2021 – The vision going forward
Last year, I said that I would see you back here to review how well I had done in 2020.
I also said I would let you know what I was planning for 2021 – so let’s do it. My vision for 2021.
It is that time of year again when I need to look ahead and decide which of the tasks on the Bucket Lists I am going to focus on. Probably going to be an odd one this year, let’s be honest!
Last year, I selected five items from my 40 x 40, the Kettle List, and my Bristol Bucket list. This year’s picks will probably be reduced in number, for obvious reasons.
Before I let you know what they are, I’m going to do a brief look back at 2020’s tasks.
A quick 2020 review: The Kettle List
While I did pass my driving test and complete my haiku ebook (although I am not sure what to do with it now!), I didn’t complete a cross-stitch or my TEFL.
To be fair, I started a cross-stitch, but it didn’t actually contain enough thread, so I may unpick it and change the colour scheme. As for the TEFL… why am I not doing it! Teaching experience has obviously been a non-starter, but I haven’t even finished the course…again!
All I need to do is complete the coursework and send it in. I’ll be buying another extension, and then have to do it by March. This has to be my last extension, I cannot keep putting it off.
In 2021 I will complete my TEFL, one way or the other!
A quick 2020 review: 40 x 40 list
Well! The ‘Attend a Large Conference” was a non-starter, as was going into the sea.
As for ‘lose a stone’ – I seem to put one on! Despite having the time, I also did not crochet a top, or take 365 pictures.
Probably my best bet is to carry some of these tasks over – particularly the weight loss one. More about that below.
A quick 2020 review: The Bristol List
Do I even need to tell you that none of the tasks I wanted to do this year got done?
Upfest was cancelled, and any form of ‘visiting’ has been out of the question.
Not sure what I am going to be able to do this year, but I will hope for the best.
What I want in 2021
As per last years review, there are a few things that I want to achieve this year that aren’t on the list. While physical work experience in teaching may not be possible, I want to look into online teaching, perhaps set up a few classes. I need to look at new income streams this year, so teaching via Zoom may be an idea.
Another challenge I intend to step-up for 2021 is my writing, particularly for the blog. I have already made a list of post ideas and set aside time each week to write in my new planner. With a new enthusiasm, writing is going to become something I do every day.
In fact, my new planner has a mind map section, where you plan the goals for the year. Two of my top goals – which tenuously link to Kettle List goals – are ‘health’ related (increase exercise, improve diet, drink more water etc) and ‘declutter’ related (I want a bedroom! I am gutting the junk room, working on that new bathroom I wanted, sorting the heating, things like that)
So, with all that in mind, let’s look at what the 2021 focus will be:
Kettle List:
#4 Learn Japanese – Take the N5 JLPT
In 2020, I have taken my Japanese study very seriously. With weekly lessons from Noriko-San, I feel I am making real progress. While the task didn’t initially have an aim (which isn’t very SMART!) my longterm goal is to be fluent – which is an achievable, albeit a very longterm goal. In the meantime, I will be studying towards the first level of the JLPT, which takes place in December. Therefore, I have 12 months to improve enough to earn a piece of paper which will validate my learning!
#5 Learn an Instrument
I bought a kalimba during lockdown (the first one, back in March, in the Tiger King days). It never arrived and my emails were ignored. However, my daughter Harri happens to own one she doesn’t use which I have ‘borrowed’. This year I will be learning how to play it. I will use Youtube videos and want to be at the stage where I can play a passable Christmas tune by December.
#7 Complete a Masters Degree – Take 2
I am fully aware that if I start it in September I will not be completing it in 2021, however, a start is as good as a …I have no idea how to finish that sentence. But it’s a start.
My workplace is offering a grant towards education and learning that helps your career progress, and the figure just happens to coincide with the cost of a Masters in Research at Bath University. If I am accepted onto the course, it will not start until the second half of the year, but I really look forward to getting back into education. It also means that I will graduate just as my youngest leaves school, so we are all set for an adventure in Japan.
If they ever let us back in! I don’t even want to think about not being able to travel again. Do we get a free extension on our passports?
#8 Get Flexible
I have previously written on this topic, and as I now have space, time and inclination I am hoping to get back into yoga. My son and I have been using Adriene’s Youtube Videos as a guide, although Ethan really does flex that he is much more flexible than I am!
Bendy little bugger!
Coupled with an improved diet, the vision for 2021 is being able to touch my toes by the time we review these goals this time next year.
#41 Be Happy with my home – or at least tidy it up a bit!
This is a long term goal; a whole section of the blog is dedicated to it! However, as I am going to have some savings, and spare time in the spring, the Ōsōji spirit that has carried me to the end of the year will continue throughout.
We are emptying the front bedroom, redoing the bathroom, and looking into investing in a new boiler. I hear running hot water and heating are all the rage.
Taking on too many jobs is the first step to getting nothing done, so our January goal is to just hire another skip and start getting the junk out. After that, there will need to be some wall stripping, replastering and decorating.
Reviews of this task will no doubt be ongoing, and hopefully, I will be in a position to do some flash ‘before and ‘after’ pictures by the end of the year.
#42 Complete my book
With lockdown and all that time indoors, I should have spent more of my energy on this.
I did complete my haiku book, which I have had some great feedback on, (which is now available on Amazon!) but I need to work on the book I have been writing on and off for 5 years. In fact, there is another book I have been toying with and writing chapters on since 2010, so I have a choice as to which I complete this year.
Either way, one of these needs to be a completed manuscript by the end of 2021.
40 x 40 List
There are only 11 tasks left on this list (YAY!) but some require getting out and about, so it is possible they will be unachievable this year (Boo!)
However, the craft-based ones, such as crochet a top, or sew a dress may be doable. There are two tasks I will concentrate on though…
Lose 1 stone
This task is back again, mainly because I now need to lose about 2 stone as I have piled on those Covid pounds!
I have a vision of this working in conjunction with my healthy living and increased exercise. 2021 will see a healthier new me all round!
365 pictures
I will be starting this task again – again! Perhaps it is a good sign that I don’t take that many pictures of myself, but it will be nice to document my weight loss and fitness journey in picture form
The Main Plan
Much like my 40 x 40 list, the Bristol list requires too much outdoor activity, and until we know what is happening I don’t want to commit to any tasks that don’t stand a chance.
Therefore my main focus this year will be sorting the house, sorting my finances in terms of making my writing profitable and sorting my health and fitness. It will be a mighty Osoji, as I mentioned in my previous post.
What are your plans for 2021? Do you have a vision for the year ahead? Are you worried about making plans in uncertain times? Is it hard to have goals when we don’t know what will happen with the world and our lives from one month to the next? Let us know in the comments.
