I can’t quite believe that 2021 is coming to a close. I feel like the whole year has been a complete whirlwind and blur. Heck, it feels like my birthday was only a month or so ago! But in The Northernist tradition, the end of the year is the time where I look back at my goals to see if I achieved them and set myself some new ones for the year ahead. So let’s have a look back at my 2021 goals…
Spoiler alert, coronavirus has had quite the impact on everyone this year, so these goals have been derailed a fair bit. It’s funny because I set them quite loose for myself so I feel like they can be achieved easily, but wow, this year has been a mess. But hey, all we can do is try again next year! Here’s how I got on.
1. Establish myself as a knowledgeable Teesside advocate
I’ve really enjoyed trying to achieve this goal and I think I’ve done ok with it. I’ve definitely made steps in the right direction and I’ve finally started to get past imposter syndrome to feel like I can make good, solid local recommendations. I’ve done some brilliant collaborations with local players over 2021 and I don’t want to toot my trumpet too hard, but I feel like I’ve got my name out there a bit more with the right people. I think people are definitely starting to look at me as a Teesside advocate.
2. Keep going to the gym at least 3 times a week
Remember when I said that corona had a big impact on the year. Yeeaaaah this was one of those things that took a hit. But it was also due to work and just being generally busy! However, I’ve overcome my fear of going to the gym alone, so even when Matthew can’t come with me, I try and make an effort to go where I can. This year has also showed me how much moving my body is good for my mental health. If I’m having an anxious moment, an hour or so in the gym sorts me right out!
3. Visit more of the UK
I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that this goal also took a bit of a hit. We didn’t do a lot of travelling around in 2021, mainly to avoid catching corona, but that being said, we did have a small handful of lovely trips outside of Teesside. We took a trip to Edinburgh to celebrate Matthew’s birthday, we went on a little glamping trip near Carlisle in September, and we had a weekend in London in October. But I’d love to see Wales, maybe Liverpool, other areas of Scotland… there’s lots of the UK to explore.
4. Learn how to budget properly and increase my savings
Interestingly, my savings did really well in the first half of this year, but I put a pause on saving during the second half. My job situation changed, which meant I wasn’t earning as much, so I’ve tried to save where I can, but it’s been tough. Matthew has been a godsend with budgeting help and is so on top of our bills and the like. But next year, we’re hoping to really start looking for a new place, so saving will resume!
5. Work on my Pinterest and Instagram game
I’ve tried really hard with Pinterest and it’s definitely paid off! At the time of writing this, Pinterest has been my top traffic source to my blog and my profile has 1.4 million monthly views. Yup, MILLION. I just love the platform and want to get more out of it! As for Instagram, I don’t really know what I’m doing wrong. They say to make more videos, but my audience doesn’t engage with videos at all. I try photos, and they bomb too. So I’m trying not to get caught up in the likes and engagement so much, but rather focusing on putting things out that I’m happy with.
What are my goals for 2022?
While I wasn’t really all that successful with my 2021 goals, it’s given me some food for thought on what I want to achieve in 2022.
1. Get back on track with saving
I can be quite a thrifty person and can usually talk myself out of impulse purchases, but as I said, I hit pause on saving about halfway through 2021. In 2022, I want to kickstart my saving again because I’m so determined to buy my first house! It’s a goal I’m so so keen to hit before I turn 30 and, let’s put it this way, I haven’t got too much longer left. So my first goal for 2022 is to get back on track with saving, so I can take those steps towards a house.
2. Make more time for hobbies
I’m terrible for just turning into a blob after the work day. It’s like my brain is so tired that I can’t even think to do anything fun or for myself, which is why my blog posts have been a little bit sporadic. So in 2022, I want to make more time for my hobbies. That’s not just my blog either – I like to do crafty things and I want to explore weaving a bit more, as well as pick cross stitching back up. I also struggle to find the motivation to read, so I want to pick up a book and finish it!
3. Learn more about other areas of Teesside
I need to remind myself often that there’s more to Teesside than just Middlesbrough and Stockton. Those are the two places that I’m most familiar with, having grown up across the two, but there’s so much more to the area. I want to actually be involved in the other spots, learn about them and share what they have to share!
4. Get into a regular gym routine
I’m bringing this goal back for 2022, but instead of putting pressure on myself to go 3 times a week, I’m gonna say I want to get into a regular gym routine instead. I absolutely love going and I always feel great afterwards, but it’s always a time thing. I manage to talk myself out of it, saying that it’s too late or I won’t have enough time to get a good workout in. No more!
5. Take the steps to kickstart a project
I’ve had a project in mind since summer 2020 and I’ve been speaking to a few people about it, and I want 2022 to be the year. I need to get past my imposter syndrome first, but I have everything crossed that I can get the ball rolling. Let’s just say if you like food and eating out in Teesside, watch this space.
So after the chaos that 2021 has been, I think we’re due a good year. I’ve got everything crossed that we’re on our way out of this pandemic mess because I know I’m not alone when I say I’m a bit sick now. Let’s hold on to hope! On another note, I feel positive about my goals, so make sure you check back in June to see how I’m getting on with them.
What are your goals for 2022?
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