Goals and Habits for 2021
I’ve been thinking about a few goals and habits that I want to focus on for 2021. It’s been a while since I’ve made specific goals at the beginning of a new year. Some years I identify habits that I want to focus on, some years I create goals as I go throughout the year. For this year, a blend of the two seemed a good approach. I will probably also add to these as I continue through the year and find others that I want to focus on. A lot of these align with my word for the year (connection), but I also included some that don’t but are still important to me.
Goals for 2021
Make a soup once a month that’s just for me.
I’ve been working with a dietician who encouraged me to make a food goal that wasn’t weight-loss related. That was really hard to think of at first! I’ve been missing soups that have lots of chunky vegetables (my husband, Kent, is not a fan) and thought this sounded like a fun way to incorporate more of them into my meal planning.
Complete a 4-mile hike.
I’ve been increasing my movement and strength this past year and have set a 5-year goal of completing an 8-mile hike. So this year’s target is 4 miles.
Write a blog post once a month.
When I originally started this blog (nearly 5 years ago!), I didn’t know that I would decide to make a career change, go to grad school, and find a new job all within the same year. I’m now at a point in my life that feels pretty stable and want to prioritize more time for writing again.
Pay off all non-mortgage debt.
In 2016, we took out a home equity loan to take care of some house-related upgrades, leased a car (our only experience with that), and then I decided to apply to grad school and started in January 2017. Suddenly we found ourselves in some debt and added a car loan to that in 2019. We’re currently on track to pay all that off in January 2022, but I’d like to find a bit extra each month and see if we can’t get it all done by December 2021.
Habits for 2021
Meditate 3 times per week.
Meditation really helps me feel calmer and more connected to my body. I subscribed to the Headspace app again late this year and have been using it intermittently. I also started using the Ink and Volt planner this year which has monthly challenges. I’m going to focus on meditation as my January challenge.
Walk 2-3 times per day.
One benefit of working mostly from home these days, is I generally walk 2-3 times per day. That was starting to decrease the closer it was to Christmas vacation. I want to return to my walks before work, during lunch, and sometimes after work again. I also want to continue this when I return to working on campus again.
Complete 3 MovNat workouts each week.
I started doing MovNat in June through an online trainer and have really loved seeing increased mobility and strength. My longer-term goal is to complete the Level 1 certification in 2023 which means continuing to do these consistently.
Stay connected with intuitive eating.
I learned about intuitive eating several years ago when working with a therapist regarding disordered eating issues. Earlier this year I began working with a registered dietician who focuses on intuitive eating to help me address some health concerns and feel more connected to eating. It’s been really helpful and I want to continue practicing intuitive eating each day.
Connect with friends regularly.
I want to reach out to friends consistently each week and also identify those relationships I want to develop more deeply.
Make art each week.
I’ve been exploring drawing, watercolors, and bullet journaling over the past year and a half. I want to continue to find time to make art each week. I’ve decided to not use a bullet journal this year in the hope that I’ll have more time for other art projects that catch my interest.
Do you prefer to set goals or focus on habits? Or both? Share your 2021 goes and habits in the comments below.
