Resolutions are a concept which divides people. You either wholeheartedly embrace them and use them as motivation to have your best year yet; or you throw them by the way-side, labelling them as “pointless”. Personally, I am in the first group. I don’t see the harm in new years resolutions, in fact I think they can be hugely positive. I’m all about constant self-development and I perceive them as an opportunity to kick start a change you have always been meaning to make.
The Resolutions:
I thought I would share with you a handful of my new years resolutions for 2018. I try to keep my focus narrow rather than wide, by putting my effort into a select few endeavours it allows me to avoid feeling overwhelmed and increase my chances of success!
Day’s Off
You might remember that this was my new years resolution last year. I smashed it for the first 6 months of 2017 and managed to schedule in one day off a week about 90% of the time. It did wonders for my stress levels and also my relationships. Taking this time off allowed me to feel like I had a good work-life balance, I avoided feeling overwhelmed and I got to spend time with those I love.
Sadly things got a bit crazy half way through 2017 and this resolution went out the window. So, in 2018 I am reinstalling it and I am determined to make it last the full 12 months!
Cooking Challenge
In 2017 I went pretty much fully plant based, which I am loving. However, I have fallen into a convenient and common habit of making the same meals on a regular basis – just as I did when I ate animal products. So, in 2018 I am determined to try a minimum of one new plant based recipe a week; whether thats a new smoothie combination, an nutritious packed lunch or an inventive wholesome dinner. I am also going to ensure that I focus these new recipes around ingredients which are local and seasonal, for environmental purposes. Not only will this develop my cooking skills, but it will also ensure I mix up the nutrients I am consuming so that I avoid any deficiencies. win-win!
Family Time
I am becoming increasingly aware of much I love and value my parents. They have done so much for me and I want to give as much of my time to them as possible; despite them living a fair distance away. My new years resolution in 2017 was to see my parents once a month, which I managed to keep up! I am aiming to keep this resolution intact for 2018 and also expand on it, adding that I want to call my parents 3 times a week. I currently probably call them once or twice, so I want to raise this to a minimum of three times, the more the merrier!
Living Consciously
2017 was the year I founded the Living Consciously Crew, the year I really opened my eyes and took my environmental awareness to the next level. In 2018 I want to continue on this path; eating a plant based diet, reducing my plastic consumption and making conscious decisions. I also want to expand my knowledge on the impact of other elements such as cleaning products, beauty products and technology; so I can make the best choices possible and implement small sustainable swaps to all areas of my lifestyle.
Stop Scrolling
During the recent Living Consciously Crew digital detox challenge I set myself the goal to stop scrolling first thing in the morning and it was a game changer for me. I started my day on a more productive and positive foot. In 2018 I will be continuing this practice and in general trying to consciously disconnect myself from my technology. Whether thats a day a month where I don’t use social media or just putting my phone in my bag at meal times rather than on the table.
Bring It On!
So there they are in writing, my 2018 resolutions. You might have noticed that hardly any of them refer to my job. That is because I naturally work hard, I am a workaholic by nature – I don’t need to resolve to reduce my procrastination, that’s for sure! Instead, I want to ensure that I take the time to enrich my life outside of my career. Even though I love what I do and I put my all into it, there is so much more to life and I want to ensure that I enjoy and appreciate those things too!
Hopefully these resolutions have inspired you to make some changes in the upcoming year!
Good luck,
Zanna xx
