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The year 2012 ended as a great year for me. I achieved goals that I'll never forget. At the start of 2012 I made a promise that I would be positive, be productive, finish school, and get some of my priorities straight. I did indeed. I graduated college (again), took and passed one of the most challenging courses I've ever taken, learned some new things, did two internships in six months, found a clearer idea of what I wanted in life, and met some cool people. Everything this year was pretty awesome.
This year will be better. I am certain because I know what I want, I'm at the peak of starting my career, and I'm more confident in myself compared to a few years ago. I don't have any set resolutions I planned for the New Year, just a few things I can do, but need tweaking in. I don't think the New Year is the only time to gather up and plan everything you want to do. Like last year, I'll complete my goals as I go along, and not pressure myself.
Things I do plan on doing/completing this year:
Sleep and Wake Up Earlier
Since New Years 2008, sleeping past 3 am into the earlier morning hours (I mean like 5-6 am) became a habit; a very bad one. Naturally when I have things to do, I have no problem sleeping a little earlier (earliest for me is 1am) to wake up for whatever I need to do. I just feel that my odd sleeping hours have killed my productivity, and there are more important things to do while asleep.
My goal is to wake up early even on days where I have no plans.
Blog More
Yeah well...the main reason I started this blog almost two years ago, was to have a public space to share my thoughts and opinions, as well as strengthen my writing for judgement. I didn't stop posting; my drafts are very full with unpublished posts. I just have a slight case of mild perfectionism, and won't post unless I go over it and edit it. I'm not tired of blogging though. Being busy with school and work, that also took my time away time from blogging. My goal is to update this (and my other blog) at least bi-weekly for now, and increase the posting schedule as time goes on. And hopefully I'll publish drafts from 2012 too.
Write More
Not the same as blogging more, but rather writing more worthwhile, interesting topics. Now that I'm done with school, my interest in creative writing peaked again, and I want to get all my ideas out before they evaporate. I also hope to delve more into subjects that interested me, but want to learn more about. My goal is to find scour my journalling for last year for ideas and write.
Get More Organized
The potential is there, and I am organized in regards to certain things. But I still manage to flop around and have a less than tidy schedule when it comes to doing tasks for my own needs. First organizing task is place all and organize all of my college notes and books.
Read More
I already like to read but it's usually current events, hot topics, and a page in a guidebook. That's not necessarily bad, but I want to broaden my reading habits outside of genres I usually like. It doesn't mean I'm going to force myself to read something I don't like either. My 2013 booklist post will come soon.
Practice my Portuguese
I completely fell off my language learning hobby. I don't recall if I practiced a word of Portuguese last year. I chose to learn the language in 2011 and learned so much in a short period. I might have been a pro if I was consistent in teaching myself. This year, I hope to pick up the books again, get in contact with my virtual portuguese-speaking friends, and study. I may not be as crazy about visiting Brazil for the 2014 World Cup anymore, however I still have an interest in learning the most common language there. My goal is to do over my beginner stage, and move into intermediate.
Keep a Memory Jar
I found out about this idea on Tumblr last summer. The concept seems fun, and it's something I would be interested in. Rather than making daily notes, I'll only add notes when the 'good memory' happens.
Be More Productive and Travel
Yes. When I have important things to do, it will be done. I'm very dependable. But I can be a bit lazy sometimes, especially when it comes to doing things for myself. I think getting out the house more, as well as reading more, will help me get there....
Get a New Job and Save, Save, Save!
They say college grads today are having harder times finding jobs in their career fields after completing school, especially in some industries more than others. In my case, I'm a realist, and I won't let the little things let me down. I had lots of missed opportunities in college, but optimism is what helped me stay on top, despite the discouragement. I'm not a big spender, and I don't have a rent or a mortgage to pay, which means I should be filthy rich. But that's impossible to do if you're getting paid peanuts. My goal is to find a stable job, and create two savings (one for retirement).
Lastly.....
Live Life and Be Happy
A few years ago I wasn't satisfied with the direction my life seemed to be headed in. But a lot has changed now. It wasn't my life that was going wayward; it was my thoughts. When you think negatively, you will only see and think negative results. Funny thing is, the lightness of my negativity wasn't nearly as bad and harmful as other people I knew, but I still felt it's burden. I have this natural thought process of optimism that arises to counter these thoughts. I may not be 100 percent happy with everything, but rather than mull in the 'didn't do's or 'don't have's, I'm grateful. It's amazing how far I've come when I read back in my old journals.
Cheers to 2013! It will top the great year I had in 2012.
