Most people talk about the “resolutions” that they make every New Year. I’m more of a fan of the word “goals”. Each year, I make a list of goals that I would like to achieve, whether it’s places I would like to travel or things I would like to achieve. Usually I am eager to write down my goals, but this year I’ve taken my time. After much thought, I think I’m ready to share some of my 2017 goals with you.
1. Free Code Camp
You’re probably wondering, what the heck is Free Code Camp? Well, it’s a free online course for web development! Back in May 2015, I graduated from my local community college with a certificate in Web Design. I quickly realized I had very little knowledge (despite being self-taught in HTML and CSS) and I couldn’t get a job with just a certificate. I moped about it for over a year before I stumbled upon Free Code Camp (FCC, for short). I’ve already learned more than I did during my time at community college.
I’ll be honest though, right before Christmas I got to the first project and was quickly discouraged. It is my goal to complete the first certificate by June. Through FCC I will learn about HTML, CSS, jQuery, Javascript, and other coding languages that will help me get a coding job eventually. They also provide real life experience by having you do work for non-profits. Pretty cool, right? Despite the winter blues (and the constant need for a nap when it’s gloomy outside), I am determined to work on completing this by June.
2. Lose weight/Build Strength
It’s everyone’s goal, right? I know. Last February, I ordered the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology. I fell in love. I built strength and saw some progress in losing weight (I finally figured out that I struggled with losing weight because of the birth control I was on. I’ll talk about this some other day). I completed another round of 21 Day Fix in October and saw more progress than before (sans the medication keeping me from losing weight)!
The winter has me feeling pretty darn unmotivated and I’m only about 5 or so pounds away from my goal weight. Not to mention, I should probably start shopping for a wedding dress in June… I am determined to workout more often and lose the damn weight. I know I will feel so much more confident about myself and I will have more options in my closet. Anyone want to be my accountability partner?? Let me know!
3. Pay off all credit card debt
I’ve made a lot of progress in the last 6 months with my credit card debt. I paid off one card and I’m currently working on paying off another. After that, I just have my Amazon card. Once I’m done paying off credit card debt, I will tackle my student loans (why do they even exist??). I’m using this strategy to pay off my debt.
4. Declutter/Downsize
I grew up as an only child. I owned every damn thing I ever wanted basically. It has taken me YEARS to get rid of things from my childhood. Brian and I currently live in a small two bedroom apartment and I’m LOSING my mind with all of the clutter. I’m working on getting rid things I don’t need (including clothes that don’t fit and aren’t in good condition anymore. I really don’t need 10 “play” shirts)
5. Read my mile long book list
I caught the reading bug last year and now I have about a billion books I want to read. Books about personal development to women’s health to autobiographies…they’re all on the list. Can I be a stay-at-home-…reading…-fiancee…?? Probably not.
6. Blog!
And the obvious goal is to blog more. Last year I got caught up in comparing myself to other bloggers and lost inspiration. I know that I love writing and sharing. I know that I love design and photography. SO what the heck am I doing without blogging in my life!?! I’m not sure, so here I am, committing to writing more. Hold me to it, okay??
As far as traveling goes, it will probably be limited this year because we need to pay for a wedding and we should probably buy a house at some point. We are definitely planning a trip to Raleigh and the Outer Banks later this year, otherwise we will be camping as often as Brian’s schedule allows him. We also talked about taking trip to Cherry Springs and then to Ithaca.
I really want to hear some of your goals for 2017! Either tell me in a comment below, or comment with a link to your blog post about it.
