Simple goals we can all make in 2020
Is it just me, or does in surprise anyone else that we are into our 3rd decade of the second millennium, and that the year 2000 was 20 years ago? I’m still having trouble coming to terms that 50 Cent, Eminem and Usher were popular on the radio at ‘the turn of the century’, not one, but two decades ago. Now, we are into the ‘20s’ of this century and millennium.
‘New Years Resolutions’ are usually something I associate with an idea which turns out to be a failure somewhere a couple months down the road. Maybe it’s because the most common one is the “This year, I plan to eat healthy and go to the gym” resolution. As a frequent gym member, I see these people flood the fitness centres in January, and slowly trickle off by March. That’s not to to say that if you set out to be healthy and active at the start of the year, you won’t adopt that lifestyle.
As someone who has always liked to pack their year in with as many experiences and achievements as possible, I asked my boyfriend, since it is our first year living together, what goals we want to make for 2020. It isn’t something he thinks of naturally, whereas I am a planner and organizer. After giving it some thought, I put together a few simple goals anyone can plan to accomplish, and make 2020 a rewarding year.
Last year I made it 5 weeks working at Casa en el Agua in Colombia.
- Make plans and stick to them
As we get older, it’s harder to make plans and stick to them, either with friends, our partner, or even ourselves. Many times my boyfriend and I say we are going to see a movie while it’s in theatres, go to an event while it is on, or go to a place when it is open in the season. With our work schedules often being opposite, and then choosing to stay home and relax, we fail to fall through with these plans. We also say we will try to get together with another couple, and end up doing things ourselves.
Goal: At the end of a week on a Sunday, pick specific days and times to go out and do something, attend a class, or meet up with friends. It’s better to pick a date and have to reschedule right away than just saying “We must do this”.
2. Volunteer for a cause you support
Active volunteers can spend a majority of their free time involved in their organization. Some people dedicate their time to a community because it is also their social life. Many of us do not have the time to make big commitments to a charity. If we are passionate about a cause, we should make an effort to get involved, even just a couple of times a year.
Goal: Find out when a charity you like is hosting a fundraiser or event and reach out to be involved. Volunteering is rewarding and gives us a boost of self-esteem.
3. Meet up with an old friend
Since I have lived away for university and jobs, and many places abroad, I have a ton of friends who at one time I considered a ‘Best Friend’ . In the past, I have made an effort to travel to see a close friend or meet them. It feels great to reunite with someone you once shared a bond or experience with and reminisce. However, it’s challenging to meet with everyone, especially if they live far.
Goal: Choose one or two people to visit or meet with this year. Get in touch and see if your old pal will be anywhere near the place you live and you can meet them. Maybe make a trip to where they’re located if it’s on your travel bucket list, or pick a destination half way.
4. Stop picking fights with those closest to you
Oh my god, how I wish I took this footage…
When we are around someone like a partner, family member, or roommate all the time, it’s easy for us to take out our frustrations on them. If we feel like we are in a rut, we may start to resent them because we are bored and need a change. It’s no ones fault, but make an effort to break out of your normal routine and do something out of the ordinary.
Goal: If you are upset about something, take the time to sit with the person and explain your situation. It is also important just to ‘check in’ from time to time, sit down without the TV or devices, and have a conversation.
5. Learn something new
When we are no longer in school or pursuing additional education, it’s natural for us to feel unaccomplished. Trying out a new hobby, sport or language does a lot for our self-esteem. We don’t need to rush through the steps to excel in a new activity, because we are pursuing it by choice.
Goal: Choose a craft, join a team, or learn something new. Schedule time each week to work on this task and you will feel the reward of accomplishments and practicing time management.
6. Stay on top of a clean home
When Brendan and I moved out in May, I was determined to maintain a clean and tidy home. Both of us came from houses where our mothers kept the place impeccable. Although we don’t typically have many guests over, I never want to be one of ‘those houses’ where you feel like you need a shower after being there. There’s something therapeutic about cleaning, and I feel a sense of accomplishment. However, when I passionately talked about how we should pick a day to do Spring Cleaning, Brendan did call me a ‘Wet Blanket’!
Goal: Plan a day or two at the start of the year to really clean, tidy, and declutter. Once you have a clean house, set weekly and daily tasks which need to be done, and stick to them. You’ll find your house is always more inviting to return to when you don’t see dirt and mess.
7. Start saving
The start of a year is a good time to analyze your income, verses your bills and spending. It’s not always possible for us to save big amounts, but we can put a little aside per pay check. Save for something you want or need, like a car, vacation, or an addition to your house. It is also important to save for unexpected expenses, such as repairing a vehicle, vet bills, or a lost cell phone. Having a ‘safety blanket’ of cash set aside for these situations is far less stressful than going into debt, or having to borrow money.
Wouldn’t this be nice?
Goal: Set up multiple savings accounts in your bank, for planned expenses and emergencies. When you feel like buying something unneeded or grabbing food out when you have plenty at home, pause and think if you really need it. If not, put the money into one of your funds.
8. Plan a trip
Travel has always been important to me, since it was really what defined me all the years of my 20s being single. For me, and most people it seems, we feel so much better when we can escape and go somewhere warm in the winter; believe me, I hear of at least 20 vacations a day at the tanning salon where I work. Whether you choose to get away in the cold months or another time of the year, planning a trip gives you something to really look forward to. Experiencing new places and exploring their local communities gives you an appreciation of other cultures.
Goal: Choose a destination and determine what you will need and how much money you need to save to go there. Book the trip and book the time off work as soon as possible, and actively plan towards going.
9. Reduce a bad habit
We all have bad habits, small or big. We know it’s a ‘bad’ habit when we feel guilty or ashamed for some reason, either because it’s frowned upon or bad for our health. Quitting a bad habit all together is often not advisable, since we are easier to relapse when we go ‘cold turkey’.
Goal: Try to cut back on your bad habit and gradually decrease, rather than start by giving it up for good. By reducing a bad habit, you’ll feel better about yourself, knowing you can and do have ‘will power’.
By the time I’ve posted this, we will have gone past the peak ‘New Years Resolution’ period. If you started a resolution on January 1st, and are still going, well done! If not, try to choose one or two goals from this list and put it into affect. Change an attempt at a ‘New Years Resolution’ into a life long commitment.
Love from Lala.
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