2020 certainly taught us a few things about ourselves and the world around us. For me, I learned giving myself a goal tends to heap on a lot of pressure which often leads to me feeling so much stress and anxiety that no progress towards my goal happens at all. So, for 2021 I have decided to set myself some intentions that will help me design a life that I can commit to.

Firstly, my word for the year is one that I’m quietly excited about. It’s kindness. Kindness for all, but most importantly, for myself. I think changing from setting goals to intentions is the first step in showing kindness to myself.

Therefore, in the year of 2021 I intend to…

1. Put my needs first.
2. Live a healthier lifestyle, however that may look.
3. Reinvigorate my love of learning and study.
4. Focus my energies on excellent teaching.

My psychologist and I have been working on collecting some mantras to focus on when things become overwhelming or I start to be really critical of myself. These currently include:

– I can do anything, but not everything.

– Just because I could, doesn’t mean I should.

– I am doing the best I can with the energy I have.

– If it won’t matter in 5 months or 5 years, why should it matter now?

Of course, I have some more concrete plans lined up for the year that include a PhD Literature Review, 3 x 5km races and a 10km race, to read 30 fiction books, and to ensure that I am as best prepared as I can be for my year 11 Geography Class. I also plan to maintain my social medias and YouTube Channel. However, I want those things to happen organically and authentically reflect my life rather than planned goals.

So, what intentions, goals, or resolutions have you set for yourself this year? Have your experiences in 2020 changed the way you approach the new year? I’d love to hear about it in the comment below!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay