This year I didn’t make a resolution, and I didn’t pick a word that would represent the year. Instead, I made a list of 21 things for 2021 my goals for the New Year. Basically, everything that I want to focus on and improve upon.
Winter White Style Cream turtleneck (Amazon fashion find)// Topshop jeans (old but similar pair and on sale here) //bag (Zac Posen) // New Vince Camuto booties now 30% off )
Like everyone else, I feel a lot of pressure to create my goals for the New Year or make a resolution. But this year, I decided to allow myself the month of January to really think about the year ahead, and it was much more helpful.
There is already so much to stress out about in November and December that adding the pressure of listing accomplishments before the year starts felt overwhelming.
So I took a beat.
And now, I have a pretty solid list which I plan to print out and reference as needed. Hope you find my 20 things helpful, and I’d love to hear what are some of your goals for 2020.
My Goals for the New Year / 21 Things for 2021
1. GO TO BED EARLY
It sounds so simple, but sometimes it feels like it’s impossible to remake yourself as a morning person, but I am determined to do it.
F is still a super early riser, we’re talking 5 am here, so sleeping in isn’t an option, and getting the rest is so much better for my body and helps avoid night time snacking.
It’s a total win/win, and I really need to get better at taking myself to bed as dutifully as I do my toddler.
2. MAKE TIME TO EXERCISE
I’ve done a pretty good job of this in 2020, and I plan on sticking to my yogalates and strength classes.
I find that not only do I like how I feel physically after exercise, but also mentally. It’s a very good reset for myself.
3. HOME IMPROVEMENT
There are a few things around the house that I’ve been putting off, but as
our needs change our little house needs to change too. I’ve tackled small things here and there, but I have a few bigger projects planned for 2021.
4. DECLUTTER
This should probably come before any redecorating can happen, but I have already started to go through the house, one drawer at a time and tossing things. Most recently I re-organized our monster of a kitchen utensil drawer with these dividers from Amazon and I feel like I new woman, and I can’t wait to keep going.
5. MAKE REALISTIC TO DO LISTS
My to-do list was getting out of control. And, at the end of the day, I felt deflated and frustrated that I haven’t crossed more items off the list.
I didn’t realize that the issue was me being unrealistic about what I can actually complete in one day. My new planner outlines only three goals for each day, and that is my new standard for myself. Now, I prioritize three things for each day. This shift has made a tremendous difference in how I feel at the end of each day.
6. LESS SOCIAL MEDIA
Of course social media is a huge part of running my blog and business, but just like everyone else I get caught up aimlessly scrolling, and worse I start playing the evil comparison game.
And while at times social media really helps brew my creative juices, too much of it also kills them. Less scrolling and procrastinating would definitely do me more good this year.
7. READ MORE
I started a tradition with F to visit our local library, which is right down the street from our house. And I’m embarrassed to admit that I last time I borrowed a book, I had to return it before I had chance to read it. Part of a new routine I’d really like to start is early bed time, phone off and reading in bed.
Neutral classics for winter // Coat Currently on Major Sale // winter sneakers // grey v neck sweater, perfect for layering // Spanx ; perfect for postpartum or to really suck you in
8. LESS TV
When I lived alone I got into a habit of putting the tv on for background noise, and now I still seem to be doing the same thing, especially in the evenings. Mau will fall asleep on the couch, and I’ll keep binge-watching for no reason, and totally regret it later.
9. DRINK MORE WATER
I’ve never been great at drinking enough water, but I have been working on it. One of the things that really helps is having a hydro flask, and I do carry it with me everywhere.
It’s also good for weight management, because most of the time when your body tells you it’s hungry it’s actually thirsty.
10. MORE DATES
In the new year, I am going to work on finding a steady babysitter and maybe a standing date night once a month. I don’t care if we eat in our car, but I realize we both need to step away from parent duty and have a peaceful conversation with each other.
11. MORE TIME WITH FRIENDS
Once we are able to get together safely, I plan on making an effort to reach out to friends and schedule dinners, happy hours or coffee dates even if it has to be months in advance and even if its virtual!
12. BUY QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
I’m a big believer in less is more when it comes to clothes and jewelry and as I get older I find that I constantly reach for the same items. I also love wearing the same pieces but in a different way.
Last year I allowed myself a few trendy pieces, but mostly kept my quality staples in heavy rotation.
Another rule that I have implemented is the one for one.
I just replaced a pair of beige booties that I’ve had for over 4 years with a new pair. (To make room in my closet for the new pair, I actually tossed three pairs of other booties. (Didn’t toss, but donated, and send one I don’t wear to my sister).
Other Posts You May Like
Health & Fitness Plan for the New Year
New Year’s Eve Celebration in Baja Mexico
8 Steps to Jumpstart Your Exercise Routine
13. MAKE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY SWAPS
For the most part I have done a lot to cut down on plastic and paper use in our house. We have reusable straws for smoothies and reusable zip lock bags. I use glass storage containers, we wash our laundry with cold water and run the dish washer sparingly.
My goal for this year is to eliminate paper towels and plastic wrap —still working on figuring those swaps out.
See my post for my best Amazon Find of 2019 for more of these reusable finds.
14. SKIN CARE
Last year I got an IPL laser and a facial it was one of the best investments I’ve made in my skin care. I came to the conclusion that no matter how much anti-aging serums I use, they cannot replace these skin care treatments. I definitely plan on doing another laser treatment this year. I’m pretty sure this will be the year I finally try botox and fillers.
15. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES MORE
We are all creatures of habit, and tend to eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same stores, etc. I really want to focus on supporting more small businesses from restaurants to boutiques.
16. CONSUME MORE CREATIVITY
It’s so much easier to visit a museum, stop by a gallery opening when you live in a downtown of a big city, but in OC you really have to find these artistic gems. But as most of the world went virtual, there really isn’t much excuse to seek out the arts. I plan on doing so this year.
17. OFFICE HOURS
Though I am still passionate about this blog, if you were to look at the way I spend my time, you would think this is a hobby I sometimes enjoy.
In truth, I have never given myself the permission to fully embrace that this is my job and business. That it requires my whole attention and to continue to build and be successful I can’t keep putting this on the back burner before everything else.
So my goal for 2021 is to give myself office hours and make sure that the projects that I am passionate about get my full attention they deserve.
18. STOP MULTI-TASKING
I didn’t realize that I am a serial multi-tasker until Mauricio pointed it out to me. Not only did I spend 2020 making unrealistic to do lists, but I was also trying to desperately multi task them all.
In the end, whether I got all of these tasks done or not I felt frazzled and not sure I actually done everything I set out to do the way I wanted to.
Giving myself office hours, prioritizing tasks and focusing on what’s at hand has really helped me create a better structure for myself.
19. GET A PHYSICAL
We had major health challenges in my immediate family over the last few years, which were all over come thanks to preventive care. The lesson in all of this is that yearly physicals can save a life. And I need to take care of myself, especially now as a mom.
20. DO MORE LITTLE ADVENTURES
One of the things I want to do this year are more mini adventures. Currently looking for us to have a weekend with snow. We did a few getaways this year and those few days really helped us break out of the routine and take a breather.
21. BE PRESENT
I want to be much more intentional with my time overall, and if I learned anything over the last 4 years with F is that it really does go by quickly, and I need to soak this time up. It’s ok to let other things go and really be present. It’s also important to do the opposite, step away and do what I need to do instead of trying to do it all.
No Comments