I started the new year off with the attitude that I wasn’t going to set any resolutions or specific goals because we didn’t know where we’d be with COVID. We still don’t in a sense, but it feels like things are moving in the right direction when it comes to restrictions easing and cases going down. Although I know there’s still a long way to go. I was thinking about goals I want to achieve in 2021 and while some of them are outside my control like going to a festival or heading abroad I thought I’d focus on something things I can control.

Another reason I didn’t set goals to begin with was I didn’t want to set myself too much pressure. So I decided to choose goals that weren’t too crazy or hard to achieve. But things that I won’t beat myself up over if I don’t achieve. That’s why weight loss doesn’t appear on this list as for me it’s just not something I know in my heart of hearts I can achieve.

Here are some of the goals I want to achieve in 2021.

Book our wedding venue

This is one that I know is 100% achieveable as we’ve had two wedding venue viewings with another in a few weeks time. We’ve liked both of the venues we’ve seen and I could see us getting married at either (although I do have my preference). So the choice will definitely be there. And thankfully we’ve been saving money for the wedding ever since we got engaged last January meaning we can afford to put a deposit down.

We plan on getting married in May 2023 so there will be plenty of time to book everything else. As long as we book our venue and get a good date this year I’ll see it as successful.

Goals I want to achieve- Increase my full time salary by £1,000

I have been very lucky to start a new job at the start of lockdown last April and keep my job throughout the pandemic. And I couldn’t be happier. I love my job and really feel like I’m learning and building on skills which is exactly what I want from a job. While I would love to get a much bigger pay increase I don’t want to push things(and the fact that I’ve just had a 2.5% payrise). But I’d love to be able to pitch as to why I deserve a little bit more money and increase it just that little bit further.

Book at least one trip abroad for 2022

I’m settled on the fact that I probably won’t get abroad this year, and it’s fine. There are bigger and more important things to worry about. But I’d love to get at least one trip booked for next year. We have flights for Barcelona booked and just need to change the date as we rescheduled from this May. So that’s pretty much a guarantee, fingers crossed.

Goals I want to achieve- Get the balance right with socialising

Before the pandemic I didn’t have a good balance when it came to going out. So often I’d have gigs, theatre shows, cinema trips, meals out etc booked and I wouldn’t have enough time for me. I didn’t get enough sleep and I wasn’t looking after myself. And during the pandemic I’ve learnt that I need to take some time for myself and not always be out and about.

So when things continue to get back to ‘normal’ I want to continue to have a balance between going out and staying in/ looking after myself.

Continue with my positive workout routine

One of the goals I want to achieve in 2021 is around my workout routine. Ever since I got my Peloton bike at the end of November last year I have had a really positive change in my workout routine. I enjoy working out both on and off the bike using the app and classes. And I want this to continue. I want to be able to push myself further, be able to take longer classes and beat my personal bests’. I’m never going to be super duper fit, but I want to be healthy and comfortable in myself.

Goals I want to achieve- Finally get a bath!

Ever since we moved into our house we’ve not had a bath. Heck the whole bathroom has been a shell of a room but we’re progressing with getting it done. And the end is kind of in sight. But I am most excited about getting a bath. I blooming love having baths and have missed them so much. So I can not wait to relax in one with a magazine and a candle as often as I can.

Finish our garage renovations

The final renovation we have to do inside our home is the garage. We have a double garage and we’re splitting it into three rooms; a utility room, a small garage and a man cave for Luke. And I would really love to get this room complete by the end of the year. I really want to have a proper utility space and not just a dusty washing machine and tumble drier sitting in my garage. Plus I want Luke to have his own space to properly relax in with all of his stuff around him. At the moment all of his books, comics and memorablila is in boxes in our spare room.

What goals do you want to achieve this year?