In January I wrote a ‘Year in Review‘ post, as I do each year, which is where I set myself new challenges for the year ahead so I can keep progressing (from a personal perspective).
Generally speaking, I don’t like to just set a tick list for the sake of it, I like to push and challenge myself. This idea came from a lecturer who said successful people set themselves goals. Although this has become an annual tradition, I have never reviewed my goals mid-year to track my progress.
Last year, I lost sight of my goals and didn’t tick that much off my list. This was partly because my ambitions changes and my goals shifted, but also because I lost sight of them and forgot about them. This year however, I’ve decided to do a mid-year review to keep my motivation and focus up.
I did a bit of research before my initial blog and again for this one, which highlights; five reasons for tracking your goals, and why setting goals and monitoring progress is key.
Without further ado, here are my goals for 2017, along with a short review as to how I’m getting on:
1. Get in the best shape of my life
I think I perhaps need to get more specific with this goal. What I mean is, I need to set myself a more specific target, e.g. Go swimming twice a week because so far I’ve practiced yoga for 31 consecutive days and I tried the SWEAT with Kayla Bikini Body Guide (BBG) app, but cancelled it after a month. For the next six months, my aim is to go swimming twice a week, or do some form of exercise everyday. Whether that’s yoga, a YouTube work out, a 30 minute power walk or whatever. The point is to keep moving, and to be flexible depending on my energy levels.
2. Lead a more natural life
This goal is going really well. I try to treat the issue, not just the symptoms now, and I’m far more open to alternative options for pain relief, i.e. if I’ve got a headache, I’ll drink more water and go to bed early. I’m also spending more time researching what I’m eating to try to make sure I’m getting all of the vitamins I need. Of course, this doesn’t always happen – life gets in the way, but overall, this goal is going really well.
3. Read 24 books in 2017
Wow, I really decided to up the ante of my usual ‘read one book a month’ challenge. At the moment I’m struggling to get one book read a month, however, summer might be quieter and I may be able to catch up. Essentially, I don’t think I’m managing my reading time effectively. I could go to bed an hour or 30 minutes earlier each night and read then. If I really ramp up, I think this goal is still achievable, but I’m really glad this review reminded me about it.
4. Say no to consumerism!
A tough challenge but it’s going well. Full disclosure: I have spent money on; presents for other people (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc) and I may need to buy some flip flops for my holiday, which leads me on to my next point: I have still bought concert tickets or booked trips away, eaten dinner out and gone to the cinema – but not excessively. An interesting and I guess unexpected outcome of this goal, is the fact that I have way less waste (both rubbish and recycling).
5. Stick to my 2017 fiscal plan
Up until this month, I would have said I was pretty on track, but this has been a busy month and I know September is going to be equally busy. I think I can still make cut backs to keep my plan on track.
6. Practice a new language for a minimum of 30 consecutive days
I have not yet started this challenge, but I have it pencilled in for August – it’s still on my radar!
7. Visit five new places in five new countries
I’m not sure if this will be achievable this year or not. There are three new countries that I am definitely visiting this year, and although there is still plenty of time to visit two additional countries, I’m not sure I have the funds or holiday available to reach this goal. It is still potentially achievable though.
8. Commit or quit – post one blog a month every month
Well, it’s the last day of the month but I’ve just about made it 😅 so I’m half way through the year and I’m currently on track. I find it easier to write posts when I have an idea in mind in advance, so writing a schedule, (perhaps one or two months in advance), has helped me to stay on track.
9. Take a course/class
Originally I specified an online or free course, but I may look into a ‘real life’ class. I have to be honest, I completely forgot about this goal so I’m glad I checked back in. This has given me much to consider, and luckily I still have 6 months to find something of interest.
10. TBC –
I left this goal blank because I wasn’t sure what I wanted it to be and I didn’t want to just write anything down for the sake of it. I’m glad I waited because I know what I want goal number 10 to be now: to practice living in the moment, instead of always rushing on to the next thing or looking ahead. While I believe it’s important to plan, I don’t want to miss what’s happening now because I’m so focused on what’s ahead or what might be. I’m going to re-read ‘The Happiness Project’, and also read ‘The Power of Now’, which has been recommended to me on two separate occasions this week! I may also look into meditation books and figure out how to practice staying in the moment and being happy with what I have instead of looking ahead.
So these are my goals for 2017 – the majority are on track and there haven’t been any major issues so far! Doing a mid-year review has definitely helped to remind me of what I want to achieve this year.
Have you set any goals, challenges, or resolutions for 2017? How are you getting on with yours?
DistractedFlick 