I’ve seen a lot of blog posts about ditching resolutions this year, apparently in favor of intentions. I just see that as semantics. A resolution is the firm decision to do or not do something. An intention is a thing intended, an aim or plan. Is that really what we want to debate?

New year, new me blah blah blah. I find those unrealistic statements to be stuffy and boring. It’s never going to be a completely new you come January 1. I like small and obtainable steps toward becoming a slightly better version of one’s self over time. Isn’t that what we are all striving for??

Goals and resolutions are great in theory, but without any follow-up, they remain just that. Luckily here at Alyssa in the City, we update you on the progress. For the past few years, I wrote a post at the end of the year where I get radically honest with myself and you about how I did on my resolutions that year. If you didn’t see my 2019 Resolutions Recap then click here.

Without further ado, here are my 2020 resolutions:

1. Read 15 Books

   We are taking it up a notch for 2020, the last two years my goal was 12 and I was able to finally accomplish that goal in 2019. In 2018, I came close, but wasn’t able to fully complete this goal. I’ve found some tactics that work for my short attention span and I’m going to implement them again this year and hopefully kick up my reading for 2020.

2. Spend More Time in Nature

   I kept this one broad because I didn’t want to limit it in any way. This means more hikes, more camping, more adventures outside with Fitz (my goldendoodle), and even just sitting or hammocking outside and reading (see above reading goal). I spend so much of my time inside and I know that sunshine makes me happy, so why am I not enjoying the better weather?? I get more better weather here down south and more often than I did back in Michigan. I need to start taking advantage of it!

3. Collaborate With Other Creators

   I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few other creators this year. I’ve been blessed with these great opportunities from photographers to podcasters. It’s been really fun and some great creative content has come from it.

   I want to work together with more creators this year to learn as much as I can. I consider myself a forever student. No one knows everything there is to know. We can always learn from others, especially in the digital world, where everything is constantly changing.

4. Mindful Spending

   I struggle with a shopping addiction… kidding. Kind of. My Mom was a shopoholic growing up and still is. I was going to the mall at least once a month if not more and Target (my weakness) once a week, etc. So I inherited this consumerism habit from my mom. Thanks Mom… (in my best Thanks Obama impersonation). I think I consider shopping and spending money as a hobby, which isn’t a great mindset to have. It’s also really bad for the environment and it can all become clutter so fast. If I have to be purging every few months when I only moved here two years ago with practically nothing, then you know it needs to be addressed.

5. Travel

   This year, I want to travel solo. I’m in the Girls Love Travel Facebook group and they inspire me daily to travel and to try to travel at least once by myself. It seems so empowering. I’ve never traveled by myself and I really want to try it. You don’t have to wait for people to get their budget right or to try the impossible task of syncing everyone’s work schedules for requesting time-off. You can do exactly what you want, when you want, and you don’t have to compromise on anything. Sounds like a dream, honestly. I really want to travel to Ireland by myself in 2020 because it’s supposedly very safe for female solo travel and I’m part Irish. Hold me to it my lovely readers.

6. The Year of Advocating for Myself

   Or so my therapist has claimed it. Yes, I go to therapy. Not sure I’ve mentioned that on here yet, as it’s relatively new. Only a few months, three maybe. You’ll hear more about it on the podcast that is getting released sometime this month and I’m sure I’ll also do a post about my therapy experiences. Honestly, we all should be going to therapy and we all should be talking about it more. In my last session this past Saturday, we really talked about advocating for myself more and setting boundaries. I don’t know why it makes me so uncomfortable to advocate for myself, but it does. If you have any tips for overcoming this, especially for an introvert then holla at your girl down below.
   

   What are your 2020 New Years Resolutions? How are you keeping yourself accountable? If you don’t keep resolutions, why not? I’m fascinated, tell me everything.