16 Goals for 2016

I never wrote down any real new year's resolutions this year because, without beating around the bush, I don't stick to them. I'm not a fan of routine, I like being spontaneous and just doing stuff when I feel like it. Generally speaking, it means my ideas and plans change frequently and with that, my aims and what I want to achieve change alongside them *the struggles of a creative mind* (that was sarcasm - hard to convey on the internet).


As we're now in February I feel like life has properly settled back to normal after the Christmas mayhem so I'm fully ready to fully embrace the challenge of becoming a more organised person. Seeing as it's 2016 (absolute madness by the way - in my head it's still 2005) I thought it appropriate to give myself 16 goals for the year. Nothing too drastic, just a few realistic and probably underwhelming goals that I'll be able to tick off my list come New Year's Eve. They may even deserve a little celebratory fist-pump and a glass of champers (or prosecco let's be honest).

1. Read more
Very self explanatory. I love reading but I'm that person who starts a book and takes about a year to finish it (currently half way through two books.. oops). Since I began blogging I've realised there are actually some really cool book blogs about with lots of reviews and recommendations, so I can easily find something to read without trawling through Amazon reviews - perfectoooo.

2. Take half an hour away from social media before bed
If I'm being honest to myself this one might not be achievable. I really hate to admit that I'm addicted to my phone because I try so hard to convince myself I'm not but that's the sad reality. I'd love to get out of the habit of checking it in bed before I go to sleep and just chilling out instead (this is where the reading comes in handy).

3. Continue taking a Pilates class once a week
So far I'm doing pretty well with this one. Luckily my gym has a range of pilates classes throughout the week and I don't have to pay extra to attend. The gym is also pretty close to the office so a few of us have taken to going on a Thursday lunch time which is good fun.

4. Go for a run once a week
In summer 2014 I had a really great exercise routine, it dwindled when I went back to university that September and started my final year but picked up again last year as I was training for the Leeds Half Marathon. I've been rubbish at getting out for a run over winter (understandably) but I want to make sure I stick to going outside at least once a week instead of the gym.

5. Complete five official races
I really meant to sit down in January and look at all of the races in the UK this year but I haven't had a spare minute to give it my full attention. Ideally I'd like to do a few 10k's and another half marathon this year and then hopefully step up my game and do a full marathon next year.

6. Pay off student overdraft (!!!!)
Nothing more to say on this matter, it needs to be done.

7. Learn to play the guitar
I've been saying this forever and tried my hand at it a few years ago when me and my sister bought her friends old guitar but I'm the first to admit I'm pretty impatient and didn't persevere enough. I'm determined to have some lessons and be able to play at least the basics by the end of the year.

8. Explore more of the UK
I've still never been to Scotland or Wales which is absolutely mad! I loved going to University in a new city and visiting my friends in different places so I'd like to carry on exploring.

9. Make a blogging schedule
As I mentioned earlier, organisation is just not my thing. However, I really want to start posting more consistently and feel like the only way that will happen is if I choose specific days to post. I'm not sure which days they'll be yet but I'll keep you updated.

10. Visit a new country
Who doesn't love to travel? I've been very lucky that my parents have taken me to a great mix of countries over the years and I've added to the list now I'm older so I'd like to keep expanding the list.

11. Learn how to say no
For as long as I can remember I've always been the friend that can't say no. Whether it's a last minute night out, one more drink in a club or going out for dinner I just can't seem to resist. Not that this is a bad thing, I love socialising and seeing my friends more than anything but when you're trying to save money or need a rest it does become a problem when you end up with plans every night of the week - oops.

12. Go to an open mic night
This is something I've never done but always wanted to. I'd love to have the confidence to get up and sing but I don't think that's on the agenda for a while, at least not till I've learnt how to play the guitar. For now I just want to go along and check it out.

13. Be more aware of current affairs
My job definitely requires me to be on the ball and always listening out for news but there's lots of room for improvement when it comes to my knowledge of current affairs. I'm at the age now where it's important to have a good idea of what's going on in the world so I've downloaded the BBC News app (it's a start) as I know I won't go out and buy a newspaper everyday.

14. Take more pictures
I'm pretty good at documenting my life on my iPhone, even my friends and family have learnt to not touch their food before I take a quick snap but I'd like to use my camera on a more regular basis and start a collection of nice photography to look back on.

15. Go to more gigs
I love music probably more than anything else and I really feel like I need to discover some new artists to enjoy this year. I haven't been to a small gig for years and it's something I really enjoy. I'm also desperate to go to a festival this summer but I didn't think it was worthy of it's own point so I've merged the two.

16. Be happy and have fun!
Because everything else is pointless if you're not happy and having fun - cliche but true.

Have you made any resolutions or goals for the year? Let me know in the comments!