2020 was supposed to be the year of change. Everything was perfectly planned. all personal goals set — relationships, career, dream goals… And reality hit the pause button. Everything became stagnant. Now, we can finally say goodbye to 2020.
HELLOOOO 2021!
Let this wonderful new year be full of sunshine and smiles!
And of course, it won’t be right to welcome a new year without creating the annual to-do list, aka the new year’s resolutions.
So here we go!
Table of Contents
21 personal goals I aim to complete for 2021:
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1. Travel somewhere
This is undoubtedly on the top of everyone’s list. Be it domestic or international, I want to hit at least two new destination this year. Maine, USA and Costa Rica are amongst the top of my list. What’s yours?
2. Learn a new language
Sort of. I had learned Spanish as a mandatory class in school. However, just like all things left unpracticed, my Spanish is very rusted.
I’ve found Memrise to be the most effective app to learn languages. My favorite feature is the video clips of native speakers. It’s perfect for listening practices.
3. Invest in stocks
Robinhood is a godsend for beginners like me as it takes away all the fees typically associated with traditional investing accounts. To people that don’t have a lot of spare cash, the ability to invest in small amounts makes investing that much easier and appealing.
Sign up using my referral link to get yourself a free stock while also supporting me at the same time!
4. Learn to code
I created this blog with the help of a theme. But it always feel like working on an borrowed idea because I can only use what’s available. Learning to code will allow access to more creative options and features.
5. Master Lightroom
Unless the photo is taken on a perfectly sunny day, otherwise it needs some saving. Lightroom is a powerful photo editing tool that makes it easy to revive dull pictures. I’ve seen some drastic changes in some before and after photo comparisons on Instagram.
6. Do family bonding activities
When technology rules the world, family gatherings are no longer the same. Everyone will be on their phone instead of talking with each other.
It’s important to cherish the moments we have as a family. This year, I’m making it a personal goal to create more opportunities for family time.
Board games & card games are one of my favorite bonding activities. Highly recommended: Ticket to Ride, Tokaido, Dominion and Monopoly Deal.
7. Ride a bike
Many times I reflect to the day I first rode a bike while backpacking Vietnam. And many times I remembered how I have come very close to riding myself into a ditch.
Once spring comes around, I will make it a goal to bike to work every day.
8. Go hiking
It’s surprising how I’ve hiked mountains halfway across the world, but I’ve barely touched upon the land right here at home. Currently, my domestic hiking experience is limited to the incredible Watkins Glen State Park in NY (totally recommended to anyone who hasn’t gone yet!)
9. Volunteer
Volunteering is sadly one activity I had to drop completely in 2020 as we holed up inside. I miss being able to contribute back to the community while having some fun.
I used New York Cares to find various volunteer opportunities around NYC. Check out your local volunteer groups for events.
10. Bring the restaurant home
Can you believe it’s almost a year since COVID-19 locked us in? I have not dine in a restaurant since. Takeout food is just not the same. Since I can’t go to a restaurant, I should just bring it home.
My goal for 2021 is to learn a new dish every month (because who really got time for weekly new menus?)
11. Visit a National Park
Specifically, the Acadia National Park for me. Ever since I’ve heard about this national park on a podcast, it’s been on my list of top domestic places to visit. It is about 8 hours to drive from NYC, so it will be a perfect road trip destination.
12. Teach my cats a trick
What’s harder than teaching a dog a new trick? Teaching a cat. These tiny masters don’t come unless it’s for food and pats. It will be awesome if I can get them to listen to my commands.
13. Fondue with friends
Imagine a platter of freshly cut fruits and a hot rich chocolate fondue. It’s a perfect match in heaven. A long awaited besties meetup cannot get better.
14. Learn to swim
When water covers approx. 71% of the world, swimming becomes a real important skill to have. Right now, I’m missing out on sooo many beach destinations and water activities. #snorkeling #diving
15. Donate clothes
I’m a minimalist when it comes to packing for a trip. However, my closet at home remains a giant. This year, it’s time to cut down this monster.
If you’re like me and want to reduce unwanted (but good) clothes, consider donating it to charity such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. It not only feels good knowing you’re not wasting resources, but you might also qualify for extra tax deduction.
16. Find a geo-cache
Can you believe there are millions of geocaches hidden around the world? Finding geocaches is like having a worldwide scavenger hunt. You never know what you will find until you have it in your hands.
17. Build a 3D DIY miniature house
When “miniature” is added to the front of anything, it just sounds so much more fun. And undeniably cuter. It’s just so hard to resist the idea of building my own miniature room with all the tiny furnitures.
That’s why when I found out there are DIY kits for miniature houses, I just need to get my hands on one. Problem is…which one to build?
18. Visit a museum
I’m obsessed with museums. I make it a point to go to at least one museum per destination. It’s like a cheat sheet to quickly learn both the history and the culture.
19. Walk, walk, walk
10,000 steps a day is the healthy goal that everyone’s aiming for. Yet, I’m always on one of the extreme ends. On days where I’m out and about, I can hit average 15,000 a day. 2020 was a flat line of pitiful steps. I will be lucky if I even hit 1,000.
2021 means time to step up the game!
20. Reclaim work life balance
I spend a good amount of 2020 on a 16-hour workday. It’s tiring and stressful. Not to mention, little to no time for personal development. That’s why this is a working goal for 2021. I need to take back my life and do things that really matter.
21. Stargaze through a planetarium
Living in the city makes it impossible to see the stars. Thankfully, I found the (almost) perfect solution to this. “Stargazing” inside a planetarium. If available, going to an observatory is the best way to see the stars far, far away.
What are your personal goals for 2021? Share them below!