to get frustrated with myself! I recognized that if I keep making excuses for not doing these things, I will obviously never get them done. Whether it is cleaning or writing, I really want to stay focused and get on track to reach my goals. So, this year I want to stop making excuses and get things done, no matter how small.
- Stay organized
I was looking back at my goals and resolutions from last year and realized that I wrote the exact same resolution for 2020. I wouldn’t say that I am very messy or someone who is completely disorganized, but I could definitely work on it. I tend to be a bit more organized with my school work, but at times, I will forget to do something small. I am not so organized with my room, so I have a plan to clean and organize my space once a week (including my bathroom). If life is stressing me out, a messy room can add to that stress, so I would like to keep things as tidy as possible. I also really love to plan things out, so ever since I got to college in 2017, I’ve kept a planner. Even though I’ve mostly used it for school in the past, I decided that this year, I would use it for everything in life. I want to write down any and all plans for the day/week/month, and I feel that by doing this, it will keep me on track. I love crossing things off my list, and it can feel really great and satisfying after a productive day.
- Say positive affirmations daily
I have been on my self-love journey for quite some time now, and I am really proud of how far I’ve come. Of course, self-love can be difficult at times, but it is important to keep going. I feel like I stopped doing this for a while, so I decided it would be good to start saying positive affirmations again. It can be really beneficial to start your days off with positive thoughts about yourself or about how you want your day to go. You don’t have to say them out loud, but as long as you are thinking them, that is all that matters. Your mind is a very powerful thing, so what you believe, you will become. I’ve noticed that I will bring myself down at times by discussing the things I don’t like about myself. We’re all human though, and we all have things we may not necessarily love about ourselves, and that is ok. As long as you are working on loving yourself, then one day, those flaws will no longer negatively affect you. I hope to speak positively about myself more often, even if it is just in my own head. Remember: confidence is different than cockiness. Yes, it is amazing to love yourself, but you should never walk around thinking that you are better than anyone else.
- Prioritize my overall health
As many of you know, I am very much into fitness. I have a plan to try to stay on track this year. In 2020, I ended up losing my motivation, especially in the second half of the year. My gym was not open for most of the year, so I was stuck with at-home workouts (and I still am). So, my plan is to do weight training and HIIT at least four times a week, and to continue doing my daily yoga. I have set up a workout split and I am hoping to get my motivation back once again. Hopefully sometime soon, I can go back to my gym, but for now I think it’s best to stay safe and stay home. Healthy eating has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I first started eating healthier in 2018, but over the past couple of years I realized that I was getting so bored of my usual healthy meals and snacks that I slowly stopped thinking about eating healthier. This year, I want to try to change things up a little bit, and find new ways to eat better. Of course, I won’t be jumping into it too quickly, but I really want to put healthy and delicious foods into my body, because I have experienced the overall benefits. I am also going to continue focusing on my mental health. I’ve been in a really great place these past few years, so I will do my best to continue taking care of myself in all ways. Happiness looks beautiful on anyone and everyone!
- Weekly pamper nights
Sometimes we just need a little self-care. I recently bought a few new items to add to my pamper routine, and I am so excited to use them! I decided that I would have a pamper night at least once a week. While outer beauty isn’t everything, it is nice to keep up with my appearance, and it makes me feel beautiful and confident when I do. On this day, I can take my time, using things such as body scrubs, hair masks, and nail polish to make me feel pampered. Everyone deserves some time for themselves, and if you use that time to take care of yourself, it’s even better!
It is only the second day of 2021, and I have already learned quite a bit. I was speaking to my best friend and I was talking about New Year’s resolutions, and I questioned why we all wait until January 1st to start forming these new habits. It can be difficult and nearly impossible to change your life overnight. If anything, we should start in December! If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or upset because you are struggling to turn things around and do better this year, you aren’t alone. Take it day by day, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It is important to be motivated and inspired, but of course this can come and go. Take your time forming these new habits, but stay disciplined. You don’t have to have it together all the time, but you should do your best to accomplish your goals, and work on bettering yourself daily.
Thank you all so much for reading my first post of 2021! I am feeling very inspired to create some fun and interesting content for you all this year! Everything from beauty and fashion, to fitness and health, to travel and entertainment! If you haven’t already, I would really appreciate it if you would subscribe to my blog, and share it with friends and family! I am wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!
What are some of your goals and resolutions for 2021? Leave me a comment below!
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