I know what you’re thinking.
Don’t worry, I am fully aware that we are one and a half months into 2016 and that the ‘New Year’ has passed us by.
The Guardian reckons that by now, 66% of people have already given up on their resolutions, with the number much higher for those of you based out in the US.
It’s for that reason, instead of writing a list of ‘resolutions’, I’ve always preferred to choose a platform I am much more familiar with and create a year-long ‘to-do list.’
It’s never too late in the day to make one either. Just set a date, write a list and *poof* all sorted. I’ve kept these sorts of lists ever since my 21st birthday, so I thought I’d share a few tips on how I make it work:
Write it down
It may sound like I’m stating the obvious but this is a pretty crucial point. Once you’ve got a list sorted, physically write it down on a piece of paper and ideally pin it up where you can see it every day.
Share it with friends and family
I love sharing my list with the people I love. You’ll find that people will see things on there that interest them too and want to help or join in. Knowing other people are wanting to get involved is a great motivational tool.
Be realistic
Being realistic does not mean playing it safe. It simply means if you want to stick on your list a trip to Antarctica which will cost you in excess of £2,000, but you know you would need to save for years to get that much money is not realistic (it’s not impossible mind!).
Challenge yourself
Following on from being realistic, don’t be too easy on yourself either. Giving yourself a year, means you can set yourself some serious challenges.
Make it personal
I always include a number of personal achievement goals, ones that will mean nothing to others but will help me feel like I’m bettering myself.
Enjoy! 🙂
If you need some inspiration…
As usual there were some great blog posts released at the start of January with lots of inspiring ideas:
Conde Nast Traveler: 8 New Years Travel Resolutions
This list is more like a list of mantras rather than things to do, but it’s a good piece to get you motivated.
The Travel Hack: New Years Resolutions
A great collection of personal goals from the travel hack team.
Rough Guides: 10 New Years Resolutions to make in 2016
I LOVED this one, a few of these definitely made it onto mine.
And for those of you who are curious to see what I’ve got mapped out here’s mine:
My year long 2016 to-do list
1. Digital detox day
2. Learn a new skill
3. Finish photography course
4. Launch new business
5. Become fit and healthy
6. Hit 30 park runs
7. Clock in 50 hours volunteer work
8. Discover a new place in the UK
9. Watch a spectacular sunrise
10. Microadventure
11. New postcard buddy
12. Produce a new art piece
13. Blackpool
14. See something new every month #12trips
15. Family trip
16. Girls day out
17. Become more environmentally responsible
18. Stay somewhere unusual
19. Create a video
20. Create a buzzfeed article
21. Watch a movie outdoors
22. Raise money for a charitable cause
23. Go on at least one Wainwright
24. Achieve my blog goals
25. Cook/bake at least one new thing every month
26. Say happy birthday to every single one of my friends
27. Write an article for print
28. Have a professional manicure
29. Go to an event abroad
30. Smile and give thanks everyday
Are you still keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions? Any tips on how you make sure to keep them? Feel free to share your own lists in the comments to help inspire others!
