How To Set Yourself Achievable Goals For 2018

Sharing some tips on how to set yourself achievable goals for 2018!

I've absolutely LOVED reading everyone's goals/plans for 2018 posts, but I can't help but think it can sometimes be a little overwhelming, with that age old friend 'comparison' leering over your shoulder.I adore reading people's personal, professional and travel goals for an exciting year ahead, but that being said it is so easy to slip into the whole 'are my goals big enough', 'should I be aiming higher' - which is silly because our own goals, no matter how big or small, are our goals - and what makes them individual is that they're tailored to our wants, needs and plans.I know some people are super ambitious and find setting goals really drives them to work harder and push on to achieve them, whilst I also know people that just see New Years day as just another day and they don't set themselves any goals, which is also fine - there's absolutely no right or wrong; it's just purely whatever works for you.I find that writing down and setting myself a few goals, no matter how big or vague, does actually help me to kind of shape up my year and know what's the driving force behind certain aspects of my life. I don't put pressure on myself to achieve them; it's just a nice reminder of what I'd like to achieve, if I can.That being said, I thought I'd put together a post, to help you guys, and to remind myself on how to achieve the goals that you set yourself this year!...

If you want to travel more: 

For me, travel is always my biggest goal each year so I always prioritise travel each year as it's what I hope to do the most of and 2018 is no different. But of course, with travel comes the cost. I'm always on the look out for budget deals, offers and trying to save as much as I can to fund my wanderlust.Here are my top tips on being savvy when it comes to travel:1.) Saving for travel - one of the biggest set backs from stopping most of us just upping and leaving is money. As I'm getting older my priorities are shifting and a huge chunk of my saving is going towards our house fund but I always set a side some funds for travel.One of my top tips would be to save little and often, whether it's in a piggy bank or online banking, try and save the change in yourself, or transfer £10-£20 per week into a travel specific savings fund. Save what you can, when you can and you'll be surprised at how quickly it adds up. Soon you'll have enough for an Easyjet flight in Europe or some Eurostar tickets to Paris!2.) Travel smart - I'm always on Skyscanner or Expedia checking out their latest offers (it's worth keeping an eye on airlines websites direct too, Norwegian and Virgin always have great sales!). I booked some Eurostar tickets to Paris recently for £56 return which I was so chuffed with.I'm all about budget travel, it's lovely to stay in nice hotels but if I travel on a budget and it means that I can take four trips as opposed to one expensive one then I'd always try and travel smart to see more!

If you want to save more: 

I'll be completely honest and admit that before last year, I've always been a bit crap at saving. I've always chucked clothes, travel and just life things into the fuck it bucket and not worried too much about saving, or lack of should I say. Then last year Ben and I decided to open a joint account and things got a little bit real for me, in the best way possible though because it really made me check myself and my lifestyle and realise how much money I was wasting.

I started by setting myself a monthly goal of how much to save so it would drive me to make sure I was putting aside that about each month, to be honest being self employed I found this much harder as my payments are more irregular but I'd always try and get a chunk away each month.

Cut out things like daily coffee, eating out, put yourself on a clothes buying ban for one month, it's so easy to slip into consumerism and believing that we 'need' things to fulfil us when really, we actually don't. Try digging out clothes that you haven't worn for a while and reinventing them by styling them up with new pieces, start making lunches instead of eating out everyday and taking a flask of coffee rather than a daily Pret visit. These things really will add up and you'll have much more disposable income at the end of every month!

If you want to utilise your time better:

This for me is something I really want to focus on this year, I took severe digital detoxes in 2017 and it made me realise how much I needed to take regular breaks from the online world and engage in 'offline time'. For me family, friends  and loved ones are always priority, as long as they're happy and healthy, nothing else really matters that much.

This year I want to make more time for me, to relax, recharge and switch off, but also for Ben, my girls and my family too. Whether it's taking my brother for lunch or popping over to my nans, taking a trip with my girlfriends or spending the weekends at Ben's, these are the years/times we can't get back and I want to cherish every moment with them.

How I'm going to utilise my time better in 2018, and how you can too:

1.) Work smarter, not harder - This is a big thing for me as it's so easy to be overwhelmed and just feel like you need to do all of the things to feel like you've achieved something, when in reality it's about doing less but doing it well.

2.) Prioritise your time - Again another important point as it's easy to say yes to everything and everyone when it's absolutely okay to decline invites, nights outs etc if you don't want to go, don't feel like you have to do something! Stop giving your time to people that you don't really want to give it to, and start using that valuable time for yourself and those who really matter in your life. Don't feel guilty for saying no!

How are you planning to achieve your goals this year? Did you find this post helpful for setting your goals? What are your goals for 2018?