diary,
As the holiday season comes to an end and the new year begins, I usually like to take this time off to reflect. Reflect on the past year, what I've accomplished, how I've grown, but most importantly, to set myself goals for the New Year. Here I've compiled a list of this year's goals for myself.
Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018
1. Make it on Dean's List This Semester
First and foremost, I'm a student. However, sometimes, I too easily get caught up in the distractions and excitement of my Youtube Channel and building my brand that my schoolwork takes a backseat. This year, especially this semester, I want to make my grades my top priority and truly apply myself to the best of my ability in my classes.
2. Get a Job
This goal actually has two parts to it. The first is to get a job, but the second is to save money. The last time I had a proper job was 4 years ago so it's pretty safe to say it's about time to get back at it.
And while it may seem counterproductive to make my school my top priority but also want a job at the same time, I actually think they go hand in hand. I think getting a job will force me to manage my time more wisely, give me a sense of independence and pride, but also allow me to be appreciative for the opportunity to receive higher education and grateful for the fact that I'm in a position where I don't need work to survive. Ultimately, I think it will be a very humbling experience. I'm not talking anything revolutionary or a six figure paycheck --- just something for a little extra pocket money that I can use towards growing my brand, traveling etc.
Of course I will still have all my social platforms and it's no secret that people can earn serious money from these. However, I'm still very much in the beginning stages of building my brand and it will be a long while before I start earning any actual money.
3. Receive My First Youtube Paycheck
This kind of goes with the previous one, but finally after a year and a half of not -- so -- consistent posting and finally finding a rhythm, I would love to receive my first youtube paycheck. It's not so much for the amount of money as it is for the moment. It's almost like the rite of passage, reassuring me that this is a real job and if I just focus and put in my effort and hard work, I can make something out of it.
4. Reach 10K Subscribers on Youtube
While this may seem like a shallow goal, I again think it has more to do with the milestone than the numbers. I recently reached 1000 subscribers and that was the most surreal feeling, because it really made me think "Wow, there are 1000 people out there that chose to watch my videos and stay in the loop (even if a few were coerced friends ;P)". And to reach 10K would bring back that same overwhelming feeling of gratitude and appreciation.
5. Make 1 friend on Youtube
I envy those people that are easily able to reach out to someone, especially online, and build a friendship. I'm not too bad at making friends IRL, but there's something about doing it online that I find very daunting and overwhelming. Perhaps it's because IRL I'm able to see them and sense the vibes that I get, but online, I'm stripped of that luxury so I'm naturally more wary. But this year I hope to push outside of my comfort zone and build a friendship with someone who shares the same interests as me online.
6. Travel Somewhere New
This year, I turn 21. I know, can you believe it ?! And I really want to travel somewhere new. Specifically Atlantic City. Initially the plan had been Vegas with my gal pals, but in my time, I've come to realize it's just as important to make feasible plans. Realistically, we're all broke college students and furthermore, this will be our first trip together so it's probably wise to start small and see how things go.
In addition, there are potential plans for a trip to London brewing. Anyone who knows me will know London has been my dream since I was 12, probably even earlier. Not just to visit, but to live there, immerse myself in the culture. As I've grown older and fallen deep into the pits of youtube, I've quickly fallen in love with Brighton. And I think that would be a great stepping stone to provide a seamless transition from life in New Jersey to London. Hopefully by writing this out, I'm manifesting it into the universe and one day it will become reality:)
7. Get a Job Related to my Degree
As I'm writing my goals out, I'm only now realizing how heavily work oriented they all are. But then again, what else are your 20s for other than grinding?
Not only do I want to get a job but eventually I want to get a job or some sort of work experience related to my degree, whether that's research or working as a medical scribe or maybe even an EMT. And I think having the experience and having a job will be advantageous when transitioning into a more serious work environment later this year.
8. Stick to a Vegetarian Diet (No Egg once a Week)
I've actually already had a head start on this one! I've been a vegetarian since May of 2017 but starting this year I want to be more conscientious of what goes into my body. Being a nutrition minor, I've very quickly become aware of all the harmful toxins and dangerous preservatives found in so much of our food, most specifically meat.
When I tell someone that I'm a vegetarian, their first response is "Don't you get bored of the same food?" This could not be further from the truth. Becoming a vegetarian actually forced me to get creative with the foods I eat and how I prepare them. I've put more effort into cooking (which is actually one of my passions) and learning new recipes, discovering new wholesome foods, and I can safely say this is most varied my diet has been. I can ramble forever on this topic so I'll just leave it here and save the rest for a future blogpost, perhaps when I feel knowledgable enough to share my tips with you.
9. Go on more walks
After being surrounded by the ocean waves and sea water whilst away on my trip, I feel like I've found a piece of myself. It may seem cliche, but looking into the ocean made me realize how tiny I am in this magnificent universe. It put a lot of things into perspective for me. No matter what happens, how many disappointments or hurdles we face, the world moves on. And so must we. It's so easy for me to get caught up in the excitement of my day to day life that I forget to take some time to breathe.
By implementing more walks into my week, I'll be able to hopefully feel that peace and fulfillment I did whilst being by the ocean. Moreover, I think the change in scenery will help to clear my mind and prevent me from getting premature sofa butt. LOL
10. Go to the gym 4x a week
I could write an entire telenovela about my relationship with my body, but I'll spare you the drama and keep it concise. This year, I want to make my health a priority. After a tumultuous back and forth between various exercise plans, I've finally come to the conclusion that I can't really do anything without maintaining my physical health. Until now my body kind of just existed, but lately I've noticed how my weight has been affecting my day to day life. Even with simple things like swimming or dressing up for a party, two things I love so much.
And I've quickly come to the realization that while wanting to go to the gym 365 days is ideal, it's not very realistic for me. Taking small steps and following through with it will be more rewarding encouraging to continuing in the future.
11. Take active membership in a club
At this point in my life, I'm probably surrounded by the most people I ever will be again. And I want to take advantage of that. I think joining a club is a great social activity that allows me to make connections. I'll be able to participate in something I'm particularly passionate about and learn necessary skills such as how to head a meeting or write a proposal to receive allocations. Or even as simple as drafting an email to an advisor.
12. Learn a new skill
Somewhere between prepping for my SATs and sending out college applications, I completely pushed my hobbies to the back burner. I was so consumed with my academics that I let go of nurturing the little things that added color and adventure to my life. So this year I want to make it a point to learn a new skill, maybe to enhance my photography skills with my new camera or take those piano lessons I've been pining on about.
13. Receive my first PR package
Excitingly enough, as I'm writing this, not only did I receive one, but two PR packages! Eeeek! What an exciting way to kick off 2018! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming blogpost on those products (shameless plug ;)
Again, I feel like you guys already got the idea by now, but just to reiterate, it feels like a rite of passage, that other big companies are acknowledging my existence and believe that what I have to say is impactful. Plus who doesn't like free stuff? I know I do haha!
As I started writing this post out, I realized it was more for me than it was for you to read. Hopefully reading this inspired some of you to write down goals that you'd like to accomplish this year.
With Love,
Sushmi x
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