It’s Christmas Eve! And so that I can distract myself from wanting to sneaking a peek at my presents (yes, I am a child shut up), I’m thinking about my goals for 2021.
So, to be fair, I’m really trying to make a conscious effort to achieve these goals in 2021. That’s why I’m not aiming for “move out” or “finish that novel you’ve been writing for ten years.”
Goal One: Health. I want to make an effort to start working out. Not more, just do it (because I’m truly lazy). We have a stationary bike in our apartment. We bought it right when the first lockdown was looming, so it’s not like I have to go far. My goal is to start with something small and easily achievable (say, 15 minutes, three times a week).
On top of that, I want to cut soda out of my diet again. Just doing that would make a world of difference. For two years I didn’t have any soda, thanks to a medicine I was taking due to a medical condition. It made soda, especially Coke (my soda of choice), taste like battery acid. I want to limit myself and by hopefully March, stop drinking it entirely. The good thing is, a major temptation is currently out of my life. When I’d go to restaurants, I’d always get weird looks because I’d only order water or light lemonade, while Mom ordered whatever she wanted. Since eating in restaurants is basically on pause, it’s something I don’t need to think about.
Goal Two: Knowledge. One of the things I wanted to do in my life was learn basic Spanish. I’m terrible with languages, but I live in an area where knowing at least a little bit would be a good thing. So, my goal is to do a lesson on Duolingo a day. I’m not looking to become fluent in Spanish. I know my limitations. But I’d like a passing familiarity. (Heck, before moving to California, I bought a Learn Spanish textbook. And promptly packed it. Because priorities).
Goal Three: Reading. So, every year I make a Goodreads goal. Usually by December, I realize I’m not gonna hit it, and rush to read a bunch of manga so that I actually do. I decided this year (being 2020), I wouldn’t do that. So, for the first time in years, I’m gonna fail. But that’s ok. My original goal for 2020 was 52 books, one book a week. I only upped it in April after I left my job, as I thought I would read more. (Nope, I discovered that I couldn’t focus on books.)
For 2021, I want that realistic goal again. So, I’m hoping to read, and review, a book a week. To hold myself accountable, I’m hoping to post a review on every Monday or Wednesday (haven’t decided which yet, so no holding me to it) here on this blog, especially when I return to a regular posting schedule that isn’t daily. I’m also adding the caveat that, while I do enjoy reading manga and I’ve been dabbling in comics and graphic novels again, this only counts for novels or longer texts, such as a non-fiction book (which is what I usually get from my Uncle on Christmas).
Goal Four: Organization and Productivity. You’d think, with all the time on my hands that I have right now, I’d be more organized. But the problem is I have too little structure. That’s why I thrived in college, especially when I was working at the same time. So, one of my major goals is to create and stick to a weekly schedule, including designated times for exercise and working on this blog. Of course, this schedule may change due to hopefully getting a job soon (fingers crossed), but I want something that is at least more structured.
Goal Five: Job. Yeah, this is an actual goal. When I got my last position, before the pandemic, I wasn’t happy. Heck, the entire ten months I worked there, I wasn’t happy. But I was putting up with it while looking for another position, which of course didn’t come because most of the world wisely shut down. I’ve been looking since April, but I honestly haven’t found anything that isn’t answering phones and holding doors open to the general public, which sends my anxiety through the roof right now (worrying about potentially bringing that damn virus home and infecting Mom and Uncle). It’s possible that by the end of January, positions in the government will reopen, and hopefully I can slide in. We shall see.
Goal Six: Entertainment. Yes, there is a goal with this headline. I want to branch out and watch more movies and shows outside my comfort zone. This month alone, I’ve watch a slew of foreign films and shows. I’ve also watched content that six months ago I’d never bother picking up (thanks Matthias for Far From the Madding Crowd, A Bigger Splash, and A Little Chaos, all movies that pre-The Old Guard I’d never even give a first thought about, let alone a second). I want to continue to branch out. I watched half of Band of Brothers for the first time this year, as I normally avoid WWII content due to nightmares. I want to finish it. So basically, I want to get some semblance of culture. (Any films with TOG cast members are always good, btw. And yes, that includes Diabolik when ever it actually releases, thanks Italy for the second wave and new lockdown. I need my Luca.)
Just… no one tell Mom. The list she already started is scary.
Goal Seven: Fun. Look, at my heart, I’m still a gamer. I’m not looking to break records, or break games even. I just want to play some games for fun. That’s why my goal for 2021 in regards to gaming is to play at least five newer games (released in 2017 to now), that are not Lego games. Basically, I want to play something in a franchise that I’m not already invested in. Bugsnax is one game, Miles Morales is another. So three others. I mean, I’m still gonna play Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga whenever it comes out (current release date is now just Spring 2021, so by June at this point). But other games. And not vaporware. Actual games.
So that’s my seven point plan. All these things are extremely doable, without being crazy. No “have job by February” or “lose 50 pounds by June” or “end the year with 100 Platinum trophies”. Actual, real goals. All of which I can do and want to do. Writing them down makes them real and possible. Yes, a few are a bit more… immature, but that’s ok. Being a little immature means I’m being me, and that’s cool.
2020 was a dumpster fire. I want to at least have a really good reason to smile in 2021.
(If we get the announcement of The Old Guard sequel in 2021, I will seriously freak out. It wouldn’t come out in 2022 at the earliest, but I just want conformation. Or just a mini-series with Joe and Nicky… I’m doing it again. Whoops. Talk about hyperfixation. Yay.)
Until next time!