I Am Not Setting Goals For 2022

‘Tis the season! January marks the beginning of the “Being Your Best You” mentality. The drop of the ball at midnight sets the motivated in motion. Instagram feeds are clogged with goal boards and gym-goers posted up in the mirrors at Planet Fitness. The planner aisle at Target is picked over. There are more vegans than ever. 

I am all for this go-getter revolution. Being so easily inspired, I began to consider the idea of sitting down and journaling my goals for the upcoming year. I even contemplated writing a blog post of what I plan to do to make “2022 my best yet!” The idea lingered over my head like a gray cloud. I was dreading it. 

Truth be told, I am just not that kind of person. 

While “going to the gym five days a week” and “taking 40 plane rides this year” sounds ambitiously wonderful, I frankly knew I just wouldn’t do it. 

When something I enjoy becomes obligatory or forced, it loses its fun for me.  

When the gym changes from being a choice I make in the morning based on the way my body feels to something I have to do to not let myself down, it becomes a task. 

What if I take 37 flights this year, would I feel unaccomplished having not taken 40? It would take away the awe-factor of the trips I did take! 

I used to beat myself up over not being a very organized person. Now, I have accepted that I function better under chaos.

I have been living out of a suitcase for the past 5 months. I have not unpacked from my three-month European adventure, I just take clothes out and put new clothes in to take on my next trip. 

A pile of clothes rests in my shotgun seat at all times. I bring clothes for work or sleep or a dinner date, because who knows what I am going to want to do after work? 

I use one five-star notebook for all of my classes. I have never used Google calendar. I refuse to sign a lease for my next college house a year in advance. I bought my prom dresses the week of. 

And guess what? It has always worked out for me! 

For some, this would be their worst nightmare. That is okay! What works for me may not work for you, but the truth is who cares?

I should not force myself to fit inside this desired “Type-A” mold. A “healthy lifestyle” is whatever works best for you.

As I have grown up, I have realized that life takes its course. Whatever “control” you think you have can change in an instant. Being flexible makes me a happier person. 

This time last year, I was enrolled in a school in California and planned on finishing my degree there. I ended up doing a semester in Italy. Never would I have thought that would be the case, but I let my plans change and it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. 

My emotions drive most of my decisions. It is the way I am wired. As my feelings are constantly changing, so does my life. 

If I am unhappy with where I live, I can change my circumstances. 

If my job drains the life out of me, I can find a new one. 

If my major loses my interest, I can change it. 

If I start to dread running, I can change my workout.

If I am tired, I can sleep in. 

If meat starts to gross me out, I can cut it out of my diet. 

If I crave ice cream, I can eat it. 

If I don’t want to go out, I can stay in all night. 

If goal-setting makes me disappointed in myself, I do not have to do it. 

I have learned to accept that my life may not mirror what society makes us believe is ideal. My ideal looks different than yours. In fact, everyone’s ideal is different. 

In the midst of endless ideals and demands, choose your best “yes.” 

It the end of the day, what you say “yes” to is what you allow into your life. Shape it in a way that works best for you! 

That being said, I am saying “no” to goal-setting this year and “yes” to the joys of spontaneity. Here’s to 2022!