As the year draws closer to an end I figured why not write a post not only reflecting on how the year has been for me but how we all can strive for a better year.

This year would have been different for all of us. For some, it may have been amazing but for others, it may have been trash. For me, 2018 has been a decent year. To name a few of my accomplishments; I started my blog, travelled twice and met some amazing people. This year has also been a year of self-evaluation. It was the first time that I took a step back to really re-evaluate my behavioural habits and how I respond to negative situations.

In 2019, I want to take personal-development more seriously. I’ve realised this year that a lot of my habits are holding me back and it’s important to implement healthy practices, otherwise there is a possibility of stagnating my growth. Here’s a list of a few things that I will be doing differently in 2019 and you can consider too:

 Six things you can do differently in 2019:

1. Self-evaluation is key: Throughout 2019 take every opportunity to self-evaluate, you can do this when you feel like things aren’t going great or even if things are good. Through this self-evaluation express gratitude, reflect on how far you’ve come, how you can improve your life and what you can do differently. Evaluate how well you are responding to particular situations and what you’re pouring your time and energy into. Sometimes we can get caught up with our responsibilities, worries, anxieties etc. But you will find taking time out to self-evaluate throughout the year will benefit your life positively.
2. Write down your goals for 2019: Here’s a tip when writing down your goals: Try to split them into categories and subcategories i.e. health, financial etc. you’ll find it helps to keep your goals clear and organised. Also what I did was make them specific and measurable for example using precise amounts or certain dates. However, why start next year, figure out your goals for 2019 but start working on them now. You don’t have to wait till January 1st to start working on your dreams!
3. Feel the fear and do it anyway: Fear is such an overwhelming feeling and it’s so easy to shy away from doing something when we are fearful of the consequences. For me my first blog post was about anxiety so when I decided to put it out there I was overcome by anxiety (ironically lol) and fear. But putting it out there was one of the best things I’ve done. We fail to realise that the best blessings usually come from acting and fighting through feeling fearful. So if you’re worried about starting a business, going to an interview whatever it may be. Feel the fear, but do it anyway!
4. Leave toxic traits in 2018: I know for a lot of people these could be procrastination and laziness. Gotta get rid of the “I’ll do it tomorrow”, “I’ll do it later” mentality. I procrastinate a lot, sometimes finding myself wasting time scrolling through social media when I could be doing something much more productive. I will really have dissertation and essays to do but I’ll waste like 2 hours on Twitter or Instagram. Apps that will always be there. So it’s important to be aware toxic traits like these and work on getting rid of them. Also, a lot of us believe we need to be in a specific mood to do something but what we don’t realise is there’s no time like the present.
5. Evaluate your company: Evaluate the type of people you’ve kept around you this year, the type of relationships and friendships you keep. Do you really need them in 2019? I won’t lie, I’m not the type of person who’s very quick to cut people off. And I don’t believe you have to fully get rid of people who aren’t necessarily benefiting your life. But I do believe in keeping some people at arm’s length (if that’s easier for you).  It’s important to keep a positive circle and surround yourself with people who conducive to your wellbeing.  However, understand you have to radiate positive energy in order to attract positive people. You can’t expect to attract this if you are not practicing it yourself, you have to be an example of the type of friends or partner you’d want to have for yourself. There are some people I know who have such negative energy and they are always surprised that they can’t maintain friendships or are constantly attracting drama in their lives. So take some time out to evaluate your circle, as you are the company you keep.
6. Start a positive habit: According to google it takes 21 days to form a habit, many of us have habits which aren’t beneficial to us in any way, so why not begin January forming a positive habit. This could be practising reading positive affirmations daily or going for a morning jog (that defo won’t be my habit lol!). But figure out a positive habit you would like to continue and start it. After 21 days you’d have probably gotten into the hang of it, you’ll be able to carry on for the rest of the year with ease. For me I started practicing yoga and meditation in November, it became a habit and it helped ease my anxiety, keeping me grounded and focusing on the present. This is something I will continue throughout the new year.

You have 4 days left, end 2018 on a positive note and get ready for an even better year ahead!

Thank you for reading.