I know I’m in the minority, but I absolutely love the start of a new year and making resolutions. It’s just this feeling of a fresh, clean slate that feels so freeing and open. And before we get too far, yes, I realize you don’t need the beginning of a year to start something, but I find the beginning of the year is when I’m in the mindset to tackle new things. It’s all about finding what works for you.

For the past few years now, I’ve made a list for the year, as inspired by my favorite podcast, Happier. I find this practice to be incredibly helpful. Have I ever finished all of the items? If you’ve read my annual year-end updates, you know the answer is no. So why continue to do it? Because it’s a lot like the shoot for the moon principle… as cheesy as it sounds, you’ll land among the stars. Think about it. If you make a single resolution and then something inconvenient like life happens (the audacity), you end the year feeling like you failed your one mission (or at least I do). But, if you have a list of 21 things and you complete even half of them, well then you’re already further ahead than you would be with a singular focus. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life, I’m just saying it kinda makes sense, right?

To help shape the list and to stay focused, I pick a one-word theme of the year. Following an unpredictable 2020, finding my word for this year came so easily:

Ahhhhhh! Like a breath of fresh air, my theme this year is O P E N. As you read the list, you’ll see open means a lot of things. Open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Open to accepting challenges. Open to the possibilities that come from the unpredictable. An open heart to those who need it most.

With that, let’s get into the 21 for 2021. As with every year, some are mundane and easy, while others are pretty out there. Away we go…

1. PROOFREAD!
This is my biggest ongoing goal for the new year. I get so caught up in trying to respond quickly to emails, texts… you name it, I often hit send without reading what I wrote (and it’s often very apparent). If you have any hacks on how to interrupt this habit, please let me know!

2. Explore the possibility of a side hustle
For four years I lived on Team #Nodaysoff, and then spent the past two years blissfully only clocking into a single job (with weekends off!) Now that I’ve finally recovered, I’m ready to *think* about side hustles.

3. Read 52 [#Read21in21]
I did this unexpectedly last year and now that I also read audiobooks, I’m hoping to get it done once again this year. Follow me on Instagram for real-time book updates and reviews! If you’re not on the Gram, don’t worry, I’ll still do my book blogs.

4. Dedicate time to mental health and wellbeing — 21 minute daily mind dump during the workweek
This is all about self-care and checking in to make sure the cup I pour from stays full.

5. Stay informed — consume the news at least once a day
I subscribe to theSkimm, but more days than not last year, I deleted my daily download without even opening it.

6. Give back (repeat)
Gah! I’m so excited for this one. Late last year, I learned about Hat not Hate. I love their mission, plus it lets me knit in the name of charity! My goal is to donate 21 hats this year.

7. Find another creative outlet — cocktail crafting
This one addresses a few issues. I’m using this as a way to transition from the workweek to the weekend. I want to elevate this to an experience of taste rather than engaging in desperate drinking (think: mixing random, gross ingredients just to catch a buzz). My ultimate goal here is to become versed enough with cocktail creation that I’m able to start experimenting and make my own concoctions.

8. Say yes if you can
To friends reaching out, to things that seem a little scary, to experiences, to opportunities to connect… Just. Say. Yes.

9. Digital declutter
Delete the apps that aren’t getting used, the emails that aren’t needed, the “bad” pictures on the camera roll. Everything.

10. Leave reviews
I’m a social loafer on this one. I scour reviews before I buy anything, but I rarely leave any comments, either good or bad. Plus, I know how much reviews help small businesses. This is my intention to review everything I buy online this year that’s not a toiletry or grocery item.

11. Work on flexibility — yoga/stretching at least three times a week
None of us are getting any younger and lately I’ve noticed more how tight certain areas are.

12. Gift knit Christmas
I know a few people who will probably be excited to see this. If you’ve asked for something, this is the year!

13. Take a more vested interest in finance
I hate to admit that I shy away from all things money. This goal means checking my bank statements, learning how to roll over 401k… you know, basic stuff every adult should do.

14. Pass the Air Force PT test
No, I’m not joining the military. Since I have so many service members in my life, I want to see if I can do what they do. Just because you can run a marathon doesn’t mean you can pass the annual PT test. Bonus points if I beat Mark’s score (97.5) for my gender/age.

15. Write a book
This may be my deepest hidden desire. I have no concept in mind, but the first step is releasing the intention into the universe.

16. Understand how the camera works
I have a basic understanding of photography and editing, but I want to learn more about how our camera works. I want to be able to mess with settings so I can get the look I want with less fixing in post.

17. Make a new friend
This is not a cry for help, I promise. As an introvert, I often decline invites or avoid activities I want to try because of social anxiety, and as a result, the last few places I’ve lived have been a little lonely at times.

18. Participate more in meal prep
Cooking has never really been my creative outlet, but lately mealtimes have gotten boring. For a while now, I’ve basically been rotating between the same 4-5 quick prep meals. My goal is to try one new vegetarian recipe a month and actually make it myself instead of just sending it to Mark to figure out (bless him).

19. Figure out how to do stranded colorwork knitting
Last year I made huge strides with my knitting hobby and this is about the only box I have left to check in terms of intermediate skill level.

20. Finish updating my website portfolio
As I mentioned in last year’s recap, this one is in progress so I’d like to put a checkmark next to it this year.

21. Learn German
I want to do better than we did in Japan so I want to learn passable German.

Whew! It’s a pretty aggressive list this year, but I’ve already started on several of these so I’m excited to see where the year takes us. Did you make any goals for the year? Share with me in the comments! I would love to support you.