This year has been a wild ride, but with a whole new year right around the corner I think I’m ready to share some of my 2016 goals.

2016 Goals

Let’s be real: new year’s resolutions always seem so daunting! Instead of resolutions I’m calling these my ‘2016 Goals’ in an attempt to trick my brain into actually completing them by the end of the year.

1. Drink more water

I am one dehydrated lady, folks, but I’m willing to flip the script on this bad habit if it means I can reap the health and beauty benefits from drinking a few glasses of water every day!

2. Eat vegetarian

I’ve never actually made the switch to vegetarian, although I refuse to cook with meat and normally only choose poultry when out to eat. Personally, I actually enjoy vegetables and vegetarian substitutes! 90% of the food I make at home is veggie-friendly, and I’m really excited to try out more vegetarian dishes throughout the year.

3. Work on exercise and flexibility

Did you know that I used to do ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading, and color guard? I haven’t participated in a sport or athletic activity in roughly 8 years and I can prove it with my lack of fitness. In 2015 I’ve encountered a number of health issues that, frankly, I’m just sick of dealing with and I’m going to challenge myself to go to the gym 2-3 times a week. Additionally, I also want to improve my flexibility through nightly stretches. Even though it’s considered cliché to say you want to “lose weight” or “be healthy” as a New Year Resolution, it’s really important to me to get my body in check.

4. Become a morning person

My husband wakes up around 7am every day to go to work, and as a freelancer I find it incredibly tempting to stay in bed for a few hours more, and sometimes I sleep until noon. In 2016 I’m challenging myself to become a morning person by waking up with my husband every morning, and hopefully this will inspire me to spend my days being more productive and provide me with a more positive outlook.

5. 2016 photo journal

I’m probably most excited for this goal, if I’m being totally honest. In 2008 I did a 365 photo challenge and, in the process, I learned a lot about 16 year-old self. My 2016 photo journal is a chance for me to put my creative abilities to the test and also give myself the opportunity to flex my journalling/creative writing skills. I’m really looking forward to sharing my days, and if you’re interested in keeping up with me, you can find my photo journal here.

6. Gain self confidence

Self-esteem has always been a tricky thing for me to navigate — one moment I’m feeling great about myself, and then one disappointment sends me on a downward spiral of self-hatred. I’ve set up my 2016 goals so that by the end of the year I can look back and say, “Wow, I did it. I’m so proud of myself.” Another area in which I hope to improve is through social interactions. I’m tired of feeling anxious and doubting my conversational skills to the point where I turn down any invitation to hangout with people. So, basically, this is me saying I’m working on it.

Thanks for reading! See you in 2016!