Setting New Year’s resolutions really isn’t my thing. I never stick with them and somehow end up feeling more demotivated each time I see the unachieved goals. It’s like hyping myself up for a vacation and then flights get canceled. However, this year, I have decided to try something new and set some small goals that are within my reach.
Well, shock and horror, here I am posting about these goals despite adamantly convincing you not to share your own last year. But after the year I’ve had, I’ve come to realise that life is about the small wins
This post is inspired by Olivia Blake’s own ‘This time next year’ post.
Related: New Year’s Resolutions – a secret you should never share

This time next year I want to have run 300km
Since I was a little girl, I’ve known the importance of exercise. I played hockey, netball, swam for my school, and even dabbled with basketball. But somewhere along the lines, depression got the best of me. I got back into the swing of things at 18 and have been pretty consistent since then. Until I caught COVID-19 that is. Since then, it has been downhill.
Throughout my so-called fitness journey, running is the one thing I never really did love. I still do it frequently, and often challenge myself to get better at it. But I don’t love it.
Going into 2022, I am challenging myself to take my running seriously and reach a total of 300km by the end of the year. This equals about 25km a month and seems pretty achievable if you ask me! And in case you were wondering, this is inspired by Oliva Blake’s fitness journey.
Related: I didn’t exercise for 7 months and this happened…
I want to see my sister graduate
My younger sister Josephine is probably one of the few people I look up to in this world. Even though she is 7 years my junior, this girl has blossomed into an incredible woman and is leading such an inspiring life. Right now, she is finishing her last semester in engineering but has had to go through this while dealing with health issues and the loss of our dad… Quite the challenge if you ask me!
If it means I have to swim there, I plan on being the person cheering the loudest when she gets her diploma. And with neither a mom nor a dad around to see her over this chapter in life, I know in my heart that she needs me there.
It’s strange to think that traveling was always an option as long as you have the money for the trip. Now, I’m just praying that borders will be open and no new virus pops up!
This time next year, I want to have grown my DA to 20+
My blog is very special to me in many ways because it is entirely mine… Something I created from scratch and enjoy doing. Sometimes it frustrates me, but I am very grateful for the blessing of resilience that has kept me from throwing in the towel.
This time next year, I really hope to be in a position where my blog is bringing in more money, really want to commit to it full-time. Right now, it’s such a scary thought because the monthly paycheck from my corporate job is what keeps this blog alive. But I know that writing is my true calling… It’s what I have done since I was a little girl!
While a DA of 20+ is not that incredible, I see it as a start. Something that will allow me to land more sponsorships. Trust me, the second I can earn as much as I do through my blog, I’m ditching the heels and blazers!
You may also like: The frustrating side of blogging

Start a YouTube channel
YouTube is one of those things that has become a part of my life. Most people have Netflix subscriptions – as do I – but I tend to spend more time on YouTube watching vlogs and such. I have even paid the monthly fee for uninterrupted viewing rights! LOL
By this time next year, I would like to have my own channel up and running. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 17, but never quite got the courage or the creativity. Then there’s the issue of privacy for my family…
Since watching Will Smith’s ‘The best shape of my life’, it almost feels as though a lightbulb turned on in my head. I personally want to get fit, grow my blog and decorate my house… Why not make a channel about that?
Conclusion
While these are things I really hope to achieve, I will not shoot myself if I don’t get there. Life is all about being flexible and taking the blows as they come along, so that will be my approach.
What about you? What are some goals you would like to achieve in the coming year?
Pssst! Let’s hang on social media!
I think it’s good to head in these positive directions you’d like to go, and even if you don’t accomplish all of them, of reach all of them in the timeline you’ve set for yourself, just remember it’s okay if they’re not they are not done by that date, just not ‘yet.’ it’s all about heading there and making that decision to do so.
Thanks hun! I appreciate your constant support… it really means a lot to me 💖
Yes to the YouTube channel! I cant wait to see how your grow and flourish as a blogger next year. I look forward to being on the journey with you 🤍 Thanks for taking part.
Yay! I’m so excited to grow and evolve with you 💖
As for YouTube… got a steep learning curve ahead!
That’s awesome, Shelly. Your goals seem very achievable to me. Like Olivia, I look forward to your YouTube Channel!
Hehe thanks Sean! Now that I’ve put it out here, I guess I have to pull through 🙈
Wow You have quite great things to look forward Shelly. I too have premium subscription for YouTube lol. I am look forward for your YouTube channel. Good luck and Merry Christmas Shelly 🎄❤️
Yay!! Thanks Manisha, I appreciate you 💖
Merry Christmas to you too!
You are welcome Shelly❤️
May you achieve all these goals….
And youtube channel….heck yeah…..i will be there to support you… and also it will be a great opportunity to meet your lovely pet lion 🦁 😊 ☺ 😀
I’m not sure I’ll put my pet lion on YouTube… maybe I’ll create an Only Fans just for people who want to see him, because that kind of content should be charged! Lol
love your goals Shelly and they actually sound ambitious and exciting. Can’t wait to hear all. I have a YouTube channel but can’t manage all o it and I’m not regular which makes a dif. but I’ll follow you too. 💖💖💖
Haha thanks hun! I’m so scared of creating a channel… blogging alone has me all tied up, but this is something I’ve wanted to do for years! I’ll check out your channel too 😊
You’re so welcome.. Gosh I know.. it’s a lot to manage and trust me… I can’t get to all of these platforms but we just do our best.. ok goodie.. xoxoxox 💖💖💖
Merry Xmas! ✨🎄🦌
Thanks Cata. You too! 🥳🥳🥳
Thank you! 🎄
Great goals here! I’m looking to improve my DA score as well. Props to you for running marathons. I could never 😂😂😂
Haha don’t give props till I go through with it!
And let’s do this DA thing together. We’ve got this! 🙂
Shelly, these are admirable goals. I’m especially drawn to your goal of seeing your sister graduate. It breaks my heart that she won’t have parents there. I pray things will be so that it’s possible for you to be there. I share your track record in keeping/not keeping New Year’s resolutions. I haven’t given them any thought for 2022, but in the back of my mind is the goal of taking my novel manuscript to the next step toward publication.
Thanks Janet 🙂 It’s something we are all very excited for – the graduation that is. The last time we saw each other, we were at my dad’s funeral, our Christmas plans were cancelled thanks to Omicron, and now that we are all spread out across the globe again, we’re stoked to be uniting 🙂
I really hope you are able to go forth with your manuscript. As a writer, it would be such a big achievement for you!
Those sound like great goals! I admire your courage at branching out into YouTube! I am too shy for that 😀 but I think you are going to be great! Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Thanks Suzanne 🙂 Let’s hope I go through with them!
Merry Christmas hun <3
Good luck in achieving some or all of your goals, Shelly! There is no shame in not attaining them all. Congratulations to your sister as she meets one of her own goals. I’m sure it will mean a great deal to her that you are there for support. So sorry your mom and dad won’t be able to join in the celebration.
Thanks Pete, I appreciate you! 🙂
Wow, these are amazing goals. I’m so on you on the fitness goal just that I want to be more regular at the gym (I do 4-5 days/week as of now).
I really wish to focus on growing my business and not letting fear of failure stop me from going at it with everything I have.
I hope both of us are able to achieve our goals in 2021. ❤️
Merry Christmas!!
You will kill it next year! Even if it means you need to readjust your plans and go where life takes you, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. I’m routing for ya Moksha! 😘😘😘
Looks like great goals up ahead! Growing my DA is a tough one, and I still haven’t really pursued it proper because it requires a whole lotta work, so I respect you for having it in your goals. But looking at your beautiful blog, and the work you’re putting in, I’m not surprised if you make that mark way before your deadline. Wishing you all the best, and this post inspires me to focus on my goals too!
Awww thanks Stuart! I keep saying this but I really mean it, having someone like you giving such great feedback means a lot to me 😊
Cheers to growth in 2022
Awh I love these! I will definitely be watching out for that YouTube channel! 😁
Thanks hun! Let’s hope I actually go through with it 😅