Reflecting on 2018 & Setting New Goals For 2019

Happy New Year!! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019! Has it really been a year since I last sat down to recall the past year and to outline some goals for the next? I know, I know, you’re probably sick of hearing everyone talking about how quickly time goes. You’ve got to admit, it is frightening to say the least. I always have mixed feelings at this time of year. Sad that the festive season has drawn to a close for another year, a lack of enthusiasm for the impending winter weather and short, dark nights. Coupled with that is optimism for a fresh year, a year full of new promise and possibilities. New goals to work towards, new achievements to be made, excitement at the memories to come and keep with me.

I like to take the opportunity to reflect on the past year before I set out my goals. 2018 was a good year, I have some things to be proud of and going into 2019 I’m in a good place with myself. I have met some the goals I set myself last year and I relish the sense of achievement it gives. You can read the full post of my 2018 goals here.

2018 Achievements

Ok, so 2018 lets take a look at the highs and my achievements.

One of my main goals I wanted to achieve was to save better and reach the end of the year with a healthy pot I’d saved during the year. I have been more successful than I had hoped with this which was a surprise as I’m prone to getting spendy.

The next wasn’t a goal as such but it is an incredible achievement and one I don’t feel that I give myself enough credit for. I officially became a land lady. I’d be interested in property investment for a long time and I knew at some point I would take the first step. I found a great flat which was ready to move into and made an offer which I had accepted. After all of the necessary things I had to do I finally found tenants who signed a year lease. Now I’m saving to buy a second property and build up a little portfolio and who knows where that will lead. I’m super excited about it I do know that.

Highlights

They’re a couple of my main bigger achievements of the year, and things I’m really proud of myself for doing. My other notable highlights of the year include my blog being at its most successful, I’ve worked with brands which I had only dreamed of working with. I feel so proud of how far I’ve come with it considering my frightening lack of knowledge compared with some bloggers. It is basic at best, the very best. I really can’t wait to see what this next year brings and I’m ready for new challenges and to continually improve and grow.

The next was finally taking the plunge and having my brows microbladed. This was one of the best things I’ve ever done and it’s been a complete game changer for me. As someone who had next to no natural brows left thanks to the over-plucking trend of being a 90s child, I could not be happier with the results now. If you are considering it I can’t recommend it enough, I would do it a million times over.

Finally a huge highlight of my year was my dream holiday to Florida. I had been desperate to get back over for years as it is one of my favourite places ever. We booked up in March for the following August and it was every bit the dream trip I had imagined. We visited Disney, Universal and Islands of Adventure. To see Harry Potter world was incredible, I’m obsessed with Harry Potter and I’m not ashamed to admit that I totally lost my shit when I saw it.

2019 Goals

I think it’s so important to outline some goals at the beginning of each year to give you focus and something to work towards. I find that I work better when I’m working to meet a goal, I think my stubborn streak plays a part in this. Here a few of my key points to focus on in 2019.

Create a healthier lifestyle: This is always something for me to work on, and I’ve come to accept that it most likely always will be, and that’s ok. I have to admit that I do love food and to say that is an achievement in itself looking at my relationship with it in the past. I will strive to be generally healthier and more active for my own wellbeing rather than to achieve a weight loss goal. If that happens it will be a byproduct of an improved and healthier life. I have the worst immune system and I think my lifestyle has a lot to answer for, by being more active I hope to see an improvement in my physical health.

Continue being a savvy saver: This was a priority for me in 2018 and I went above and beyond on this one, so much like last year I want to keep up my good work. After acquiring my first rental property I am keen to add a second and if I save as well this year as I did last I hope to achieve this next year.

Make better choices: I want to really cut down on my plastic waste as much as I can this year, and although I am pretty good at doing my bit, I want to do more. I plan to stop using plastic bags moving forward and only use what I currently have, or use my canvas bags. Stop getting take out coffee cups, using plastic cutlery and straws. I want to make a difference anywhere I can and feel like I’m doing my bit.

Live the minimal and clutter free life: Not something that comes easy to me I have to say, but I am finding it increasingly easier to declutter and rid myself of unnecessary clutter. I have a long way to go but I fully intend on reducing what I own by at least 50%, ideally more but if I can get to 50% that’s a great start. I want to donate as much as I can rather than throw things away.

Blogging Goals

This could quite easily be a topic all of its own but I’m going to keep it brief.

Overall I plan to continue to grow and post regularly and consistently, I hope to work with more brands this year too. This year I really feel like I’ve managed to get on top of posting a good amount while combing it with full-time work. I have work to do when it comes to striking the right balance managing my social media accounts and improving my engagement and online presence.

It feels like blogging is evolving a little more and to continue to move with the times I want to make a greater effort with using Instagram stories. Instagram is a real stick in the mud and it’s a constant struggle to grow I feel. I have some thoughts in mind as to how I plan to improve my grid and as long as I enjoy what I share that’s all I can ask for. If it helps me grow that’s a huge bonus.

That’s my goals and look back over the past year.

Do you have any goals for the coming year?