A New approach to New Year’s goals – 21 for 2021

Redefining New Year’s goals

Do you set New Year’s resolutions or goals? I personally love the possibilities a new year brings and I love setting goals! But, I wanted to try something a little different this year – enter the 21 for 2021 list.

I heard about this concept from the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen and her sister make a list each year corresponding with the year, so in this episode they reviewed their 20 for 2020 list. The idea is to make a list of things that you want to accomplish this year (not unlike New Year’s goals or resolutions), but what peaked my interest, is that the list doesn’t have to be filled with these life-alternating things. They can be simple, like get a physical or buy a record player. I love this idea! I like New Year’s goals and resolutions, but they can seem daunting. Lose 20 pounds, run a marathon, fall in love, eat clean, travel more, and get my finances in order?! Honestly, who can do all of that?!

Following this path, I feel I can break things down into smaller, more attainable items. It also doesn’t have to be a pass/fail situation. In fact, there is no failing situation at all. Worst case scenario, you don’t do it. And that’s fine.

I started writing a list in my notes app immediate after I listed to the podcast episode. I had so many ideas! I’m a dreamer. I always want to do EVERYTHING. But I know that’s unrealistic. So I did some meditating on what I really wanted 2021 to look like and narrowed it down. Here’s my list:

My 21 for 2021 List

1. Start a blog – Check, check! Done before the year even started! Starting a blog is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. While I have technically started, this will be an ongoing process throughout the year.
2. Play a song on the guitar – I only recently began practicing the guitar again. I am using the app Yousician and love it!
3. Give grace to others – I am constantly thinking people should give grace more readily. I really could go on forever about it. I think it is SO important. This one is hard to measure, but it is something I want to keep at the forefront of my mind.
4. Run a 5K at least once per month – I am currently running 1.5 miles four times a week. This will be a good stretch goal at the beginning of the year, and hopefully will be an easy one at the end of the year.
5. Monetize blog – I would love for this blog to turn into my full time career!
6. Go backpacking – My friends and I have went backing for the past 2 summers and plan on going again this Summer – hopefully in Oregon/Washington. Backpacking is one of my favorite things to do! It pushes you physically and mentally.
7. Start a vegetable garden – When I moved into my house last Summer, the previous owners had left their vegetable garden. It was so nice having fresh vegetables.
8. Host dinner and game night – I love games and I love entertaining, but I rarely do either.
9. Visit Lauren in Minneapolis – Normally I think I would have a lot more travel-related goals, but ayeee 2020! Woof. I think I can accomplish this one at some point though. Lauren is such a dear friend and I love Minneapolis!
10. Donate blood – I haven’t done this in so long and really have no excuse. Donating blood saves lives!
11. Run at least 4 times each week – I started doing this around October of this year. It took a little while to get into, but I love it! I always feel so much better when I’m running regularly.
12. Read 21 in 2021 – This is an idea from the Happier podcast with Gretchen Rubin. Check out the episode here. I love reading, but don’t always find the time for it. Reading for 21 minutes every day will be a fun challenge!
13. Get a physical – I haven’t had one in years! I need to do this sooner rather than later.
14. Buy a handheld vacuum – I’ve literally wanted one for so long to pick up little messes. I know buying this will make my life better, but sometimes feel guilty buying things that I don’t necessarily need need.
15. Drink more water – This is probably on my goal list every year or month. Water is so important for your health. Actually, going to fill up my water bottle right now.
16. Practice yoga at least once per week – I love my yoga practice. I go to a Yin Yoga class once a week and it is so beneficial. I want to keep this up in 2021!
17. Visit a new state – Again, this is bold of me to assume it will be safe to travel in 2021. But, here’s to assuming the best!
18. Go camping 3 times – I love camping! There are so many beautiful places here in the Black Hills to experience, not to mention nearby states Colorado and Wyoming.
19. Redecorate my bedroom – Or maybe I should just say decorate in the first place! When I moved into this house, I was really focused on the living areas on the main floor. My bedroom has taken a back seat, but I would love to make it a peaceful, serene area for myself.
20. Recycle more – I finally have convenient recycling options now that I have a house, so I want to make sure I am utilizing it! It’s a bad habit of mine to just through things away. Again, this might be hard to measure, but I want to try to make it a priority.
21. TBD – I’m leaving this one to evolve! I love the idea of a new year and ALL of the possibilities! Maybe it will be filled with start a podcast or find the perfect chicken salad recipe or get married. WHO. KNOWS. I love the possibilities!

What’s on your list?! Do you like this idea or do you do something different?Do you make New Year’s goals or resolutions? I am excited to check in on this and a year and see how we did. Although I know the new year isn’t magical and we can really have new beginnings every day. I do still love the New Year. I read an article this morning from the New Yorker about cancelling New Year’s Eve. While I don’t necessarily agree, I’m also not going to ask you what your plans are for the holiday. Whatever you’re up to, I hope it brings you peace and happiness.

Much love,

Justina