Looking to 2014

As I stood in my auntie's garden on New Year's Eve, counting down to 2014, I began to think about what a great year 2013 was.  I graduated from University with a 2:1; survived my first ever festival; spent just over two hours in the same room as Michael Buble; found lots of excuses to drink champagne; and managed to get my best friend to break into a sweat in the gym (I would probably rank this achievement up there with getting my degree).

Those are just a few of my highlights.  There are, of course, many more.  I was able to celebrate one of my closest friends getting engaged, and feel completely honoured that she asked me to be a bridesmaid (for the first time ever!!)  I got myself a kitten; rediscovered what a hangover feels like; and had a brilliant little holiday with my girls in France.

That was a lot to think about in ten seconds!

As the television blasted out Big Ben's chimes and everyone began embracing each other, I sipped on my champagne (starting 2014 as I mean to go on!) and pondered about what the year ahead could hold.  I decided I wouldn't make a New Year's Resolution; primarily because by the middle of January I have broken it so many times I always forget what it was.

Instead of thinking of something to change about myself this year, I decided to look at what I wanted to achieve - realistic, achievable, personal goals.  So, here goes:

1. Stop snoozing my alarm so much
Now that I will be working from home everyday I need to be more disciplined with myself and stop wasting my time snoozing in bed.  My record snooze came one morning before work - 52 minutes.  I need to put a stop to that bad habit and start being more pro-active when my alarm goes off.  I will start this from tomorrow.  (I did initially say this would start from 1st January but I fell foul to the tempting button the second day in!)

2. Think less, do more
Yes, this is actually among my goals for 2014!  I am one of the worst people for over-thinking things.  Last year I drove myself crazy wondering 'what if' and creating crazy scenarios in my head.  This year, I am going to try and stop that.  If I don't know the answers straight away I either need to find someone who can tell me, or get on with it until I discover them myself.

3. Follow my heart
This links quite nicely to my previous goal.  It's time to stop weighing up the pros and cons in everything, worrying about the 'what ifs' and dwelling on the negatives, and time to start following my heart.

4. Find a job doing what I love
Hopefully by 31st December 2014 I will have completed my NCTJ Diploma, be a fully qualified journalist, and have a job.  To do that, I need to spend this year getting myself out there and doing as much work experience as humanly possible.

5. Move out (again)
This is probably the least likely of all.  Given that I will be studying for a year and not working full time, I highly doubt I will have the financial ability to support myself and move out.  However, if I find myself a job outside Yorkshire I will have no choice but to move out.  Ideally, I would like to work in London so heading South is the goal for me, if not this year then next.  So, until I find a job, if anyone would like a live-in cleaner/cook/baker I would be happy to oblige.

6. Stop dwelling on the past
I have done lots of stupid things in the past and have a whole load of regrets; but let's be honest, who doesn't?  But dwelling on what went wrong is never going to make things right and move on in the future.  The past needs to be left in the past, it's all about moving forward now.  If something didn't work out previously, there's no point worrying that the same is going to happen again.  By doing that, you invite it to do so.  It's time to learn from the past and my mistakes, and use those lessons to shape my future.

7. Go on holiday
I don't care where I go - Cornwall, Center Parcs, or abroad.  I just want a holiday.  Abroad would be preferable so I can lay on a beach, or by a pool, with a cocktail, my kindle and the red hot sun on my skin.  Winter sun, summer sun - I'll go any time.

8. Find someone to go on holiday with
I'm not opposed to going on holiday by myself, I actually think I would really enjoy it.  But single room supplement is a killer.  So, I'm open to offers!  I like my own space so don't worry about being stuck with me 24/7.  As long as I have a good book and a lilo I could go on holiday with David Cameron and still have a good time.

9. Find something to smile about everyday
Even if I am having a terrible day, it will never be as bad as some people.  So, I am going to find at least one thing everyday to be thankful for, and smile at it.  It won't be difficult as I am sure I will frequently be able to think of more than one thing.  I just need to make sure I do it, and remember how lucky I am .

10. Get over my fear of speaking on the phone
I kind of achieved this last year while working at the council, but I still have a long way to go.  I absolutely hate talking on the phone, always have.  I don't mind Skype or FaceTime, but the thought of a phone conversation makes my palms sweat and my mouth go dry.  I don't know why, because when I get talking it's fine.  But the idea of ringing someone, or somewhere, fills me with dread.  And when my phone rings unexpectedly, that's just something else!  So, this year I aim to make a concious effort to keep in touch more via the phone, instead of choosing to text.


And that is that.

This year is going to be a very exciting one, I cannot wait to see what it brings.  I look forward to coming back to this post this time next year to see how successful I was in my aims and to reflect on 2014.

Happy New Year everyone!