2016 New Years Resolution Postmortem

Another year, another set of goals not fully met.

I know that sounds really pessimistic, but that’s just how these things go – I’m not a resolution maker who actually expects to fully complete each. Instead, I make resolutions with the goal of making progress, and using those goals, however unattainable, to improve myself or particular aspects of myself.

So I never really expect to fully fulfill them. If I do? AWESOME. If not? Oh well – the real question is did I TRY?

So let’s see how I did this year, shall we?

1) Learn Brush Calligraphy

Success Level: High.

I think I did pretty well on this one. I’ve gotten significantly better – although obviously I’ve still got plenty of room for improvement (particularly when it comes to spacing and design) – I’m pretty happy with the progress I made on this one.

2) Fill a full sketchbook with figure drawing

Success Level: Low

I did not successfully fill a sketchbook. Bottom line is the year sort of got away from me with this one, and like last year I filled several sketchbooks, but all with lettering – not with figure drawing. So this one I think qualifies for another attempt.

3) Read for at least 2 hours a week (reading not required by work) and be better about updating Goodreads.

Success Level: Medium

I didn’t quite meet the 2 hours a week quota, but I definitely did better about making pleasure reading a habit again. I’ve gotten through almost a dozen books that are not directly connected to work (of course my actual tally is much higher – but again I’m not counting stuff I HAVE to read, only the stuff I CHOOSE to read for no other reason than I want to).

4) Finish all outstanding WIPs – both Knitting and Crochet

Success Level: None.

I really shat the bed on this one. Not even a single FO this year. I guess I just wasn’t feeling knitting in 2016.

5) Run another 5k

Success Level: Another None.

Nope. This one just didn’t happen.

6) Try 12 new recipes

Success Level: Medium

I added a few more recipes to my repertoire, but not 12 like I wanted. The reality is I really really did not cook much this year beyond sort of “okay lets throw something super quick together for myself.” No real meal planning, nothing complicated. This definitely needs to change come 2017.

7) Get better with makeup

Success Level: High

I’ve actually learned a lot in the last year. I’ve started using more of my eyeshadows, gotten better with liquid eyeliner, and even started wearing red lipstick occasionally. Overall I’m much more comfortable with my makeup skills, and all those amazing products I have saw a lot more use over the last year.

8) Pajamas are for bedtime only.

Success Level: High

Part of this has to do with the fact that I spent a lot less time working from home this year, and the other part of it has to do with actually HAVING a dedicated bedtime wardrobe that is separate from my lounge wardrobe. So yea, this one happened pretty consistently.

9) Make the damn bed. EVERY. DAY.

Success Level: Medium

I’ve definitely been better about it, but there’s certainly still room for improvement.

10) Organize, Organize, Organize!

Success Level: Medium

Again, the success here has been mixed. In a lot of ways I feel like my surroundings have ended up even further out of control than they were last year. I’m thinking 2017 is going to have to be the year of purging as opposed to the year of organizing.

11) Drink more water

Success Level: High

Generally I’ve been a lot better about this. Getting into the habit of carrying around a water bottle has helped, and specifically they addition of a Tervis water bottle was great – far easier to clean and keep clean than those nalgines since it just cleans like a regular cup.

12) Stay Thankful

Success Level: Low.

I’ve had a rough year in terms of stress and its sometimes very hard for me to stay grounded in gratitude when I feel like I’m being chased by someone with a knife all the time. I’ve spent a good chunk of the year working on ways to help manage my stress a little better, and keep all my various commitments under control, but it’s still a struggle.

So 2016 was a pretty mixed bag in terms of my own personal goals. Hopefully next year I can improve on them even more!

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2017!

How did you do on your resolutions this year?

(All photos originally appeared in the original resolution post here)