2018 Goals

Happy 2018, y’all! I’m so ready for the fresh start that comes with the New Year. As I said in my 2017 year in review post, 2017 was quite the year. But I have a feeling that 2018 will be twice as epic.

Like I said… I’m so ready.

I haven’t written a “goals” post in quite awhile. They always seem a bit cliche, especially this time of year. But in the spirit of the New Year, and in hopes that it’ll keep me accountable, I’m sharing my 2018 goals with y’all.

I try to set some goals and resolutions at the start of each year (and throughout the year). If I’m being honest, I’m not always the best at sticking to them. There’s a bit of an art to setting and reaching goals that I’m still figuring out; I think part of that is setting goals that are realistic and attainable. The rest, of course, is actually working toward them and tracking progress and whatnot.

Here are my 2018 goals.

Well, some of them, at least. Maybe writing them out like this will help me stay on track and make them happen. You know, accountability and all that.

“Unplug” more often // I had a good conversation about “unplugging” with my friend several weeks ago. Too many nights, I’m working on my computer or phone right until I go to bed, and it’s a huge contributor to stress, anxiety and poor sleep patterns. This year, I want to make a conscious effort to “unplug” before I go to bed. Or really, anytime during the day. I’m convinced it’ll help with my anxiety. And it’ll give me a great opportunity to work on the next two goals.

Spend more time journaling // I bought a nice Moleskine journal at the beginning of 2016, with the intention to fill it up in that year. Since its purchase, I have written only five short entries in it. So, I’m making it one of my 2018 goals to write in it once a week, and work my way up to more. Is it weird that it’s easier for me to sit down and write a blog post or feature story than to write in a journal?

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Read more // It really is a shame how little I read. And I’m ashamed of that. So I’m changing that in 2018. I really do enjoy reading a good book and I’m going to make a better effort to read more this year. I have a few books on my shelf that I haven’t read yet, in addition to new books I’d like to get into.

How am I going to hold myself accountable for this? I’m going to make a good, old-fashioned list and cross them off as I read them. I’m also a huge fan of this book jar idea.

Run three 5ks // I truly used to enjoy running. If you ask me now, I’d say it’s not my favorite form of exercise, but it gets the job done. I ran a few 5ks in college and grad school (color runs and VT’s annual 3.2 Run for 32), and I hope that giving myself a few runs to look forward to will help kick myself into running gear again.

Related: does anyone else get really bored with their workout routines as quickly as I do? I feel like I have to constantly switch mine up to stay interested. I prefer not to pay for boutique classes, so I’m a very DIY exerciser. What are some of y’alls favorite, most effective at-home workout routines?

Launch my podcast // This is a “January” goal more than a 2018 goal. In the larger sense, keeping the podcast up and running is one of my 2018 goals. If I can do one episode a month in my first year, or even my first six months, then I’ll be happy with that.

Oh, yeah… I’m launching a podcast. Read about that here.

Grow my blog by 1,500 hits/month // This won’t happen overnight (or maybe it will #wishfulthinking), but if I can get my blog to grow at that pace, then I’ll be very pleased. I’ve got plenty of content ideas lined up for the first few months of 2018, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. Fresh content and consistency are key for growth!

Get published // This was one of those goals I set for myself a couple of years ago that I have yet to reach. Sure, I am published online in several places, but this time I’m aiming for print. Magazines and journals aren’t going away yet! So here’s to cranking out some great writing in 2018.

2018 is here! What are some of your goals for the New Year? Click To Tweet

Travel back to England // I studied abroad in London in 2013 and have been itching to go back ever since. Almost two summers ago (in 2016), my childhood friend Josh came to the States from England for a visit and I got to show him around Chattanooga for a week. Now it’s time for me to go back to England for a visit. And I promise it will happen this year!

Visit 1 new Southeastern city // I’ve lived in the South for most of my life, but there are so many cities I’ve yet to explore in-depth. Chattanooga is convenient to plenty of fun cities and towns that visiting and exploring at least one new place shouldn’t be too difficult! Charleston? Greenville? Birmingham? Huntsville? Knoxville? Asheville? So many options!

Eat more vegetables // I’m an unapologetically picky eater, and I’ve never been a good veggie eater. You’re doing well to get me to eat carrots, zucchini and some spinach. But having braces for the last several months has forced me to switch up some things, so I’ve opted for sliced bell peppers instead of carrots. I want to add even more veggies to my diet in 2018, which means I also have to learn how to cook and prepare them.

Got a good veggie recipe? Share it with me in the comments!

Stay inspired // As a creative, my brain is always working, thinking of ideas for posts, projects, things to make and write. It’s easy to get tired, burn out and feel like you’ve lost all inspiration. With all of my goals for the year, staying inspired is key to making them happen.

2018 is going to be a big year, for me, for you, for (I hope) everyone. Cheers to making goals happen and doing big things in the New Year!

What are some of your 2018 goals? How are you going to make them happen?