It’s that time again! Last year I wrote about resolutions/goals, and I’ve got to say, it set me up beautifully for the year. I made it to the end of the year feeling more like myself, having read 52 books, and with a brand new masters under my belt. I achieved a lot, and setting my intentions at the beginning fo the year definitely helped. So, I’m going to do it again this year.

Once again, let me make it clear that I will not tolerate anyone making fun of anyone setting themselves goals for the new year. By publicly posting my goals at the beginning of 2019, I not only shared my intentions with my friends, family, and wider community, but I was held accountable to my goals throughout the year. So, if you want to make fun of New Years Resolutions, find somewhere else to do so. Now that that’s out of the way (again), here are my 2020 goals.

Word of the year

I know that many of my readers will probably be cringing at the idea of a word of the year, but last year I did this and it really helped. My word for 2019 was simplicity; every time I thought about doing something, or adding something to my plate, this word brought me up short and made me question whether I really had the time, energy, or space to take on something new. I simplified my life (even though I recognise that I still have a way to go) and I am proud of myself for doing so.

This year, my word is inspired by Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead. It will be…

Courage

In 2020, I will have the courage to continue living simply, be curious, and be healthy.

Reading

Again, starting with the easy one. In 2019, I read 59 books: 8 more than my goal of 52. I’ll say it again. Many people will think “holy moly, that’s a lot of books in a year!” But let me remind you all; I love reading, and it’s part of my job as teacher librarian to read books. Therefore, it makes sense that I would read a lot; reading is my super power. So, for 2020, I have again set my goal at 52 books.

Study

I am still waiting to hear from Charles Sturt University as to whether I am able to do my PhD with them. I will start my PhD next year though and if not with Charles Sturt University, then with someone else. I am determined to take my research further. Watch this space!

Work

It’s no secret that I do too much at work. I’m slowly getting better at cutting back to what’s manageable and doing that really well. 2019 saw me make real progress towards this. In 2020 though, I am working towards Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) accreditation through the Queensland College of Teachers. The requirements of this are massive, but I am excited by the challenge. I am grateful to my school for supporting me with this.

In addition to HAT accreditation, I have picked up a new subject for 2020: Year 10 Study of Society. This is a year long subject that has 12 weeks each of geography, history, and legal studies. I am looking forward to teaching some history and legal studies. Much of my energy this year will be spent on ensuring this subject is the best it can be. I am looking forward to the challenge!

We have some massive competitions coming up this year for the gym. We are once again running the Australian Strongman Alliance Nationals, and many other high profile competitions. My aim is to make sure that we are consistently delivering great experiences for our competitors, and to grow strength sports.

Physical health

Are you sitting down? Because you might need to be… In January 2019, my friend and I were in Epcot, Walt Disney World on marathon day. I had no idea that Disney did run events, nor that they had a marathon through the parks at Walt Disney World. While we were at Epcot, we watched the finishers of the full marathon go by. I watched people from all walks of life running, jogging, or walking by me and looking like they were having the best time. When I returned home and was talking to my family about it, I made the mistake of saying “if I was ever going to do a marathon, I’d want to do the Walt Disney Marathon.” And well, here we are. So, in January 2021, my dad, brother and I will be doing the full marathon, my mum and sister-in-law will do the half marathon, and my husband will be support crew.

I have been working with my team of health professionals to make sure that I will be ready. Exercise Physiologist Tom Haynes from Performotion has been invaluable. In fact, he was the first person I told about wanting to do this, even before my husband, and was the first person to tell me I definitely could. I’m about to start working with Sports Dietitian, Jonathan Steedman for nutrition, and will continue working with Pip and Mark from Bodyworx to keep everything moving. I know that I am extremely fortunate to be able to work with this amazing team of professionals: there has to be some perks to owning a gym… *laughing crying face*

In order to achieve this goal, I will run the Gold Coast half marathon in July. I will keep up the strength and conditioning exercises (otherwise my joints will fall apart). I will need help with this, so I will be posting for accountability on my social media feeds. I want to do this so badly, and I mean, Disney World is a pretty big carrot, but I need to get back out of this holiday slump and get back into it. Consider this my first accountability post!

Mental health

2019 saw some really great progress for my mental health. I am no longer considered depressed, but I do have generalised anxiety. I also have some really good coping mechanisms and a great support network in place. I made a real effort in 2019 to be aware of doing things that drained my energy, and to counter that with things that help me recharge. I like people, don’t get me wrong, but I need alone time to recharge the batteries, and so I spent lots of time in 2019 doing things by myself. I will continue doing this, as it makes me a nicer person for people to be around and it helps with my mental health.

So, courage?

As you can see, my goals for 2020 are pretty big. In short, they are:

1. Marathon prep = 1/2 marathon in July, full marathon in January 2021
2. Read 52 books
3. Start PhD
4. HAT accreditation
5. Look after myself

These are all fairly big goals, and so I will need courage. Courage to stick to my training schedule; courage to make hard decisions when it comes to spending/saving; courage to prioritise my health; and, courage to take time out for me when I need it.

What are your 2019 resolutions/goals/plans/*insert preferred term here*?

PS. I took the photo while I was at the Magic Kingdom in January 2019. It’s my phone screen and it reminds me of my marathon goal every day.