Showing posts with label goal setting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goal setting. Show all posts
Wednesday, 8 April 2020

April Goals

April Goals
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
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Hello April!


It's been a long old time since I last sat down to write a blog post. Months even. I have a couple of reasons, none of which I'll bore you with now, because you'll have heard my excuses before. The important thing is I'm back now and glad to be posting again.
Wednesday, 11 December 2019

December Goals

December Goals
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
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Ho Ho Holy fucking shit it's December! Not only that but it's nearly two weeks into December. 2019 is nearly over! How the fuck did that happen? And how come I haven't achieved everything I wanted to? Isn't time terrifying?! The older I get the quicker it goes by and before I know it I'll probably be dead. I jest. Kind of. What a way to start a post about Christmas!Anywho, now that we're here and there's nothing we can do about it, we might as well talk about my goals for the coming month. Here goes.

Wednesday, 6 November 2019

November Goals

November Goals
Wednesday, 6 November 2019
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It struck me the other day, when I first sat down to write this post, that we only have two months left of this decade, not just this year, this DECADE! But still that’s enough time to make some changes before we hit the roaring twenties! Here’s what I want to achieve before the end of the year.
Wednesday, 9 October 2019

October Goals

October Goals
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
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How did we get here? I blinked in June 5.7 seconds ago and now we’re in October. I’m not complaining though, after the hottest summer on record (which is truly terrifying) I’m ready for my absolute favourite time of year, autumn.
Wednesday, 5 June 2019

June

June
Wednesday, 5 June 2019
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Here we go again. A new month means new goals doesn’t it? Doesn’t it?! Usually, yes, but not this month. This month I’ll be doing something entirely different. This month I’m just going to let myself be. 

Lately, I've been experiencing what I can only assume is burn out, or a close approximation of. I'm tired, lads, really tired. And it's all the time. Now I could say that I’m going to focus on myself and go to the gym five times a week, get eight hours of sleep every night, while eating all my vegetables and nothing else, but I’m not going to. Because that in itself is pressure I don’t need.

I don’t need to feel bad about myself for not going to the gym, for choosing to lie on my bed, whilst probably eating a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer and ignoring an episode of Game of Thrones to scroll through instagram instead. I don’t need to feel bad about myself.  Full stop. Whether that’s for not doing things I’ve said I’m going to do or just in general. I don’t need it.

The truth is I'm not very good at relaxing, every moment I have is dedicated to something, whether it's this or my youtube channel or my actual job, my brain is always whirring. I am always doing something. I need to get comfortable doing nothing. Even if it doesn't come naturally to me. 

So this month I will be reminding myself that it’s okay not to aim for something. It’s okay to let myself be and not strive for a goal. The world won’t end if I give myself a break and just stop beating myself up for not being who I want to be or not being good enough. Even if it’s just for a moment. It’s okay. I’ll be okay. I hope you are too.

Have a good month x
Wednesday, 8 May 2019

May Goals

May Goals
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
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May is here. May. We're so far into the year now that before we know it it'll be Christmas. I know, I know I say the same thing every month - it annoys me too - but if I didn't set my monthly goals I don't think I'd really notice the passage of time as much, but I do, and time is just disappearing. I feel like I just sat down to write my April Goals and BAM we're already in May. Anywho, let's talk about my May Goals, shall we? 

Write everyday

I love writing, I’ve always loved writing. But it can be really hardwork. Especially when you write for a living, which I do. Honestly, the fact that I get to say that is beyond amazing, however it does have its downside, because when writing is your job, it becomes a job, something to be ticked off a list. It can take all the joy out of it and, depending on the size and scope of the subject matter, it can be really, really fucking hard. And boring. Recently, I’ve become a bit jaded with writing. The love hasn’t gone but I’m struggling. And because of that struggle I don’t want to do it, putting pen to paper, or fingertips to keys, feels like an insurmountable challenge. The only thing I can think that will help is to write more. Specifically write more for the sheer joy of writing, write things that are just for me, so it doesn’t matter how shit they are. I put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself and my writing and I need to take it off and just write. It’s genuinely the only way I think I’ll be able get over this particular bump, and it’s the only way I’ll get better. Writing is a skill and I need to cultivate it, and the only way to do that is to write more.

Finish Game of Thrones

Guys, it finally happened. I’ve started watching Game of Thrones, and more importantly I like Game of Thrones. I really like Game of Thrones. It’s so good. The hype was real. Who knew? Luckily, the entire back catalogue is on NowTV (*not spon) just waiting for me to watch it. Unluckily the first six seasons are only there until the end of the month. Herein lies the problem, I do not have the kind of binge watching mentality that a show like Game of Thrones almost demands from its viewers. I just don’t. I left it at uni alongside my ability to concentrate on one thing for more than 45 minutes and my fondness for neon coloured tights. Watching 56 hours (I’ve nearly finished season two) of GOT in just over three weeks is going to be a real challenge. A real challenge. I genuinely don’t think I’ll manage it, but damnit, I’m going to try. Wish me luck. 

Read more

I actually read quite a lot. It took some time, nothing kills a love for reading quite like an English degree IMO, but I’m finally back in a place where I’m reading fairly regularly - I’ve managed to get through 17 books so far this year - however, reading is always something that I want to be doing more of. Especially because it’s so intrinsically linked to writing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Wonder Woman of Fleabag and Killing Eve fame, said in her Vogue 70 questions interview that reading is the best way to get over a bout of writer’s block, and I can actually see where she’s coming from. I know when I read a particularly good book or piece of journalism it galvanises me. It makes me not only want to write but to pour all my efforts into writing something good, and that is why I want to read more this month. 

What are your goals this month? Xx




Wednesday, 17 April 2019

April Goals

April Goals
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
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Something weird always happens in April, regular as clockwork. Every year when the clocks go forwards (or backwards, whichever) I completely lose all desire to write. I call it Spring Time writer's block, which isn't the catchiest of titles, I know. I don't know if it's the slightly warmer weather -which hasn't appeared yet so that can't be it - or the increase in pollen and the onset of hay fever - which makes my eyes swell up, gives me headaches and makes me very sleep - but every year, in April, all I want to do is curl up in a patch of sunshine - if we have it - like a cat and read. That's it, nothing else. And this year is exactly the same. So forgive my lack of blog posts, I'm lazy and sleepy (and incredibly busy!) Anywho it's April, we're a couple of weeks in now so I should probably set some goals for the month.

Chill out

It's only recently occurred to me that I work really hard. I mean, really, really hard. It's never occurred to me before that all the extra work I do outside my actual job - blogging, youtube, writing, filming, photo taking, editing, pitching, freelancing  - isn't actually normal, other people don't do that. I mean, a lot of people do but a lot of people don't. What I'm trying to say is I'm not very good at doing nothing. Even when I am doing nothing and trying to relax I'm doing something OR I'm worrying about all the things I have to do. Basically, I never relax ever. So for the remainder of this month I'd like to chill the fuck out and take the pressure off myself. I don't want to be constantly worrying about all the shit I have to do. It'll get done, it usually always does. I don't want to worry about things for the sake of worrying and I also don't want to feel guilty every time I sit down to watch Netflix or to read or listen to music, these are the things that make life great, and guilt is such a useless emotion.

Get back into the gym 

Not a year goes by when this isn't a goal, I swear I'll be saying it when I'm 80. I have such a love-hate relationship with the gym. I love it once I'm there but it's the getting there that's the actual problem. It's never as hard as I think it is but I build it up until it becomes this insurmountable challenge, and I just can't bring myself to go. It's a mental battle more than anything. What makes it worse, so much worse, is that I know just how good doing regular exercise makes me feel. It has such an immediate impact on my state of mind and it makes me feel good knowing that I can do things that I didn't think I could. Knowing that I've pushed myself to work hard makes me feel amazing. It's just getting there... that's the problem. 


Eat better 

Again this is something I've talked about a lot on here. I've made no secret of the fact that I eat like an unsupervised 5-year old at a birthday party, just skips and sour apple chewits for me, thanks. I'm exaggerating but only just. Case in point I'm basically existing on peanut butter toast and tea at the moment, and whist I truly believe that smooth peanut butter is the Lord's work, I should definitely try to get a vegetable or two. One of the main reasons I want to eat well is that I've noticed just how much the food I eat impacts my energy levels.  I know this is a totally obvious and completely ridiculous observation but seriously, I'd never noticed before. I had some pick n' mix the other and my energy levels dipped so low that I immediately wanted a nap.

What are your goals for the month? x








Wednesday, 27 February 2019

March Goals 2019

March Goals 2019
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
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I never ever know how to start my monthly goals posts. I could go super basic, which is the option I usually plump for, and marvel at the passage of time, or I could come up with something original. Option A it is. Guys! It's basically March! We're nearly a quarter of the way through the year. Seriously! I'm hoping this fact will shock me into action, because I haven't achieved everything I'd wanted to by this point.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019

New Year, New Me? No thanks

New Year, New Me? No thanks
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
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Hello! And welcome to my first post of 2019. How are you? It's been a while! I hope everyone had a lovely festive time and are ready to take this year by the horns and make some magic happen. I know I am.
Wednesday, 21 November 2018

November Goals

November Goals
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
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It's November. I'm just gonna let that sink in for a minute. November. It's not even just November, oh no, it's nearly the end of November. Where has this month gone? Where has this year gone? I just... I don't know. Anyway, this month has been a super busy one. I've moved house, I've done other things too but that's the most important thing. Anyway, while it's still November I should probably set myself some goals, even if I only have nine days left of the month to do them...

Be present

I’m one of those people who’s either constantly reminiscing about times gone by OR fantasising about the future. I never, ever think about the present, because I kind of just see it as a means to an end rather than something that should be embraced and enjoyed. As a result, I live my life almost completely inside my own head. And recently it’s occurred to me just how sad that is. It’s really fucking sad. It means I can’t enjoy anything, but I also don’t want to miss out on my life because I'm spending all my time thinking about how it could be rather than enjoying it for what it currently is. I've always had a really overactive imagination and am something of a fantasist and these are good things, IMO, but the challenge is keeping those things whilst also keeping myself firmly grounded in my present? Answers on the back of a postcard... 

Declutter (again)

Guys! I've moved! It's been a really busy couple of weeks but I’m happily ensconced in my new room. Side note: I have a gallery wall! You can’t know how happy it makes me. Anyway, even though I’ve moved out of my mum’s now, I still have a ton, I’m not joking it could easily be a ton, of stuff at hers that I need to go through and either pack up or get rid of. Luckily, I quite enjoy a good sort out. Unluckily, I don’t want to actually do it, but you know, needs must. 


Apply myself

I’m one of life’s muddlers - evidenced by the fact that we are 3 weeks into November and I’m only just setting my goals now - I just muddle my way through, with the constant feeling that I could be doing more, that I have the potential to do really cool and amazing things, but never quite managing it. Let me tell you it is no fun thinking that I’m not achieving the things I could be.

I think there are probably three things responsible for these constant feelings of inadequacy. 1. I can be quite lazy. I’m a human sloth that likes sleep and netflix. 2. Social media. I think it’s quite hard to be happy with your lot in life when you constantly compare yourself to others on Instagram. Which I do. ALL THE TIME! 3. Time. I don’t have a lot of it and I probably don’t make good use of it.

For the rest of the month/year I’m going to apply myself to the things that matter most to me, learn to prioritise so I don’t waste time I don’t have on bullshit things I don’t care about and make time for the things I do care about. It’s gonna be a tricky one, especially now my favourite time waster, I’m a Celeb, is back on our screens! 

Book my driving test 

It’s taken two years of lessons, with one particularly memorable lesson where I turned the wrong way on a roundabout, got spooked and burst into tears, but I think (whisper it) that I’m finally nearly test ready. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still not a fan of driving, but it’s time. Plus it will save me so much time! Just need to get the bish booked now! 


Start Christmas shopping

For someone who loves Christmas as much as I do, I always leave my Christmas shopping until the last minute. Thank God for Amazon Prime. Except not really because we know there’s a human cost, despite how bloody convenient it is. Anyway, to save myself the hassle of running round the shops on Christmas Eve I’m planning to make a start on my Christmas shopping, even if it's just a few bits and pieces. Anythings better than nothing. Sidenote: who else cried at Elton John x John Lewis ad... because I was a wreck!


What are your goals for the rest of this month? xxx






Wednesday, 19 September 2018

September Goals

September Goals
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
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September! Oh September! I could write a love letter to this wonder, wonderful month! I know I'm probably alone in this, but I'm SO happy that summer is finally over and we're now in Autumn. Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love it! In fact,I've been so busy enjoying the past month that I haven't had a minute to sit down and write a post. But I'm back now and with a post I originally meant to upload three weeks ago. Oops. 

Read more!

Reading is, and has always been, one of my favourite ways to spend my time. From when I was a really little girl and memorised all the words to Dear Zoo so I could read it to myself, right up until I chose to do a degree in English Literature, and essentially murdered my love of reading. It’s no fun reading book you have to read! Especially when one of those books is Moby Dick! But recently I’ve read one or two INCREDIBLE books - Promising Young Women by Caroline O’Donohue, I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Carter and Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton -  that have completely reignited my love for reading and books. I also read a piece in The Times, cuz I’m so fancy, by Laura Freeman that was completely incredible. She argued that immersing yourself in books and art and music is actually better for mental wellbeing than meditation. And I completely agree. Meditation has never worked for me, my heads not a particularly safe place for me to be, but reading has always settled my mind, and calmed me. So for both my mental health and just my general development as a human I’m going to be hitting the books pretty hard this month. 

Up my guitar game

I've been playing guitar for over two years now and I've totally plateaued. I can play and I sound alright but I want to be really good. It doesn't help that I've let life totally got in the way of me playing, I used to play everyday for hours but lately it's more like a couple of times a week, if that. I want to learn at least one new song before the month is over, and *whisper it* try Drop D tuning. All the best songs are in Drop D. 

Book driving test 

I passed my theory test back in July and have been throwing myself into my lessons because I just want to be able to drive now! It's been two years! This is the final hurdle and I'm terrified but it's about time. 

Start packing/declutter

Big news folks! I'm moving! I'm not sure when because I'm moving into a shared house, but I'm pretty sure it will be sometime in October/November. Which means I have some serious clearing out and packing to do. Better get started! 

Gym 

I'm ashamed to admit just how long it's been since I last went to the gym. It was May. I need to go back. I sleep so much better when I'm exercising, I feel better both physically and mentally and it's just a really good thing that I need to make sure I'm doing. 


Not much new for this month, which I suppose is good because we're literally three weeks into it but they're all still worth a try and manageable. What are your September Goals? 
Wednesday, 1 August 2018

August Goals

August Goals
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
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Another month has just completely flown by. This time in a blur of intense heat, near constant sweating, all of the birthdays and if I’m honest one too many twister ice lollies. July was a busy but really good month, but I have to say I’m really glad we’re into August. It feels like we’re finally on the home stretch people! Just one more month and then summer will be over! I can’t wait. 

Live better

I know, I know, this, or some variation of this, is a goal every single month and yet I continue to be a nightmare human. I don’t sleep enough. I don’t drink enough water. I don’t eat particularly well and some days I just exist on Jaffa Cakes and Hula Hoops. And it’s catching up with me. I’m perpetually knackered, knocking back endless mugs of tea and bottles of Coke Zero - which is way worse for you than normal Coke by the way, but has less calories - just to keep myself awake and honestly, I look and feel like shit! So my main goal this month is a fairly simple one: Drink more water, get more sleep and maybe eat some vegetables. I swear one of these days I’m actually going to achieve this goal, and on that day I will go to sleep promptly at 10:30 and get up at 6:30 feeling refreshed and human, whilst starting the day with a hot water and lemon. Maybe that’s a bridge too far....

Get motivated/work harder

Lately I’ve lost my mojo a bit, and with it my motivation to do anything during the day. I blame the recent - and hideous - heatwave! (I’m not a summer person, can you tell?) It’s melted my brain! It’s miserable. Luckily, and perhaps for the first time ever, my blog hasn’t suffered but the rest of my life has. At the moment it feels like I’m stuck on a treadmill and getting absolutely no where. It feels like I’m achieving nothing between the hours of 7am and 10pm. I know that’s not the case, but it’s a really shitty feeling. Something definitely needs to change. 

Stop people pleasing

This goes hand in hand with working harder/total lack of motivation. I want to, and do, work really hard but I want to do it for me, not for other people. So much of my life and my working day is doing things for other people that I shouldn’t be doing and don’t have time to do. It is, quite frankly, exhausting. I can’t please everyone and trying to is a waste of my time and energy! 

Take no shit! 

Just no more. I don’t need anyone else’s bull shit. I have quite enough of my own, thank you very much! 

What are your goals for the month? x



Wednesday, 9 May 2018

May Goals

May Goals
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
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How is it May, already?! How?! Normally I hate starting posts like this, because it's such a bloody blogger cliche - and one I'm very guilty of - but the rate at which this year is moving at is terrifying me. Where has the time gone?! It's frightening! Anyway - existential crises aside - it's been a while since I last set any goals, and now seems as good a time as any for me to make some changes.

Stop procrastinating

I'm a terrible time waster! Seriously, my powers of procrastination are second to none. As I write this I'm also watching old episodes of Bake Off on Netflix and paying way more attention to Mary Berry than what I'm actually typing. I know full well that I'd get this post done quicker, and would do a much better job, if I was giving it my undivided attention but I just can't help myself. I also just took a five minute break from this sentence to scroll through instagram. I have a problem!

Make better use of my free time

I'm always working. Always. I'm either actually at work, or I'm editing videos or working on my blog. I don't stop, and I always have something to do. I really don't have a lot of free time, and usually I'm so knackered that I don't make the most of the free time I do have. I either want to take a little nap, that lasts a whole weekend, or crash in front of Netflix. There's nothing wrong with either of those things, in fact they're both splendid ways to spend some time, but I've recently realised that my time is limited. And I don't mean day to day, although it is, I mean that one day I won't exist anymore. Now, while I'm fully prepared to admit that I am definitely in the throes of a quarter life crisis, it's a very scary thought, and there is so much I want to do. Like learning to play the piano, or reading everything Bryony Gordon has ever written, or getting really, really good at guitar. So I'd better get to doing it really, hadn't I? On that note I'm off to learn the guitar riff from Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight. 

What are your goals this month? xx



Monday, 19 February 2018

(Belated) February Goals 2018

(Belated) February Goals 2018
Monday, 19 February 2018
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So it's very late in the day to be setting my monthly goals, maybe even too late, what can I say -  a total lack of motivation and organisation has been my downfall this month. Having said that I still have nine days to make a difference and put some of these goals into action. If nothing else it will leave me in a really good position for the next month.
Monday, 8 January 2018

January Goals 2018

January Goals 2018
Monday, 8 January 2018
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You guys get a bonus post this week because I wanted to get my January Goals online while they still felt relevant. You know, start as I mean to go on and all that. January is an odd month. It's fun for about two days, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and then it's horrible. It's cold and dreary and I’m still mourning the end of Christmas. Plus springtime still feels so far away. It’s not fun. And there's always a ton of pressure to change everything about yourself (read more about that here), so it's not the best month. Anyway... here are my goals for the next four weeks.
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