Now two months into 2021, I thought I’d reflect on the News Year’s Resolutions set on January 1st. The start of 2021 hasn’t been as idyllic as hoped – going into a full lockdown didn’t raise optimism – but external factors, out of our control, shouldn’t determine personal growth.
Typically, New year’s Resolutions might look like: ‘I will go to the gym every day,’, ‘I will save money and budget for a new car,’ or ‘I will lose 10 stone by the summer.’ To me, fixating on extreme goals sets you up for failure.
My resolutions
Though I refuse to set unrealistic expectations, I am a striver; achievements are never enough. I wrote this on my blog,
‘I will get stronger and keep running – perhaps even run a marathon.’
Personal development is important to me. At the end of January, I sustained an injury and cannot train as a result. Still, I manage a walk here and there, but the ‘marathon’ resolution seems to have withered.
‘Engage with, and complete therapy, decreasing medication and increasing healthy coping strategies.’
Therapy is something we don’t speak about, because it’s private. However, it is more common than you think. In January 2020, 110,359 people were accessing talking therapy. Mental health issues have become an increasing worry throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thankfully, I am maintaining this ‘New Year, New Me’ promise by attending online therapy each week, with the scope to continue. My next round of resolutions address Education.
‘I will continue with NCTJ content and sit exams. This depending on Government guidelines…’
Academia, over this last year, has looked different. I enrolled with The NCTJ (The National Council for Training Journalists) around the time of the Covid-19 outbreak.
One remote exam in and I never want to sit another, so the idea of sitting the remaining two withers as well. Still, I’m studying the content, so when centres can safely reopen – after June 21 – I can book the remaining exams.
‘Prepare and move to university, to study Broadcast Journalism.’
The last and most exciting resolution is University. I’ve accepted the offer to study Broadcast Journalism at the University of Salford, this September.
Now in progress, I’ve been booking student accommodation and fresher’s events. spending money and making connections, for the life I’m soon to live. This commitment will grow, with me, for the next three years.
By not maintaining perfect resolutions, but living every day to its full, regardless of any flaws, I am exceeding my own limits. With the roadmap to a restriction-free life, the next nine months hold great potential. Perhaps I’m not doing too bad, after all.
Heather Davey
Featured image courtesy of Marko Klaric via Pexels. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.
I love reading about your honest reflections on your New Years resolutions. You’re doing amazing