Not only did we begin a new year, but a new decade today!  I have been thinking about my resolutions and reflecting for the past 6 weeks.  The end of October, I became more intentional with my free time. Previously, Netflix and exhaustion dictated my time.  Now, I focus on a content calendar with a strict posting schedule. 

I have seen a lot of good results, and am a lot more productive each day.  Let’s take a look at the plan for 2020.  

A Different Look at Goal Setting

Usually, I go with specific goals that are a little too lofty.  I mentioned this in my 2019 Resolutions Post.  In 2019, I focused on my spending fast that was mostly successful.  I do have plans to to complete another one the first quarter this year, but it is not my main goal.  I am going to focus on 3 aspects of my life and then break them into manageable chunks.

Each month, week, and day I will think of what I am doing in my daily habits in order to complete these.  There are several great goal setting podcast episodes at Do You Even Blog? If you need some guidance, I recommend taking a listen.  

2020 Goals:

So there are three main categories I want to focus on this year.  I took some time to think of the things I did well and things I ignored this year. (Another great recommendation from a podcast!). In 2020, I want to find ways to improve on what was lacking this past year.  I boiled it down to 3 categories.  

Focus On My Health 

This has been the area I have let go the most since I went to Vietnam in 2017.  It all started with daily sweet cafe su das, and has grown to another sugar addiction.  I focused on my health after my adrenal gland problem in 2015, but now I feel far from that mindset again.  Here are some basic things I will re-incorporate back into my daily routines.

• Drink less caffeine and get more sleep instead.  Since starting online teaching, I have been chasing enough sleep.  Time to prioritize sleep over money.
• Begin exercising again 5 times a week instead of 1 or 2.  Resume my daily walks and try some yoga as well as fitness challenges. 
• Drink my daily allowance of water!   Try adding hot lemon water and fruit infused water as well.  
• Convert my VIPKid teaching set up to a standing option.  

Be More Present 

My screen time log is embarrassing.  I am on my phone more than I am off of it.  However, I built some amazing relationships using social media in 2019.  True friends that have encouraged me and helped me get motivated. However, I do not need to spend this much time online!  On top of my regular screen time, I teach online and spend a lot of time in front of the computer at the library. This also reaches into my personal life where I zone out in front of Netflix.  I am not against doing this sometime, but I am much happier and productive without days in front of screens. Here is how I plan to reduce my screen time this year. 

• Unplug at least 30 minutes before bed to read.
• Turn off my phone and/or put it on airplane mode so many hours a day.  Therefore, I am not even tempted.  
• Work on posts and writing offline and use my multiple journals in order to brainstorm. 
• Start a bullet journal and coloring to exercise my creative side.  Crochet and play the ukulele instead of watching television. 
• Be more present when spending time with my spouse, family, and friends.  Turn off my phone or leave it in the car. 

Grow My Own Business 

This seems contradictory when considering my previous post.  However, I think unplugging will give me the perspective to find creative content and refocus my ideas.  By the end of this year, I hope to create an income through several planned digital products. I have absolutely no intention of leaving either of my jobs, but I would like to reduce my online teaching schedule.  I will do this by…

• Focusing my content to the needs of you!  (Let me know what you need help with lifestyle, organization, and saving money wise.)
• Create consistent content on a weekly schedule. 
• Launch some online products this year.
• Stay tuned for a big surprise in April!  

My Basic Tips for 2020 Goal Settings 

As I mentioned earlier.  All this did not just come up over night.  I drafted several different versions and ideas for what I wanted my goals to look like in 2020.  It was not until I started reading and looking at some different resources that I structured them this way.  Here are some of my tips from things I learned from failing and achieving my past resolutions.  

• Take a look at the previous year.  What did you achieve? If you did not achieve something what kept you from it? What would you like to do more of that makes you happy?  Think of this time next year, and what you want it to look like.  
• Write it down.  You can do this several ways.  Online on a word document. You can create a vision board using visuals or write them down in your planner.  
• Make them a little bit of a reach, but still attainable.
• Check in with your progress throughout the year.  
• Find an accountability partner or audience.  Last year, I posted weekly no spend updates on my Facebook page.  This kept me honest and I would have to admit if I caved with a Starbucks visit.  
• Break your goals down further in order to meet parts of them in small time frame.  For example, if you goal is to lose weight you can begin with focusing on your water consumption, then add exercise, and so on each month. 

Go Forth and Conquer 2020

Whether you plan to conquer the world or just improve a small part of your life it is a good idea to reflect on the previous year.  Making resolutions helps us think about the new year (or decade) in a more positive light. Find a place to display your goals so you see them every day.  That way you are not finding yourself next December wondering how another batch of goals slipped by unnoticed.  

Thank you again for continuing to support My Sassy Starfish!  I love talking and finding out content that best helps you. Please send me a DM on Facebook or leave a comment if there is something you would like me to talk about this upcoming year.  

What are your resolutions for 2020? 

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