Hello Everyone! I hope you’ve been having an amazing 2018 so far! For those who don’t know me, I’m Candis. I’m a 24-year-old Graphic Designer, Photographer, and part-time blogger (at least I’m trying to be). This year, one of my 2018 goals is to blog more —way more. So, I thought the perfect way to start 2018 off right, would be to share with you my 2018 Goals. Now, I’m not usually one to make resolutions and stick to them. However, this year I’m feeling very passionate about making some changes in my life. I really want to make goals that I can actually achieve and that are truly attainable.
Blog at Least 2 Times a Month
To be completely honest with you, the past year, I’ve had a really hard time keeping up with my blog and – it sucks. I love writing and taking photos for my blog. I especially love sharing with people things that I enjoy. However, blogging isn’t my day job, so it can be hard to make time to blog or to feel motivated after a long day at work. I don’t want to close the door on blogging because I really enjoy it. So, what’s a girl to do? I will:
- Post at least 2 times a month (honestly though, I’d be happy to get even 1 post out a month)
- Give myself 2 weeks to write the post and to create the imagery and social media for the post
- Blog during my lunch hour (at least once a week) and at least 30 minutes after work
- Utilize free time on weekends more often
- Balance writing both short and long posts
All you bloggers out there: any tips you have for time management or blogging with a full-time job – please let me know!
Read 60+ Books
One of my favorite things to do on my down time is read. In 2017, I made a goal on Goodreads to read 50 books. I ended up reading 54 books! I want to read 60 books or more in 2018. Luckily, I get a lot of reading time during my commute to and from work. I plan on reading a lot of Young Adult books, biographies, self-help books, graphic novels, and manga. What is your reading goal for 2018? I’d love to know what you plan on reading this year – I need more recommendations! To see what I’m currently reading, please follow me on Goodreads.
Get into an Exercise Routine
In 2017, I became very inactive and unmotivated to work out. My mom and I used to take a Zumba class together, where we had the best instructor ever – she was like a friend to us. Last February, she passed away and my mom and I were heartbroken. We haven’t been back to Zumba class since due to scheduling conflicts and the lack of motivation to go to class without our favorite instructor. In honor of our dear instructor and friend, my mom and I are trying to find another Zumba class to take. We miss dancing so much.
In the last year, I’ve gained some weight and I’m not happy about it. In addition, I suffer from extreme stress and body tension. I want to feel happier and healthier, so I’m looking for another class in addition to Zumba, such as yoga or stretching (or something that’s low intensity). Since I’ve been inactive for so long, I want to ease myself into working out again with low intensity classes. Finding time to workout and take classes will be the most challenging part of starting a workout routine. Please let me know if you have any tips for a low intensity workout routine.
Eat Healthier
Eating healthy has always been a struggle for me because I’m a picky eater. A healthy diet goes hand-in-hand with exercising. One thing I’ve starting implementing in 2018 is a healthy breakfast with high protein. For me that means, I’ve been eating a lot of eggs. It’s a simple change, but I feel good about it! The hardest part of having healthier diet is eating fewer sweets. I LOVE chocolate and probably have an addiction to it. I don’t think I can remove it entirely, but I’m going to try harder to cut back on it – at least a little bit. I think what will help me have a healthier diet is just trying to be more conscious about what I’m putting in my body, and trying to make more of an effort to seek out healthier options. Most importantly, MODERATION IS KEY! I don’t want to deprive myself of any unhealthy foods I love; I want to create healthier habits for myself.
Post Regularly on Instagram
Although I didn’t blog much this past year, I was able to work on my Instagram. In 2017, I reached roughly about 1.4K followers on Instagram, which was really exciting for me. For 2018, I really want to work on posting more consistently. I feel like having a regular posting schedule could be a game changer for growing my Instagram and getting more engagement on my posts. Currently, my engagement is pretty low for having over 1K followers, and Instagram’s constantly changing algorithm isn’t helping my little account either. I would love to post everyday, but I’d like to post at least 3 times a week. I need to establish a better content creation schedule before I can commit to posting everyday. I’m always looking to connect with more cool people, so feel free to follow me on Instagram!
Be Financially Responsible
Being an adult can be hard sometimes, and being an adult can be expensive. This year I want to be more frugal and more financially responsible. This means I’m putting myself on a budget and have to regulate my spending habits. For example, choosing cheaper lunch options and putting myself on a book buying ban for a little while. I have many future plans that require a lot of money, so I’m going to have to find a balance between being frugal and treating myself (you have to treat yourself sometime). Wish me luck!
I’ve Got This
I truly believe that 2018 will be the year that I make some positive changes in my life and create good habits for myself. If I stay optimistic and push myself, I believe I can achieve these goals! I’d love to know what your 2018 goals are. If we have the same goals, or you have any advice for me – let me know in the comments below. Let’s take on 2018 together!
I hope to see you in my next blog post!
♥ Candis
DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
7 Comments
CherishingFLo
February 12, 2018 at 12:13 pmBeing financially responsible is a BIG one for me too! These are some great goals! I hope you accomplish all of them!
candisbarbosa
February 18, 2018 at 12:39 pmThank you for your support! I wish you the best of luck for any goals you have for this year.
MyCloudVIP com
February 3, 2018 at 4:54 pmTotally agree with Joyce… Your graphics and art skills have gone a long way, since you doodled your very first creations at an early age… Keep up the AWESOME work you’ve done, ALWAYS follow your dreams and goals… And surely, one way or the other, LIFE itself will open a path of growth and future achievements.
Kayla Whitter
January 31, 2018 at 7:07 amYes, girl! We have a lot of the same goals for the year. I’ve been doing yoga everyday so far this year and that’s been awesome, but there are 45 minute Zumba classes offered at the university I work at during lunch. So I’ve been wanting to start going to those – I just haven’t yet.
I’m also planning to work on budgeting better – but so far, I haven’t done great there. I keep telling myself “I’ll start next month. I just have so much going on this month.”
But you can do it! I’m excited to cheer you on.
candisbarbosa
January 31, 2018 at 9:11 pmThanks girl for reading and for your support! I highly recommend trying Zumba. It’s so much fun and doesn’t even feel like working out. Budgeting is such a struggle. You just got to keep trying. Best of luck with your goals! You got this, girl! 💕
Joyce Lukemeyer
January 31, 2018 at 6:48 amCandis, I like that you have a plan for accomplishing your goals. You can do it and your readers can help keep you accountable. I really like your graphics on this blog. Good luck with your goals. You can do it!,
candisbarbosa
January 31, 2018 at 9:06 pmThank you so much for your support! 💕