I wasn’t going to post about my resolutions for 2014. Partially because I feel like setting resolutions is setting yourself up for failure (because really, how many people actually follow through?) and partially because this is slightly more personal than I usually get on this blog. But I like goals and new beginnings and moving forward so I decided to just go for it.
Here are the things I hope to do in order to make 2014 a great one:
Continue to travel
I definitely won’t be hitting the road for months at a time like I did last year, but I hope that I can do a fair amount of traveling in Europe this year. I’m hoping to go to Madrid to see some blogger friends this spring. Weekend city breaks in Berlin and Budapest are high priorities. I’d love to go on a road trip in Iceland this summer and learning to surf in Portugal is high on my to-d0 list. I also really want to go camping on the beach somewhere. Also, taking some short trips in the UK to Brighton, Belfast, Edinburgh and Oxford will definitely happen. It’s a little more difficult to travel on a student budget, but I think if I prioritize travel then I can make a lot of these trips happen.
Cook more often
It’s no secret that I love to eat. In Seoul I went out to eat a lot, but that is not an option in crazily expensive London. Unfortunately, I am one of the laziest cooks ever and end up opening a can of tuna or scrambling some eggs for dinner most nights. I am lucky that my flatmate is an amazing cook who has no problem making meals for us both, but I would like to make more of an effort in the kitchen. I’ve pinned some recipes on Pinterest and am hoping to be able to recreate some of my favorite Korean dishes.
Get the most out of London
With only 2 days of classes for my Master’s program and a 10 hour a week internship that I can do from home, I have a lot of free time to explore London. Except that a lot of the time I don’t. In an effort to save money or not get rained on, I spend a lot of time being lazy. London is an incredibly city with so much to offer- restaurants and street food, museums, galleries, parks, and more. I need to take advantage of it, especially because I have no idea how long I will end up living here.
Study Italian
From the time I was a little girl I always had a dream of being bilingual. I studied Spanish in high school and then spent three years at university studying Italian after which I spent about 9 months living in Italy. Yet I still can’t speak Italian very well. A lot of it is my fault. I’m naturally fairly shy and because of this I am often hesitant about speaking up, especially in a second language. Additionally, as an English speaker most people automatically start speaking to me in English after they realize I’m not Italian. While in Italy I realized that my reading and listening skills are still pretty good, but I need to brush up on some grammar and really practice my speaking.
Get a job
If all goes well I should be graduating in the fall and then I have no more excuses. I need to get a job. I need to start a career. I vacillate between where I want to actually do this, but I know that in 2014 I need to settle down (ugh, scary) somewhere. What kind of job am I looking for? Even though I’m studying journalism, I don’t think I want to be a journalist in the traditional sense. I’d like to work in social media and blogging for a food or travel related company and hopefully do some freelance writing on the side.
Don’t over think things, make things happen
I have a horrible habit of over thinking things. And when I say things, I mean everything. I wake up in the morning and start thinking about what I’m going to eat for dinner that night. I analyze tiny details of non-important conversations. I worry about applying for jobs I don’t think I’m qualified for. I re-read blog posts and wonder if I’ll ever be a good enough writer. And what does over thinking get me? Nothing. It makes me hesitant to put myself out there and it allows opportunities to pass by. This year I am going to stop thinking, and just do. I will make things happen. I will put myself out there even if it means I might get embarrassed or rejected or fail. Because that is the only way to make things happen.
What are your 2014 resolutions?
Great resolutions, Amanda, I have many of the same ones :). I think I want the exact same job as you and I definitely overthink just about everything. Ugh.
Ashley of Ashley Abroad recently posted..A Big 2014: Goals for the New Year
Overthinking is the worst. And probably part of what makes me a not great traveler
Hopefully we will both figure out awesome travel and food social media jobs this year!
I made the same mistake when I lived in London of not going out and doing stuff because I didn’t want to spend money. So, am loving the “Get more out of London” resolution.
Kaitlin Rose recently posted..Common Health Beliefs You Should Kick to the Curb
It is so easy to do, especially since even public transport is ridiculously expensive, but I’m determined to spend my money the right way to see more of this beautiful city
Great resolutions Amanda. I like your one about London too! I’m the same, it’s so much easier to just stay in or stay in your local London area but there’s so much going on in London! Have fun and happy new year!
Monica recently posted..A yoga and detox retreat at Azul Fit in the Canary Islands
Thanks, Monica! It’s hard since London is so big and it takes forever to get anywhere, but I’m working on it! Happy new year!
I felt the same way about resolutions and just tonight broke down and wrote some out in a post. But it’s all about crafting resolutions that you think you’ll actually keep and that you WANT to work towards! Looks like you’ve got a great list. And cooking is super fun once you get the hang of it! I follow a bunch of awesome food blogs, if you ever need some inspiration I can send you my list.
Happy new year!
Kaleena’s Kaleidoscope recently posted..My Accidental Resolutions for 2014
I agree- it’s so much easier if the resolutions mean a lot to you and are something you can actually achieve. I might have to hit you up for some food blog recommendations in the future
Happy new year!
These are great resolutions because I think they’re pretty attainable.
It must be so wild to not know where you’re going to end up after school but, whatever happens, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing for you.
Ceri recently posted..2013: The Year That Got Away
Not knowing where I’ll be a year from now has basically been my life for the past 4 years or so. I’ve gotten used to it. Makes life a little more exciting (or anxiety inducing, depending on the day), you know?
Oh I hear you! It’s quite easy to become lazy in London… specially with this weather. I’ve set myself to leave London once a month and otherwise, enjoy it as much as I can. I can’t believe that after two years living in this city, I have only been able to visit 3 museum… there’s no excuse for that!
Katharina recently posted..2014: Looking Forward
Ah, the weather…it really does make it difficult to muster up the enthusiasm to do anything a lot of the time. (Though it is sunny as I write this comment!!!!!!!!!) And in 4 months I haven’t been to any museums, so it looks like I’m on pace with you
If you can find a good Asian supermarket (I mean, duh, of course you can you are in London) then kimbap and bipimbap is super easy to make!
I’ve been making korean food pretty often in Madrid. Tteokbokki isnt hard either!
Anyways, great goals for the year. I have many of the same ones!
Jessica Wray recently posted..A British Christmas
I found a Korean market that delivers and is relatively cheap! I will definitely be trying my hand at bibimbap and kimchi jjigae. Happy New Year
Great plans! I also want to cook more and dine out less, do more sport and travel more, so we can keep ourselves motivated if you want to. I am super excited for 2014 and have a feeling it’s gonna be an awesome year!!!
Agness recently posted..Philippines – Singapore – Indonesia: Planning The Itinerary
Yes! I am also trying to be more active…but I didn’t list it because I know that’s the one I am most likely to fail lol. I agree- I think 2014 will be great!