Do New Years Resolutions Work?

This time last year, I wrote a blog post 15 Things I Want to Achieve in 2015 (read here). I’ve always been a big believer in goal setting, but it’s one thing to write it in the back of your diary, another to publish it on your blog. Reflecting on my post and my year that has been 2015, I feel like I’ve done a pretty damn good job. But, there’s areas that I epically failed. I’m a big believer in self reflection and taking the time out to think and rethink, evaluate what’s important, how to overcome and to move forward. So here were my New Years Resolutions for 2015 and my reflections and how they all turned out.

1- Read everyday

OK so that one definitely didn’t happen. As much as I love reading books, being bogged down with study and work, I just didn’t get the time. In saying that I did read some pretty amazing books – with my favourite being Lena Dunhams Not That Kind of Girl. I also managed to (mostly) keep on top of my uni readings and study aswell. I think this is something I can definitely work on for 2016.

2 – Write in my journal everyday

Well that lasted a whole 3 months or so. I meant to, but like the reading goal above – I just didn’t have the time! I know, pathetic excuse, but I feel like my blogging has become a form of diary.

3 – Spend less time scrolling

I feel this is half achieved. I feel like I realised just how much I rely on my computer and the internet. I feel like I’ve spent less time aimlessly scrolling, but more time scrolling to achieve great things

4 – Renew my gym membership

Done!

5 – Do yoga at least once a week

Close, but not quite. Sometimes I did it three times a week, other times I’d go three weeks without going. Again, I think it was because I was so busy. Definitely something to continue for 2016.

6 – Reduce the amount of alcohol I drink

Done! Firstly, I really couldn’t afford to drink a lot this year, but I’ve also made more of an effort to look after myself and my liver. Whilst I like going out, I’m really not the biggest fan of going out to the same places, with the same people listening to the same music over and over again. Instead, this year I found myself in cool bars with even cooler people. I’d prefer to build connections with people over conversation and intellect rather then slut dropping over the dance floor.

7 – Save Save Save!

Done! And to be continued into 2016. You can read more about my money saving tips here.

8 – Be productive and prepared for uni classes

Done! I think that my C, 2xD’s and HD speak for themselves.

9 – Hike Mount Kiera

Done!

10 – Launch my new section of A Worldly Addiction

OK well kind of. I changed my mind about reviewing cafes etc. I figured I could just do that through Instagram. Instead, my blog has definitely grown beyond my expectation. I’ve launched a Facebook Page (here) and Instagram account (@aworldlyaddiction). My friend also created a promo video that I’ll be launching next year. And… I got to meet my blogging idol Brooke Saward which you can read about here. Overall it was a big year for my blog!

11 – Be an avid environmentalist

Done! This year I’ve been involved with the AYCC and Oxfam combatting Climate Change and took part in the People’s Climate March in Sydney. Definitely something I will be continuing into 2016.

12 – Continue having coffee dates with my family and friends

Done! In fact, I don’t really think I need anymore encouraging with this one but yep I definitely nailed it.

13 – Go camping

OK so we actually went Glamping – we were meant to go camping but it was forecast for rain so we went to our friends holiday home down south. We still spent the whole time at the beach and just chilling out. There was also no water so I guess it was kind of like camping.

14 – Have a weekend away

Check check and check! I spent 5 days in Melbourne  (you can read about it here). It was so amazing… I’m heading back there for New Years. I also managed to make it to Port Macquarie, Sydney a million times, Newcastle and back to Port Stephens.

15 – Share something with you guys at least once a week

I’ve definitely been blogging A LOT this year and with all of my exciting plans for next year, I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon!

Plus my added resolution of being happy. I’m pretty damn happy with how this year turned out. Sure it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, some pretty shit stuff happened along the way. But as I say, everything happens for a reason. Set backs make you stronger and the hard times only make the good times even better.

So to answer my question – do New Years Resolutions work? 11/15 ain’t so bad. And the other things I didn’t achieve, I’ll be striving to keep up. So watch this space for some more New Years Resolutions for 2016!

What’s your New Years Resolution? Did you achieve yours this year? Let me know in the comments below!