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by Clarissa Zhu

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2021 New Year Resolutions and Goals

January 2, 2021

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Happy New Year! I’m hoping that 2021 will be a lot better than 2020 and I’m excited for what this year holds. As I’ve grown older, I’ve never really been into new year resolutions because in all honesty, who actually follows their resolutions right?

However, I totally think that the start of a new year is definitely a time to reflect and evaluate how to improve and set goals and set up for a great year and an even greater you.

I think it’s important to set both big and small goals. Whilst, looking at the bigger picture and envisioning a better life is amazing, it’s the smaller goals and the things you do day-to-day that will impact you the most so set smaller goals too! They definitely can make a huge positive impact on your lifestyle and it’s always rewarding to actually achieve your goals.

I thought I would share a few goals I have for the new year.


LOSE WEIGHT AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

This one has been on my list for years. When in high school and uni, I would be really motivated but fade by mid-January but last year I made so many positive changes to my health and fitness.

I signed up for the gym (Virgin Active) and can’t recommend it enough. It made going to the gym such a fun and enjoyable experience. I’ve frozen the gym for about a month due to the holidays and I do miss it. I miss the classes (cycle, boxing and pilates are my favourite), faces and working out (yes – I miss sweating). More importantly, I’m so proud of how consistent I was (avg 4 times a week). I also had a personal trainer and even signed up for a dietician. I have all these people and resources supporting me and I am proud of the progress I have made.

Plus I can do pushups now and I don’t hate doing them. I’m even able to hold my planks longer now.

However, I’ve got a long way to go. I probably have about 20kg to lose to get to a healthy weight which sounds like a lot and it is. This year I’m going to continue what I’m doing but be more aggressive with it! I’m hoping to lose 5-10kg by the end of 2021.

COOK MORE

This is one of my ‘smaller’ goals but it really isn’t a small feat. I don’t really cook. I’ve never been known to cook. In fact, I’ve burnt chocolate in a microwave before and yes it was revolting.

At the end of 2020, I started cooking at home to bring food to work to save money but to also be more in control of my diet. The one thing that definitely has been my saboteur in terms of my health journey is my diet. I do try but I’m not consistent enough and I’m too guilty of endless eating out and fast food. Who knew eating ramen and kebabs wouldn’t be that healthy? Shock horror lol.

I’ve enjoyed cooking so far and can’t wait to learn and try new recipes this year. This will help me adopt a healthier lifestyle but I’m also excited to save a lot of money in the process. Two birds in one stone.

WORK ON KEEPING CONNECTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown had made it hard for us to physically meet with people. For some people, that’s taken a huge toll. We all want to see our friends and loved ones. However, for shy and introverted people like me, it wasn’t too much of an adjustment. A lot of my interactions with people are online anyway.

With changes to restrictions literally changing on an adhoc basis, we never can be too sure that the future brings. Something I mentioned in my latest post about important lessons I’ve learnt in 2020 is the importance of human interaction and expressing gratitude for the present moment.

In 2021, I will continue to try do this and ensure that the pandemic doesn’t play a negative toll with my relationships. I definitely will try to be in contact with a lot more people than I currently am. In saying that, I have really enjoyed being by myself and not going out lol. I’m a Taurus and I know star signs are not personality traits but damn Tauruses are introverts.

SAVE MONEY SHOP LESS

Since I’m not going anywhere in the foreseeable future, I would like to save as much as possible. I’m very hungry to invest considering all the damage I’ve made during Boxing Day week. I think as young adults it’s also really important to think about your financial health and the future. After all, having money is essential for survival but you want to have sufficient funds to live a comfortable life. Living close to paycheck to paycheck is stressful and debilitating.

This is known as financial freedom and no this is not a work from home work from your phone MLM gig. Financial freedom is the ability to not feel stressed and controlled by your finances. I try my best to not live above my means and regularly save and invest.

READ MORE

The Covid-19 pandemic has made me read a lot more this year than probably the last 5 years combined. I really enjoy reading as a hobby to switch off online and my phone. I love the endless opportunities to expand my mind and acquaint with new characters and discover their worlds. Most importantly, I love the quiet time and escape from the real life.

I’m aiming for 12 books in 2021 – one a month. It’s small but it’s doable.

CONTINUE TO WORK ON MY BLOG

2020 saw the resurgence of blogging due to the lockdown. I’ve blogged since 2013 on Splashes with Fabulosity but in mid 2020, I made the plunge to start a new blog and start fresh. I bought my own domain name and have familiarised myself with important terminology such as SEO and DA score. I even scored a sponsored post which was a big achievement for me.

In 2021, I want to continue growing my blog and improving my DA score. I also want to create more personalised content as well. The reason I started blogging was to share content much like an online diary. I’ve always wanted to do things for me and write what I love. My blog has always been a hobby but I definitely would love to monetise my content and create a bit of passive income for myself.

I’ve seen quite a few monthly income blog posts and they make me super jealous. However, they’re also inspiring. It’s like if they can do it, I can do it.

And you definitely can do it.

What are some of your goals for 2021?

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Blog, Blogging, Fitness, Health, Life, Lifestyle, Personal

About clarissa

Clarissa is a 23 year old Sydneysider (sɪdnisʌɪdə) who graduated in finance, economics and marketing but is passionate about blogging and self expression.

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    January 2, 2021 at 10:52 am

    I have more or less the same goals. Health and good relationships are always a priority.

    All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)

    Reply
  2. Shannen says

    January 3, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    Loved this post ! I agree with saving more and shopping less, definitely something I will keep in mind throughout the year 🙂
    xo, Shannen

    http://shannenadeline.com/

    Reply
    • clarissa says

      January 7, 2021 at 11:54 am

      I hope you are able to achieve your 2021 goals Shannen 🙂

      Reply
  3. crystalsandcurls says

    January 4, 2021 at 7:18 am

    These are great goals! I want to really focus on getting my finances in order and improving my health in 2021 xx

    Reply
    • clarissa says

      January 7, 2021 at 11:56 am

      I hope you get to achieve your 2021 goals Mia! I’m going to try a lot harder to save this year. 2020 definitely gave me an eye-opener on the importance of investing for the future and to cut unnecessary spending x

      Reply
  4. Shannen says

    January 6, 2021 at 10:27 am

    Great goals, I love reading everyone’s resolutions for 2021, so inspiring 🙂 !
    xo, Shannen

    http://shannenadeline.com/

    Reply
    • clarissa says

      January 7, 2021 at 11:57 am

      I definitely enjoy reading everyone’s resolutions as well. Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Pati says

    January 14, 2021 at 8:48 am

    Wish you good luck with achieving your goals!! I definitely want to journal more this year!

    Reply
    • clarissa says

      January 15, 2021 at 12:20 am

      I really want to journal too. I hope you’re able to achieve your goals as well 🙂

      Reply

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About Me

Hi! I'm Clarissa

I am a 24 year old Australian-based online content creator who is trying her best to adult (sort of). Some topics I write include beauty, travel, and life. For enquiries, please contact me at clarissazhu97@gmail.com - Happy reading!

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Clarissa is Currently Reading

Clarissa's bookshelf: currently-reading

The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy
The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy
by David Graeber
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman
How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly's Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life
How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly's Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life
by Heather Havrilesky
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
by Jordan B. Peterson

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2021 Reading Challenge

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