MAY GOALS

I think I need to make some progress this month. It seems like I've been getting no where with my craft or studies, and I'm just going through the motions of every day life. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I actually don't mind it, but I know that work is currently my number one priority when it really should be anything else. But compared to the few months before, my social life has had a (minor) blip on the radar. I went to a colleague's farewell dinner just two days ago, have another dinner planned next week, a seminar with a friend on the weekend and an art exhibition visit with the intern in two weeks. It's really all happening this month, on top of my absolutely full work schedule, of course. But I guess I also (kinda) miss the days where I would sit down and document my life (in pictures). On one hand, I'm still going strong with my daily journaling, but on the other, my memory keeping has dropped to none. So I think this month will need some changes that I will hopefully bring forward to the next (and last!) 6 months of 2017.

I'd like to go through last month's goals and how I faired with them, but let's be honest, looking back, I think I failed almost all categories, and that's just no fun. So let's skip ahead to May and all the potential it may bring:

• READ: I've recently bought a number of books on fashion and memoirs from a number of sources, and I hate that I haven't been able to sit down, dig in and write some notes from it. My current reads are: Note to Self by Connor Franta (I love the visual images in it together with the diary style format the book has), The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees and Love x Life x Style by Garance Dore. I like to take my time with these because they're the type of books you can start from any chapter and will still make sense
• STUDY: To think that I don't even have a deadline for my study... but I guess that's why it's taken me so long to get started. I really need to get a start on this if I want to keep a non-stressful study timeline before the GAMSAT comes around again next year!
• PHOTOGRAPHY: I've been lacking ... severely. I'm hoping that my upcoming social events will get me back into photographing, because I really do miss using a proper camera!
• DOCUMENTATION: I admit, I've been lacking in my documentation skills recently - as said above. I've been stressing over what notebook t use (again) - passport / regular / MD / pocket / A5 ?? - but I decided that it was time to try out Passport size again. It worked really well for me previously, and I found it so hard to get back into Regular size. I still love the Regular MTN, but I need something that I can carry with me in my pocket when I'm on call or at work and write my thoughts in whenever they strike. I have a few hundred days of thoughts still buzzing in my head and they need to be unleashed onto a page.
• EXERCISE: I'm actually absolutely disappointed in myself with how much I've lacked in my exercise recently. I'd like to blame the shortened days and longer work hours, but I know I can always sacrifice a little of my morning sleep if I really wanted. I'm hoping May will give me that motivation back
• MONEY: I've been spending more of my money on clothes recently - weird, I know. Before you know it, I'll be spending it on make-up (gasp!). I guess it has got to do with my recent clothing cull of all the clothes I don't like and wouldn't wear again, but clothes are sucking my bank account dry (together with necessary medical appointments, and every day necessities). I'm slowly growing into a full adult and it's crazy! So I think it's time to start tightening the belt again when it comes to money (even though I know I'll be getting it all back with the amount of overtime shifts I'm doing this month!).

It's basically the same goals over again, but I guess it needs to be said in order for it to be done! Let's go, May!

APRIL GOALS

I'd like to say that March flew by, but in retrospect, I think it was one of the longest month I've had in a while. I can't seem to put my finger on why it was, but it seemed to drag on with no end in sight. But now that we're well into April and I haven't even written my goals up, I can say that this month will be the complete opposite.

Either way, let's look at how March went:

• READ: Ok, so I actually managed to finish a book this month - albeit it took me a while. I picked up A Man Called Ove in stores after it was recommended by Kelly Purkey, and it was actually a nice read. The end was definitely a heartbreaker. But despite this, like I said, it took me a while (almost a whole month!) to finish it, only because it didn't pull me in from the start. I miss reading books that hooks me in from the beginning and keeps me wanting to read it till the end. Maybe my reading interests have changed as I grow older, but it also seems as though I'm migrating towards reading hobby / self-help books more often than not. I'm reading books like Love x Style x Life where if you told younger me I'd be picking this book up in the future, I would probably laugh in your face. I've actually found these real-life experience books a whole lot more interesting than the fiction section, and I think I'm ok with that. Besides, it only means I'll be able to get through books faster.
• ADVENTURE: I'm still planning but failing at going through with any adventures recently. Sad, I know, but with a possible wedding coming up in the next few months, I'm happy to postpone this little goal till a little later in the year.
• WORK: March's work schedule ended up being just as hectic as any other month. There are always people dropping shifts, and I am always there picking them up because why not? Hah. I'm still enjoying work though, and I guess that's a good thing. I haven't quite burnt out just yet.
• CREATIVITY: I may have picked up my scrapbooking / crafting in the beginning the month, but it died sooner rather than later. A little disappointed, but oh wells.
• EXERCISE: I have cut down a little, I must admit. I'm now only doing exercises once every two days, etc, but I haven't abandoned it completely.
• SELF DIRECTED STUDY: I got my books and I tried to get organised, but every time I want to start it, I always find an excuse to procrastinate. I'm not even in uni and I somehow manage to find time to do that. At least with self-directed study, I don't have any guilt or deadlines coming at me.

I'm a little here and there with my goals for March, and I must admit, that's not good. I think I need to change the way I insert these goals into my life. It seems like everything's just everywhere and it's only because I don't have a solid way of documenting my life recently. Either way, here's a look at April's goals, and hopefully there'll be a better outcome:

• READ: Still on the reading boat, and hoping for better outcomes this month. I'm currently happy with just one novel being read this month (as it seems that's the fastest I can only read), and probably a mix of lifestyle books
• EXERCISE: I'm going to try to head back to exercising once a day like I used to in the first two months, because it seems like it's getting harder to do things that I thought I was getting used to now that I've slacked off.
• MONEY: Ok, I've been spending a little too much again, so I think it's time to cut back. I've done a whole lot of Treat Yo Self recently, and with my money rapidly depleting, I think it's time to tighten the belt until the next month. I'm not going to put a spending limit because I know I won't stick to it, but just mentally noting that I have to cut back does make a difference!
• WORK: Forever picking up shifts and not regretting it ~
• FRIENDS: I know I made a goal this year to do something different every month, and 'friends' aren't really a goal, but I think it's high time I started to reconnect with some of my high school and uni friends again, and possibly make more friends too. Although I've been working too much, it has also meant that I'm now close to a whole lot of people in ED too. I guess it helps that I've been working with two Drs that are as close to me in age, and because of that, I've been able to learn from them as much as I've been able to mess around with them. It's nice that I'm actually getting closer to people I never thought I would be able to.

It should be an interesting month ahead. Let's see how it goes.

MARCH GOALS

If you've noticed that I've been slightly quiet on the social media front, you're not wrong. Remember how my goal was to continue with my crazy work schedule? Well, I can say that that goal worked quite spectacularly. It's probably illegal from how much overtime I'm doing, but I'm actually quite enjoying it. I'm still waiting for the moment where I burn out, but so far, I haven't come to that stage just yet. And that's great.

This may very well be my first (of three) days off where I've been able to sit, recollect my thoughts and do something creative (which so happened to consist of a mad rush to finish off my projects before March). I must admit though, I have been in a slight creative rut too. I've been fiddling around with my planner (again), second guessing my Traveler's Notebook and failing at my daily memory keeping. I'm hoping that a new month (and season) will bring a change to my creative life.

But anyway, here's a look at how February went and the hopes that March will bring about some new changes:

• (FAIL) READ: Still not reading. I probably touched a chapter when I was waiting around at work, but that was it. Oops.
• (TICK) WORK: Yep, still going strong. Not too sure how March will be though. Maybe I might cut down slightly to focus on new adventures with a colleague, or to catch up on my memory keeping, but I can't guarantee that!
• (FAIL) BLOG: Fact is, I'm running out of blogging ideas. I do need to create before I blog, and if I'm not creating, I'm sorry if my blog follows!
• (TICK) EXERCISE: I have faltered on days where I've been exhausted from working, but I've more or less exercise every day of February. I'm not sure if there has been any difference, but I'm hoping there is (even minimally!)
• (TICK) JOURNAL: I'm still going strong, but have missed out on journaling the last few days of February (which I will update right after this!). I have noticed that my Hobonichi has become just a recunt of my days. My deep and personal thoughts always seem to end up on scrap pieces of paper because for one, I don't carry my Hobonichi with me everywhere, and for another, there's just not enough space. The amount I write each day really depends, however. I have been thinking about a few things in my life these days, which have caused my influx in writing. Come next year, and I'm sure it'll die down again with an A6 Hobonichi being adequate enough for both my thoughts and daily happenings. For now, I've decided to recount my days in my Hobonichi while keeping my personal thoughts in a grid MTN.
• (TICK) EXPENSES: Fact is, I've been making about the same as a junior doctor (I've checked), and I'm not too concerned with spending much these days. Not working in the city means I haven't been impulse shopping much (which helps), and online shopping doesn't seem to be too interesting these days either. I'm not saying I haven't spent a bit in February, but I think it's been declining, which makes it a win for me and my bank account. So for the first time in probably a year, I'm going to scrap keeping a low expense sheet for March!
• (TICK) UPCOMING CLASS: Every time I try to start early so I don't have to rush before the deadline, it fails miserably. I must admit, my mad rush was mostly due to the fact that all my weekends have been spent working. I have managed to finished everything just on time though, so I guess that's the most important bit!

I'm actually quite amazed at how well February went (despite the fact that I thought otherwise). I'm hoping March will be somewhat different though, and I have opted for some new goals that I hope to achieve with the new season:

• READ: No more excuses! Autumn calls for sweater weather with a new book in a park.
• ADVENTURE: I'm still missing an adventure buddy, but now that my colleague is back from her holidays, I'm hoping that we'll be able to squeeze in some adventure time in the cooler month.
• WORK: It seems odd that my March work schedule isn't as full as it was in February, but I think I need to cut down my work time too (as much as I disapprove). I'll probably end up picking up shifts as we go, but for now, I think I need to settle on the fact that I have a 'normal' work schedule
• CREATIVITY: I need to pick myself up from my creative rut and get a move on with documenting again. After all, these memories are not going to document themselves! I'm hoping that March will see me going back to documenting memories in my Traveler's Notebook, including keeping a separate notebook on all my personal thoughts
• EXERCISE: When March is over, it will be 90 days since I first started my weight training routine. It might not be so evident physically (because I haven't really changed my lifestyle much), but I'm hoping it's still progress. It might take another 90 days before progress is perceivable, but I'll at least be halfway into my goals than I was before I started.
• SELF DIRECTED STUDY: I'm going to aim to do something new every month. I used to have similar goals each month last year, but I think I need to fit something different in my life to better myself. This month would be self-directed studying. It's been the best not needing to study eversince I ended my degree in 2015, but now, I'm itching to get more knowledge in my head. I've been mixing around a lot with ED doctors and nurses lately, and sometimes, it sucks that despite the fact that I'm a medical professional too, I don't exactly have that in depth knowledge of the drugs / terminology they use. I've picked up a few books from Book Depository recently, so I'm planning to study some drugs / medical emergencies when I can. Hopefully that will bring me up to speed and with the crowd.

Let's go, March!

FEBRUARY GOALS

Oh my, that went by quick. We're already in the second month of the new year, and I'm (admittedly) disappointed that I haven't actually done anything major this month. I think I'm gonna aim for something each month, something I can remember and know that that was the highlight of the month. It doesn't have to be specific, and it doesn't even have to be something great, it just has to be something different from my every day norm. I think that's the only way we know we're improving with our lives. Anyway, here's a look at how my January went:

• Read: FAIL
  I'm actually disappointed that I didn't pick up or flick through a single book this month. Let's hope February will be different.
• Work: TICK
  I must admit, the last week of January would probably be the highlight of the month, if only because my boss noticed how much I was working. Hah. I'm still excited to take on crazy workloads for the time being, so forgive me if I'm away from social media for a bit!
• Blog: FAIL
  I tried. Really.
• Exercise: TICK
  I'm actually pretty proud that I managed to go through the whole month exercising in my room, missing just two days of exercise for very good reasons (once it was 37 degrees celcius, and the other, I was just too exhausted from work). Hoping to keep this up for another 70 days to see if there are any major changes to my body by day 100.
• Journal: TICK
  I'm actually still pretty up to date with 3 of the journals / planners I'm planning to use throughout the year, so yay!
• Expenses: TICK
  I'm not too sure how much I spent this month (and I don't want to calculate), but because the sales have died off since Boxing Day, I feel like I haven't actually spent much on things I don't need. I hope to keep this up in February and with all the extra money I'm making from my crazy work schedule, my savings would be getting a great boost.

February is a short month, no doubt, but I'm hoping to get things done to its full extent either way:

• READ: Unlike last year, my reading seems to be taking a backseat. I can't seem to find the motivation to pick up a book or my kindle. Let's just hope I can fit some time for reading this month
• WORK: I'm still on the work all day every day ride, and haven't burnt out yet.. which is a good thing. I still have all the energy in me and I'm hoping to go just as hard this month
• BLOG: I'm going to try to keep this blog up to date, but forgive me if I fall behind!
• EXERCISE: I'm aiming for at least 100 days of weight training, and I really want to see if there is any difference by the end of those days. I love that I've kept up with it for the whole of January, so let's hope February stays the same
• JOURNAL: I'm loving journaling in my Hobonichi as it allows me to keep everything in one place, and I can't see February being any different!
• EXPENSES: I think I'm going to relax my expenditure just a little. I haven't actually been spending much, and with all the overtime shifts I've been picking up, I think it's fair that I reward myself at the same time
• UPCOMING CLASS: It's still under wraps, but this month's goal is to complete my upcoming class with BPC (before due date!). Details on what the class is about won't be unveiled till closer to release date, but do expect one in the near future! I just need to buckle down and write it all up before due date at the end of this month!

It's going to be a full month again and I can't wait to see what happens by the end of it!

JANUARY GOALS

Hey there and happy new year! Hope everyone is having a great new start to 2017, with plans and goals for a better year. I'm back to the daily grind with a new set of goals to tackle for the month and year, so let's get to it:

• Read: 2 books / month
  Finish reading Digital Fortress by Dan Brown and The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight
• Work: ~ 6 days / week
  I used to pass up my overtime and on-call shifts to people when I got the chance, but I've been on a crazy work bend lately and have been picking up shifts from everyone when I possibly can. Call me crazy, but I've been a little bored at home with no real impending deadlines, so why not just work? Hah. I'll probably burn out half way through, but while I'm young and energised, I'm aiming to work ~6 days a week. So forgive me if I'm a little absent from my blog and Instagram. I'm just being a workaholic!
• Blog: ~ 6 posts / month
  I sometimes forget to update my blog for reasons inexcusable (like being lazy), so I'm hoping this will keep my blogging life a little more active for my wonderful readers.
• Exercise: Everyday
  I've started this in-room exercise routine where I manage to get my heart pumping and sweat pouring without the need to do cardio. I used to pass off my exercise routine as it required going downstairs and prepping up the treadmill (I'm just that lazy), but now that I can do my routine before / after work, I'm hoping to keep at it till I see some results.
• Journal: Everyday
  Realistically speaking, I know I won't be able to do it every day, but as long as my journals / planners are up to date, I'm happy with that.
• Expenses: < $1000
  Let's face it, I can't make a goal of lesser than $1000 knowing a purchase like a Gillio Compagna is a straight $400 deduction. Hah. But lately, I have been spending a little lesser than usual with sales ending with the new year. So who knows, I might be spending lesser than $500 this month (doubt it)!

So how are your goals for the new year and month looking?

DECEMBER GOALS

So yes, I am in fact writing this up just as December is about to come to an end. But that's alright. At least I'll now be able to both write up and take a look at how my goals went for the month and for the whole year (because 2017 is just 5 days away !!).

So first thing first, a look at my December goals and how I went:

1. (TICK) Read two books: I managed finish reading one novel (Fantastic Beasts) and one self-help book (The Life Plan) so yes, this goal was in fact reached. Hurrah! I'm currently in the process of reading The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*^k but all is well if I don't get to finish that.
2. (HALF-TICK) Finish up my Travel Notebook: So I've started it... and did some pages... but work has been taking up more of my time than usual. I'm still aiming to finish it up, but I guess it'll only be done in 2017.
3. (TICK) Decide on 2017 Diaries: Ah yes, the usual end-of-year struggle. As usual, I've ended up with more than I need, but for the first time since my planning addiction started, I actually have a function for each of them. Look out for my next post for details on them all.
4. (HALF TICK) No Spend - until Nov 26th: I kinda held back in my spending this month, and there was a whole week where I did not spend a dime! I think for me, that's a great achievement. We'll discard what happened during the Boxing Day sales though...
5. (FAIL) Edit Blog Layout: I tried. Or at least I think I tried. 2017 will be the year, I promise (ha.)
6. (TICK) Keep a Notebook: I almost stopped halfway for my 'messy' notebook, but I think I finally broke through the 'trying to keep the notebook clean' stage and am using it to its full potential - messy notes and all. I'll continue with the notebook into the new year.
7. (FAIL) Calculate Holiday Expenses: But really, do I have to? We all know I spent at least $3000...

I must say, I'm actually quite surprised to know I've faired quite well this month. Not a bad way to end the month (and year). But now, to the big one - let's see how well I went with the yearly goals:

1. (FAIL) Project Life: It was working well, at first; I was up to date and super psyched to use stamps on my images. But then the pictures weren't getting printed and the weeks were passing and well... yknow..
2. (FAIL) Spend less: Well, we all know how I went with this..
3. (FAIL) Launch my digital stamp collection: Gosh, I forgot that I started this. With work 5 days (sometimes 7 days) a week, and a failure to advertise my brand - completely my own fault - this died a very quick death.
4. (FAIL) Create physical stamp sets: Because the Australian dollar never made it on par with the American dollar (and with all stamp manufacturing being in America), this never kicked off, unfortunately.
5. (FAIL) Art: I've dabbled in my art here and there, but nothing too concrete that I can be proud of.
6. Instagram: My Instagram is still full of stationery posts, but I think I'm ok with that.
7. (TICK) Read: Finally, something I can tick off in 2016. I definitely read more than a number of previous years combined, and I'm actually quite proud of myself. Go me.
8. (TICK) Graduate: Must admit, graduation wasn't even all that amazing... =/
9. (TICK) Get a job: It's amazing how far I've actually come this year in terms of finding employment in my profession. I went from a fresh graduate to a contract employee, which made me more confident in what I was doing and now a full time permanent employee at a hospital I love, and trained in more than I hoped for.
10. (FAIL) Use up my stash: Still working on this. Might take me a few more years...

Three ticks out of ten.. uhh yeh.. Let's hope 2017 fares a little better.. 2017 goals in a few days to come!

NOVEMBER GOALS

I actually cannot believe it's already November. Wow. Two more months and it'll be the end of the year. Already! It's going to be an exciting month this one, with me going overseas for the first time in a long long time and possibly a few workplace changes too. Either way, here's a look at how last month's goals faired and a look into this month's too:

1. (TICK) Read at least two books:
   - Girl on the Train
   - How to be Parisienne
2. (HALF TICK) Research up and document all things Paris!
   - I seem to be changing up notebooks every time to plan my days in Paris, but with a week left to decide what to use, I think I'll be sticking to one notebook now...
3. (HALF TICK) Test out the Contax G1 + film photography
   I'm still in the process of testing it out and I so badly want to finish up my film so I can process it and see how the pictures turn out, but I'm finding it hard to find subjects to photograph! I guess it'll be a long while before I get to see the photos.
4. (FAIL) Save
   To be fair, I've been basically working every day and will be working every day from last week till next week, so I guess that makes up for all the spending I did...

As for November's goals:

1. Read at least two books:
   Knowing I'll be on the plane for hours at a time, I think it'll be a good time to catch up on some reading. I can't possibly be bringing my books with me along though, so my kindle app on my iPad will have to do. But before the trip, I'm going to try to devour the rest of Dan Brown's Digital Fortress since I've already started that.
2. Finish planning up Paris:
   I can't delay this any further or else I'll end up with half a dozen notebooks of Paris planning that aren't complete!
3. Keep a notebook:
   As easy as that sounds, it really isn't. Sure I've kept dozens of Bullet Journals / MTN diary, but a notebook filled with random quotes, notes and doodles? That seems to be the hardest for me. I need to start a notebook out simple, quick and without expectations. It seems like only then will I be able to keep at it without wanting to start another fresh book
4. Document my travels on the go:
   I still can't believe I'm going off on holidays this month and this will definitely be the biggest and probably most difficult goal to accomplish. I seem to leave my travel documentation till the end of the trip when I have all my tools with me at home, but let's hope I can do things on the go this time! Not to mention, take all the pictures!
5. Update my blog layout:
   I think it's taken me a whole year to do this. I seem to always get sidetracked and do other things instead. Oops.
6. Continue with my November Daily Notebook:
   I started a daily entry book in November last year and promised myself to continue it the year after (which is this month!). It's going to be nice to see how much has changed since then

Exciting times ahead!

OCTOBER GOALS

Why yes, I did in fact miss out on my September goals (oops). I don't actually know what I've been doing in the past 8 weeks, but I've obviously neglected my blog horribly. But never fear, I decided to sit my butt down one Sunday afternoon and have created a number of posts for your reading pleasure for the next few days. But first, to kick off the month, here's a look at my goals for this month:

1. Read at least two books:
   I've decided that when I say 'books' I mean everything from digital photography tips to lifestyle books to short novels. Before writing this up, I actually already managed to read through a quaint little book called How to be Parisian Wherever You Are. It was a short read that I gobbled up in a night, but hey, it's still a book!
2. Research up and document all things Paris!
   Despite the fact that I'm heading to Toulouse and Singapore as well in November, the city of love seems to be the only thing on my mind when I think about my upcoming holiday. This of course means requiring a whole Traveler's Notebook dedicated to my research for this trip!
3. Test out the Contax G1 + film photography
   I'm still debating whether or not I should bring my new film camera with me on my trip, so I'm planning to test this medium out this month before I actually head out.
4. Save
   Needs no explanation, really.

A relatively easy set of goals this month. Someone needs to kick me in the butt if I don't get them accomplished by the 31st.

AUGUST GOALS

It's crazy to think that it's already August. So much has happened this year, and yet there's still much more to look forward to and accomplish as I transition into full time work and adult life (eep). Life is hard, but the best thing is: you will always have the power to shape your life the way you want it. It just depends on whether or not you're brave enough to do so. But anyway, here's a look at how July went for me in terms of goal setting and achievement:

• x     Read two books
• x     Spend less
• x     Catch up with Project Life 2016
• ü Keep up with Weekly MTN

Now that I'm working in a different place (with highly limited shopping options), I can say that the first goal I set for the month might actually finally be achievable:

Let's see how this month goes:

• Spend less than $400
• Read a book (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!)
• Draw, draw, draw!

Been having a bumpy end to the month of July and I'm hoping things will start looking up when August comes around..

JULY GOALS

Another month has zoomed by and I'm left looking at my goals and wondering what exactly I've been doing in the past 30 days. Here's a look at how I went with my June Goals:

• x    Read two books
• ü Keep a habits tracking list
• x     Exercise!
• ü Donate, donate, donate!
• x    Keep up with the blogging
• ü No Less spending

So what's in store for July? The usual, I guess:

• Read two books
• Spend less
• Catch up with Project Life 2016
• Keep up with Weekly MTN

It's crazy to think that it's already July, and how much has happened collectively, changing in its own little subtle way to bring us to this very moment. Sigh.

JUNE GOALS

It's crazy to think we're almost half way through the year. It won't be long before we're making new year's resolutions and buying up 2017 planners too! Either way, here's a look at how I faired at last month's goals before heading into the new month (and season!)

• x    Read two books: Nicholas Sparks / Jojo Moyes
• x    Catch up with my PL layouts
• ü Catch up with my MTN journaling
• ü Blog post at least once a week!
• x    Decrease the sweets
• ü Keep up with my brain dump book

Lol well, there's always June right? But to be perfectly honest, I don't have high hopes for June as I know my schedule will be packed from morning to night. But here's to hoping:

• Read two books
• Keep a habits tracking list
• Exercise!
• Donate, donate, donate!
• Keep up with the blogging
• No Less spending

Let's do this!

MAY GOALS

I can't believe it's already May! But that only means one thing: graduation is coming up sooner rather than later and I'm stoked. But before we get to that, here's a look into how I went with last month's goals (I can tell you now, it did not go well!)

• x     Read at least two books
• x     Paint more
• ü Blog post at least once a week!
• ü Keep a brain dump book

I knew I was going to be busy, but I didn't know it was to the point where I wouldn't get any reading time in. Boo. I'm hoping to pick up my reading again in May but I know for a fact that my work load only goes up from here, so who knows, my reading may need to take a back seat again in May. Nevertheless, here's May's Goals List:

• Read two books: Nicholas Sparks / Jojo Moyes
• Catch up with my PL layouts
• Catch up with my MTN journaling
• Blog post at least once a week!
• Decrease the sweets
• Keep up with my brain dump book

Let's see how this month goes!

APRIL GOALS

It's that time of the month again where I look back all I've achieved (and failed at) and hopefully come up with new goals to achieve (and fail at - hah!). But before that, here's a look at how I went with March's goals:

• x    Draw at least 3 times a week
• x    Spend less than $300
• ü Keep up with my MTN, KP and PL projects!
• ü Read two four books: Reluctantly Charmed, The Viscount Who Loved Me, The Duke and I, To Sir Philip With Love
• x     Keep a quotes book

Ok, so, not great, but I think my greatest achievement this month would be reading more than I was expected! I finished up Big Magic on the first day of March (which admittedly, was a chore to read), then started and finished 3 other books - it helped that these books were an absolute great read though! My drawing has decreased this month, but I've also started practicing my watercolouring a tad bit more, so I guess that's a compromise I'm willing to make. My projects are still going, although, I am falling a tad bit behind with my PL as I haven't yet printed my pictures for the weeks. But I'm confident those will be done in no time - hopefully! Instead of a quotes book, I have ended up creating a doodle book of sorts - I was meant to make this book a no-commitment / non-perfect book, but it has somehow morphed into a daily doodle + journaling book, which somehow always happens! I'll just have to see how that goes.

Which brings me to April's goes:

• Read at least two books
• Paint more
• Blog post at least once a week!
• Keep a brain dump book

Let's see how it goes!

MARCH GOALS

I can't believe it's already March (and Autumn)! To be fair, I've been looking forward to cooler days here, so I guess March was a welcome change. Before I get to my March goals, here's a look at how I went with February

• ü Draw every day
• x     Spend less than $300 (let's do this again...)
• ü Get up to date with my Project Life
• x     Read two books: Big Magic & Reluctantly Charmed
• x     Eat lesser sweet things!

Ok, so I didn't go too well in February with my goals - to be fair, I started my first adult job this month, so I guess I needed time to... adjust? On the bright side, I have still continued on with my drawing practice, and I think that's the best achievement that overtakes all the goals I didn't complete this month. Reading wise: I was halfway into Big Magic when February ended and I have aimed to finish this book up today and start on my next ASAP. If I'm lucky, I might be able to finish up three books this month to cover for February. And just a little review on Big Magic: I'm three quarters into the book, and to be honest (please don't shoot me), it wasn't really all that great or hyped up to be. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't eye-opening / life changing as some people have said. Maybe I had too high expectations for it, but to me, it was everything I already knew, and as such, pretty blase'... But anywho, here are some goals for March:

• Draw at least 3 times a week
• Spend less than $300 (I failed - miserably - again, and I'm going to attempt it till I get it right!)
• Keep up with my MTN, KP and PL projects!
• Read two books: Reluctantly Charmed & The Goldfinch
• Keep a quotes book

Here's to a great March!

FEBRUARY GOALS

February sees me starting a new full time job from Monday to Friday as a Radiographer, which means my time spent doing all things creative will now take a back seat (for now). I'm not too fussed about this as unlike my previous years working Monday to Friday, I now don't have any uni work to complete concurrently (hooray!) which means once I get home, I have all the freedom to work on anything creative (if I'm not too tired, ie). So compared to January, my goals for February will undoubtedly be slightly different, and even maybe a little less creative. But before I get to that, here's a look at how my January goals turned out:

• ü Launch my digital shop
• ü Get a job
• ü Document every day in my Hobonichi
• x    Spend less than $300
• x    Create 5x digital stamp sets

3/5 things accomplished is better than none, right?

So for February, here are some of my hopefully realistic goals to achieve:

• Draw every day
• Spend less than $300 (let's do this again...)
• Get up to date with my Project Life
• Read two books: Big Magic & Reluctantly Charmed
• Eat lesser sweet things!

Let's do this!

2016 GOALS

I can't believe 2016 is just around the corner! And just like a million other people prepping for the new year, I'm here to bring you my 2016 goals. But before I get to them, here's a look at how my December goals went, and how much I've accomplished:

• ü Create 5 x digital stamp sets
• ü Send my resume to more hospitals!
• x    Take on another MTN daily month
• ü Blog more often
• ü Spend less, save more
• ü Decide which planners to use for 2016

Not bad, I reckon!

2016 Goals:

• Project Life: I'm going to try to make my Project Life work a physical product for 2016. I managed to keep up with one on the digital app, but I've been itching to use the 29357345 Project Life cards I've accumulated over the years.
• Spend less: I think we make this goal every year, but I have yet to see it actually working. Hah
• Launch my digital stamp collection: They are officially going to be on sale on the 1st of January!
• Create physical stamp sets: This would have to be the very top of my list, but because of the low exchange rate Australia has with the US currently, it is making it impossible for me to do so. Let's just hope 2016 will take a turn for the better!
• Art: I need to make art a habit in my life. Practice makes perfect, and I want to perfect my watercolour and drawing skills. Let's do this in 2016
• Instagram: I plan to incorporate more than just planners and creative works in my Instagram account for 2016. I want to post pictures of places I've been to and beautiful sights worth documenting, and I hope you'll love them too.
• Read: My uncle was visiting at the time I was typing this up and he told me the importance of reading; reading for knowledge and reading for learning. I need to read more books in 2016, especially now that I have finished uni.
• Graduate: This is basically a definite event, but it's still a goal for 2016!
• Get a job: I need one. Badly. I just need someone to hire me!
• Use up my stash: Yep, don't we all

What are your goals for 2016?

January Goals:

• Launch my digital shop
• Get a job
• Document every day in my Hobonichi
• Spend less than $300
• Create 5x digital stamp sets

Let's do this!

PS. I've made a simple January and February PDF calendar which will fit nicely in a regular sized MTN. Feel free to use them but remember, personal use only! Just click here to download the PDF

DECEMBER GOALS

Just like having a to-do list, I believe we all need some sort of goals to achieve, so here are some of my goals for December:

• Create 5 x stamp sets
• Send my resume to more hospitals!
• Take on another MTN daily month
• Blog more often
• Spend less, save more
• Decide which planners to use for 2016

What are your goals this month?