16 Things I Want To Achieve in 2016

Ok, so it’s that awkward time of year where you’re recovering from a 3 day food baby, whilst also getting pumped for New Years Eve. And in between the hustle and bustle of this crazy time of year, I tend to find myself with some time on my hands. With an optimistic hope of new beginnings and fresh starts that New Years Eve brings, it’s time to set those goals! My New Years Resolutions for 2015 were more or less a success (read here for more), and they acted as a massive source of motivation throughout those times when you can’t help but say why bother. So here are 16 things on my radar to achieve in 2016. Some are big, some are small, some are terrifying as hell, but as they say, ‘if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.’

1. Watch less TV shows, read more books

I’m a sucker for a good TV show – I’ve seen Sex and the City about 5 times through. But do I really need to watch it a sixth time in 2016? Probably not. This year, I want to trade hours of Netflix for hours of reading. I always feel so accomplished when I finish a book. Particularly, I want to finish books I’ve only half read (why do I do this to myself) and read more books from different parts of the world.

2. Limit my coffee spending.

For anyone who knows me – they know I freakin LOVE coffee. But my savings need to be growing faster. With some simple addition, I horridly figured out I spend over $40 a week on coffee. *cringe* So, I’m limiting myself to only buying one coffee a day (compared to sometimes two or three) and making more coffee at home. This will be a hard one guys!

3. Buy my lunch a max of once a week.

On the topic of savings and cutting spending – I need to stop buying my lunch all the time. There’s no good reason apart from being lazy and not making lunch in the morning. I’d hate to think how much money I could spend on lunch a week. I don’t even want to know! So I’m trying to limit myself to once a week. Again, this will be difficult but it’s better for my wallet! #youcandothis!

4. Be a vegetarian.

And whilst we’re talking about eating, let’s talk about not eating meat. This is something I’ve considered for quite a while and there’s just something about New Years Resolutions that make me think ‘now is the time.’ Not that I need to justify it, but just so you know… I’m doing this from an environmental perspective. My aim is for long term vegetarianism, but my goal is for at least a month!

5. Ride my bike more often.

I absolutely adore my bike and ride it quite often, but I think I can do better. Not only is it good for the environment, but a great workout! I’m thinking beach trips, riding into town and cruising up the coast. I’ll be sure to share my adventures!

6. Maintain and improve my French.

Having just completed my minor in French at university and with big plans to go travelling and study overseas, I have to maintain my French. And better yet – improve it. J’adore parler français, but as my Dad would say, there’s always room for improvement.

7. TRAVEL! 

I’m going to go bold and daring for this one and say I want to travel to at least 3 new countries and 6 countries in total. I’m kind of cheating because I’m planning to go on exchange in July, but I definitely want to get some good travel in either side of it!

8. Volunteer.

You give up your time and you get back more than you could ever imagine. I want to continue volunteering for Oxfam and also get more involved with the AYCC (Australian Youth Climate Coalition). I also want to continue volunteering for leadership programs at the university like ELEVATE and try to get back into AIME (Aboriginal and Indigenous Mentoring Experience). 2015 was a great year of volunteering and I definitely want to continue it into 2016!

9. You can’t play hard until you’ve worked harder.

Going into 3rd year at university, I really want to maintain my grades. And not only uni work, but I want to keep on work-working as much as I can to save for all of these epic adventures.

 

10. Try something new

I’m thinking Karoke, pole dancing, Bollywood dancing, Vlogging – the possibilities are endless. But I really want to try and learn new skills and open myself up to new ideas.

11. Say Yes!

I’ll often find myself coming up with lame excuses as to why I don’t want to do something. Sometimes my inner sloth just kicks in and I can’t be bothered to go anywhere or do anything. In 2016 I want to say yes to more experiences and being spontaneous. Who know’s where I’ll end up?

12. Be thankful, and show it.

I am so thankful for so many amazing people I have in my life and it’s a fear of mine that they don’t realise how much I truly appreciate them. So for 2016, I’m thinking little cards, letters, drawings – anything to give to those people around me who I appreciate it. Who knows… maybe it will go full circle and come back to me. Either way, I really want to spread the happiness.

13. Couchsurf.

With all of this travelling I have planned, I’m going to try and throw couchsurfing in there somewhere. I’ve never done it and I’ve only ever heard good things. Apart from a few horror stories, I like my chances. And hey – say yes to new things right?!

14. Eat. Sleep. Blog. Repeat. 

Of course I was always going to continue blogging! For 2016, I want to get below the surface and write about things I really care about. There’s been a few times where I’ve thought ‘I really want to blog about this,’ and it just hasn’t happened. I think because when I’m really committing to writing something of good quality and something I deeply care about, I get scared that people won’t like it. Not anymore. Watch this space for more powerful and intriguing  posts. Also – side goal here and also a big one – make money from my blog. It’s something I haven’t yet done, and I keep reading apparently how achievable it is. Well 2016 is the year to try. I don’t know where to begin, but I’m sure thinking I can is a good start.

15. Stop comparing myself/Stop with the negative thoughts.

As you can see above, negative thoughts are fatal to passion. Who cares what other people think, as long as you’re happy with what you’re doing, do it. And I really need to stop comparing myself to others. Instead, I should embrace being inspired by others to help me achieve my goals. Work with others and try to network within communities. Positive thoughts all the way!

16. Own It!

I think this one will be my motto for 2016. Whatever it is you do, own it. Whether you fail, excel, try try and try. Whether your goals are practical, small, enormous or achievable. Just own it. This comes down to self acceptance and being happy with your choices in life. And if you’re not happy, do something about it to change it. Whatever you do – Just Own It!

Over to you! What are you hoping to achieve in 2016? Have any advice, tips or tricks? Share in the comments below! I wish you all a magical 2016!