Transforming your personal goals in 2020

It’s New Year’s Eve. You are about to enter 2020, with high hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. In that moment, you decided the new year was going to be time for personal development and success. 

Then, fast forward to March and before you know it the freedom we once knew to enjoy the simple things in life, such as popping round to your friend’s house for a coffee or grabbing milk from your local corner shop, became a health hazard. Without sounding dramatic, life as we knew it was turned upside down across the world.

Starting the Journey

If we can use this unprecedented amount of time, to make a change and work on ourselves, we could actually reap the benefits out of the situation. You can start by looking at this worldwide crisis as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. Here are just a handful of ways you can start that process:

Transform your bad habits into healthy habits.

Why not turn those bad habits on its head. If you can make a list of bad habits you would like to break, it will work as a reminder for you. Also, try writing down all the things you have accomplished each day. You may find it gives you a higher sense of wellbeing.

Map out a weekly exercise schedule to keep you active and fit.

There are some great fitness apps out there that can provide you with workouts to suit your personal development goals. Some don’t even require equipment if you are looking to save money! In addition to this, you could give a healthy meal subscription a go such as HelloFresh or Gousto, where you get to choose which meals you would like to try. Alternatively, creating meal plans for each week can contribute to money savings.

Develop your skills or find a hobby.

Ever tried an online workshop before? There is an abundance of courses, some are even free of charge, which you can access to enhance your expertise in an area of your interest. From virtual webinars or workshops, to Ted Talks and documentaries. Learning resources are always at hand via the internet. 

Get Creative.

If online learning isn’t your cup of tea, you could channel your inner creativity. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby or expressing your mind and soul in a form of art. If you are in need of some inspiration, take a look at the list below:

• Cooking
• Baking
• Knitting
• Crocheting 
• Drawing
• Painting
• Gardening 
• Interior Design
• Photography 
• Blogging

Make a Bucket List.

It’s always good to be optimistic during these uncertain times. You should dust off that diary of yours and organise your post-lockdown plans. Whether you are celebrating or simply catching up with those you have missed. Let’s not forget your personal development goals too! Maybe make a mind map of where you would like to be in two years time and how you are going to get there. It’s all about setting yourself a series of milestones that can enable you to achieve the end goal. 

Start a Business.

Have you been holding back any business ideas lately? Well now you have that little bit of extra time to kickstart a venture that you are passionate about. Some of the biggest brands out there have come out of a recession such as Burger King and Microsoft. Pull all your ideas into a business plan, do some market research and get out there!

Stop being a Hoarder.

Have a look around your personal space. Whether you have your own house or your room is needing a much deserved tidy out. It is not hard to find a cupboard or drawer that is crying out for some TLC. It may even be worth creating two piles – ‘To Keep’ and ‘To Donate/Throw Away’. A tidy space really does make a tidy mind. Even Netflix has some documentaries lingering around with regards to organisation and cleaning in the home. 

Support your Community.

Working as a team has never been more relevant in today’s climate. Charities across the UK are launching campaigns in hope that volunteers can come forward with regards to donations, online events, signing petitions and sharing content online. 

You could even set up a GoFundMe page and do something incredible to raise money for worthy causes. From raising money to making homemade masks for neighbours, a humanitarian act during a crisis can make you feel more connected to society.

Prioritise Self-Care.

Now has never been a better time to put that phone in a drawer for the day. Taking a break from social media and the surrounding reports on the news can prevent you from feeling drained by the current state of the world. Start prioritising activities which improve your mental health and wellbeing such as delving into a good book or unwinding with a bubble bath. Perhaps conduct some research into mindfulness or practice breathing techniques to keep the anxiety and stress from creeping up on you. 

Make the effort with Loved Ones.

We now have all sorts of technology and devices at our fingertips to keep us connected. Apps such as Facetime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype allow families to feel closer, especially when visiting family members such as grandparents is much more restricted. You could also make plans digitally with friends, whether you are watching a movie together online or hosting a virtual quiz. 

Lockdown is the best time to be innovative and make the most out of your situation. These activities are just a handful of ideas out of a long list that can keep you sane whilst working on your personal development. However, these daily goals can also be taken to the outside world of COVID-19. Make it a habit not a temporary fix.