It's not a lot, but it's enough

joeyjimbles

Glad you had a good Christmas, and have some plans already in place.
I understand that you want to move out but I also get where your Mum is coming from, perhaps it will sort itself out anyway as you are still in the process of saving up and looking for somewhere may take some time after that too - though of course it's also possible that you'll fall in love with the first one you see. Anyway, at least they didn't rub their hands together in glee and ask for your key back!

SpekySquarehead

The end is nigh.

The end of 2016 that is. And with this comes the influx of New Year Resolutions which in my case, usually last 2 or 3 weeks. However the last year has taught me some tough lessons and as I come into my 27th year on this planet, I am filled with an excitement, determination, grit, enthusiasm and energy for the year ahead and I have full confidence my ‘resolutions’ will last longer than a fortnight. So as discussed before, I’ve set myself some goals for 2017. I have divided them into 3 categories; career, relationships and self. I’ve a nice and fancy table that I’ll print but I can’t seem to add it onto the boards here so I’ll details below in a more succinct way.

Career
Goal: Achieve my bonus targets in work
Next step: Divide my target into monthly, weekly and daily chunks and evaluate with my manager every Friday morning

Goal: Build a stronger network of client
Next step: Take more time to know them on a personal level and just say “hi, how’s things”

Goal: Have a new job title
Next step: Continue to accept work in different fields so as to extend my areas of knowledge

Goal: Attend at least 1 new training course
Next step: Research the options available and propose to manager



Relationships
Goal: Spend more 1-2-1 time with my gran
Next step: Agree a day each week where I can see her after work and we’ll have dinner together

Goal: Visit my Dad at least 6 times
Next step: Put time in my diary and don’t postpone it!

Goal: Organise social events with my cousins
Next step: Propose dates far in advance so we can all attend and budget for it

Goal: See my friends children more often
Next step: Let him know I’d like to do various activities with them and suggest some things in the coming months



Self
Goal: Start learning Spanish (again)
Next step: Download the Duolingo app log on each day before bed

Goal: Live on a ketogenic diet
Next step: Buy ketogenic cook books and test strips to get me started for January

Goal: Buy a house/flat
Next step: Save at least £5k by July

Goal: Save an emergency fund of £1k
Next step: Budget for this in YNAB

Goal: Cut back on coffee intake
Next step: Limit myself to 1 bulletproof coffee each morning

Goal: Read 10 books
Next step: Write a list of books I wish to read and check with local library before buying

Goal: Eat out less
Next step: Budget for less each month and stick to it!


Some of these are easy, some of these will be close to impossible, some seem silly and some seem obvious but I’ll aim to tick each and every one of them off by this time next year. “Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars” – Les Brown. I’ve found my (pretty much) daily routine of coming onto the forums here of great benefit since I joined last year. I make myself accountable for what I do or don’t do and it’s really helped me stay on track. I hope to continue in that vain.

As we approach the end of 2016, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank many of you regulars on my DFD who have helped me through the financial and personal journey I’ve been on in the last year and your continued support has always helped. I hope to be writing something even more positive in 12 months time and I hope you will still be a part of my adventure. Once again, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and I sincerely wish you have a tremendous 2017.

Thank you.

louby40

Speky what a truly lovely post! It brought a real sense of pride for me that we can help each other along during this journey to be debt free!

You sound like a really decent bloke with a sensible head on your shoulders. I can't wait to hear what 2017 has in store for you.

All the best for 2017!

SpekySquarehead

Louby - Thank you, and I mean that more than you probably know. You're one of a few who has been around here consistently for the last 6 months or so and (as you probably know from your own diary) just popping your head on here is a little boost.

Likewise for your Louby. I'll continue to follow your diary and hope that 2017 is the year you remember for becoming debt free!

joeyjimbles

Great plans - they look challenging but not unachievable, and that's half the battle. I'm personally not a fan of the 'one only and nothing more' restriction like your coffee, but if you can do it then great. I cut down on coffee by making sure that ones I had were a. delicious and b. really wanted - it's too easy to have one just cos someone suggests it, or you've finished/about to start something - unless it's an unusual day eg. an outing, I rarely have more than 2 a day and usually just one - after my walking my dog.

And do make sure you keep an eye on yourself with the ketogenic diet. Make sure you get lots of vitamins and keep an eye on your energy levels. Low carb can be great, but it can take it's toll too especially during the winter months.

On the library front - do get in the habit as its very MSE for a start, but also you can try new things and not have to worry if you don't like them. If your library has online account access then do sign up for it as it saves me a fortune in fines - I mean to go in every week but sometimes it doesn't happen, and being able to go online and extend my borrowed books means I never get an overdue fine. Its also worth checking out Goodreads.com which can help suggest new authors to you which is especially great if you get to the end of a favoured authors' works - it will suggest others who write in the same vein/style/subject matter etc.

Most importantly - I hope you have a great 2017 and achieve whatever you want, and are happy.

SpekySquarehead

Good idea Joey. I'm not actually 100% sure if my local library has an online account. I'll ask when I'm in next.

Hope you had a nice Xmas and all the best for the year ahead.

crazy_cat_lady

Hey Speky
Loving your goals, and next steps. I think 2016 has overall been a pretty good year for you - and the future is looking bright. Don't feel bad spending gift money on things that you particularly need as well. I treated myself to some of my favourite smellies for half price and refuse to feel guilty for it.
27? I hit a very big birthday this year... I'm with you on making 2017 the best year yet! I have some goals to think about as well...

SpekySquarehead

Hey CCL

Yeah, on reflection, it has been a good year so hopefully that'll act as momentum going into 2017.

21 again haha? Set yourself some goals - we can do this!!

Ladykernow

Love your goals! Good luck for 2017!

SpekySquarehead

Thank you Ladykernow - I'll give it my best shot.