2016 In Review | How I Got On With My Goals

Way back in January last year, I set myself some goals for 2016... The time has come to have a little look back and see how I got on! I'm actually quite nervous, because I know I haven't looked at this post in a while to check on my progress, so I don't really know how I've done at this point.
• Clear my overdraft. Well I'm off to a good start! I've managed to not only clear my overdraft in 2016, but also start regularly putting a little bit of money aside in a savings account. It's by no means a huge amount, but it's better than nothing, and gives me something to build on in 2017.
• Get a full-time, paid Assistant Psychologist post. I finally started my first "proper" Psychology-related job in August 2016, almost four years after completing my undergraduate degree. It was a long time coming but I think it was worth the wait - I truly love my job, feel like I am learning a lot, and am working with a fantastic team of people who couldn't be more supportive.
• Read at least 25 books. Erm. Sadly I can't cross this one off, having read a measly eleven books in 2016. I'm actually disappointed in myself for this; I love reading and I really need to make more effort here. I've set myself a more manageable target of twelve books for 2016 and I'm determined to achieve that!
• Streamline my make-up collection. I've had a couple of good clear-outs over the course of the year and, whilst I do still have more make-up than I probably need, I have a fair amount less than I used to! I do need to make more of an effort to use the bits I've hung onto, as a lot of them seem to sit unloved despite how much I like them.
• Keep looking after my health. I feel like I did well with this; I gave up chocolate for Lent, and again for the last three months of the year, which was a challenge well worth doing. I've introduced new foods into my diet - I've learnt to love avocados and almonds, amongst others! And since joining the gym at the end of October, I've been working out regularly as well, although my running took a backseat from September-ish as I was struggling with shin splints. I also made the choice to give up on the Pill, as it was wreaking havoc with my body, (you can read about that here, if you're interested!) which has been a great decision for me.
• Make time for friends. I've been setting myself the monthly goal of seeing friends at least twice per month and I think I've managed to stick to it every month in 2016, which I'm pretty impressed with! I'm quite good at keeping in touch via text, Whatsapp or whatever, but nothing compares to actual face-to-face time with the people you care about. I've enjoyed spending more time with my loved ones and I'm carrying this goal into 2017, too!
So all in all, I'm actually really proud of myself - I achieved all but one of my goals for the year! 2016 was a tough year in many ways, but I also felt like it was a year when I learnt a lot, and grew in a lot of ways. I turned 25 in September (remember my post on 25 things I've learnt in 25 years?) and I'm starting to actually feel like I'm getting my life together - I probably shouldn't say things like that, watch it all go wrong now...
Did you set yourself any goals last year? Have you looked back at how you got on? Don't forget to check out my goals for 2017 and let me know what you're hoping to achieve this year!!

xo
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