We’re well into January now but I wanted to talk about some of my personal goals for the year. I tend to forget them about two months into each new year. In fact, a quick look back at previous blog posts has taught me… don’t make goals you can’t keep.
I think we all fall into this habit during the lull between Christmas and New Year making promises and resolutions to ourselves over our mulled wines and leftovers. We’re going to “be good” this year. That could mean with food, or money or whatever you want it to be. Somehow meaning that the past you was unsuccessful. Which I hate (also hate the phrase “being good”).
But past you was successful. Realistically, we just set ourselves super unachievable goals. Learn a new language! Become a spin instructor! Never drink again! Never buy new clothes!
I’m here to remind you – and myself – that our goals don’t have to be so out of touch unachievable. Even when they kind of feel that way. Maybe you don’t have to set out to learn a new language. But you can do somethings within the realm of possibility that even seem a little impossible,
Last year on a plane journey from England to Ireland, Joe and I sat down (obviously as we were you know, in our plane seats) and discussed my goals for the year.
Some of these goals didn’t happen. I thought I’d make it to 20K on Instagram by the end of the year. No such luck – though I do think it was particularly close with 18K so it’s still a great effort there.
But let’s chat anyways and review my actual business goals. I made a big list of companies I wanted to work with. I wanted to continue to work with airlines, hotels, fashion and lifestyle brands. Some were relatively achievable. Some I added on seemed out of my league.
Here’s a few examples of “goal” companies:
Travel:
- Virgin Atlantic
- British Airways
- EasyJet
- Jet2 (I worked with them December of 2018)
Fashion:
- Primark
- Topshop
- & Other Stories
- Sezane
Food & Drink
- Starbucks
- McDonalds
- Coca Cola
- Wine Companies
- Sainsburys
… ready for this?
I actually worked with a lot of these big companies during 2019!
I traveled with Jet2 to Portugal in October 2019. Spent time behind the scenes with McDonalds. And visited Thorpe Park learning about recycling with Coca Cola. I had the ultimate girls picnic with Gassier rosé and discovered a new Christmas tipple with Sainsbury’s. In fact, looking back, I’m so proud of setting my “unrealistic” goals for myself.
And sure, I didn’t work with too many fashion companies or even smash through the entire big list of companies I’d popped on there that I would like to work with (some things I’m keeping to myself you nosey lot).
But what I learned is that it’s not about ticking every single little thing off from your checklist. It’s about working hard and doing the best you can. I worked hard last year and it paid off with amazing companies that I got to work with. I may not have made it to my goal of 20K on Instagram… but gosh I’m doing pretty damn well.
And you can be too! Because sometimes it DOES pay off to have some unrealistic ambition in your soul. We need it to keep fueling our drive. If we only set “realistic” goals, where would that leave us?
I certainly didn’t think that two years ago I would be here today, confidently working on my content and blog for the year to come. But doing this full time… well that was probably my biggest “unrealistic” goal of them all.
And here I am.
Cheers to another year pals!
Kelly x