I don’t want to worry you but the end of the year is just around the corner. *gulp* Having said that, these last two months are my favourite time of year (with the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day being the pinnacle) because the new year brings new promise and new opportunities. I feel excited and motivated, and eager to challenge myself so I can round out the current year on a high.

So when I saw that Kara over at BohoBerry.com had posted a picture of her “16 before 2016” list, I knew it was perfect for me.

She, in turn, was inspired by Lisa Jacobs who wrote this post, challenging herself to complete 16 things before 2016 hits. So if it’s good enough for those two wonderful women, it’s good enough for little ol’ me.

I sat down to write my list, thinking it would be easy because, let’s face it, it’s not like I’m short on things to do. But it was actually so much more difficult than I imagined, mainly because I wanted the list to be realistic and achievable (what’s the point in writing a long list of things I won’t get done, right?) but also a bit of a challenge.

In the end, after much deliberation, I settled on the following:

#1 Get 4LP painted

This refers to a rental property I own that’s long overdue a lick of paint and a spruce up.

#2 Finish the KonMari Method

I hope this is achievable. I still have a few small bits to do to finish the ‘komono’ category, and then it’s on to the finish line with ‘mementoes’. But I feel like the attic was the last big hurdle along the way, so it should be plain sailing from here on out. It’s just finding the time to finish. (Read my introduction to the KonMari Method if you’ve no idea what I’m talking about.)

#3 Create 2016 goals in detail (with action plan)

Possibly a little ambitious, but I want to be crystal clear on what my priorities and goals are for the coming year. Vague resolutions like “get healthy” are a thing of the past. Now, I want to focus on the WHY and the HOW.

#4 Get hair cut

Long overdue, and it’s getting to the stage where it’s annoying me.

#5 Get back down to 54kg

I gained a lot of weight when I was pregnant and haven’t been able to shake it. (My pre-pregnancy weight was actually 52 kg.) Really though, it’s not about ‘weight’, it’s about making healthier food choices and getting active. The number is just an indicator of how well I’m doing. (I’ll be more than happy if I actually remain at my current weight, but through muscle building and toning rather than my current pizza gut.)

#6 Exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week

Not just to help with #5, but also to increase my heart health and to set a positive example for my daughter. This will be a major challenge.

#7 Pitch at least 1 guest post/article

The first “business” goal on the list, to help me expand and grow my reach.

#8 Get up early every now and then

This hints at my inability to happily leap out of bed every morning. Ugh. I’m definitely a “5 more minutes” person. But I recognise that getting up before my daughter means I can get a jump-start on the day and do things on my own terms, rather than being wrenched out of bed by her frustrated shouts and feeling like the rest of the day is spent playing catch-up. Realistically, I know I won’t be doing this every morning, so “every now and again” will have to do.

#9 Brainstorm merchandise to sell

Another business goal. I have so many ideas but I want to be clear on what will benefit my readers most. I’m not going to churn out stuff just for the sake of it.

#10 Eat a cleaner diet, lower in carbs

Also links into #5 above. I’ve been monitoring my diet a little more closely since being faced with the very real possibility of surgery to have my gallbladder removed. Reducing the amount of fatty, processed foods I eat will not only improve my overall health and longevity, but will also curtail the crippling pains I get. Win win.

#11 Draft outline for ‘How To GYST’ course

This is something that’s been knocking ’round my noggin for a while. I’m not sure if it’ll ever come to fruition but, right now, I want to see how possible it is and how much time and effort will need to be invested into it. But I’d love to offer a comprehensive course on how to get your shit together, both online and offline (via workshops).

#12 Start newsletter

I’m getting serious about growing the website and making it my business now, so this is high up on my ‘to do’ list. But I don’t want it to be just a “look at all these things I’ve done” kind of newsletter — I want it to offer something of value to my readers. A little something extra, so they’re getting access to additional information or sneak peeks of upcoming projects.

#13 Buy external microphone for YouTube videos

I want to improve the quality of my videos so it’s a better experience for my viewers. I recently bought a set of basic studio lights, so this will be my next investment in the video side of things.

#14 Buy new underwear

Shouldn’t need much explanation. It’s not that I’m particularly short on underwear, it’s just that it’s time to replace some bits that are past their prime, and to up the quality.

#15 Finish reading all current books

I have 3 on the go. This might be a bit of a challenge, particularly given how busy I’ll be in the coming weeks. But I put it here because I want to make reading a priority in my life. I love it and don’t do nearly enough of it.

#16 Switch off more/reduce screen time

This refers to my online addiction, and will benefit me in a number of ways: I’ll ease the strain on my eyes; I’ll have more time for other, healthier activities, like exercising and reading; and it’ll set a good example for my daughter. (I don’t want her to develop her own screen addiction, or for her overriding memories of me to be with my nose in my laptop or phone.)

And that’s it! Phew! As you can see, there’s nothing too lofty here. I wanted them to be doable. Having said that, there are a handful that are slightly more challenging because what’s the point in living if you’re not pushing your limits a little?

They're not goals if they don't involve a bit of reaching to get there. Click To Tweet

Why not make your own “16 before ’16” challenge list? Take all those things you’ve been meaning to do and make them a priority. Stop thinking about all the things you’ll accomplish next year. Instead, strap yourself in and start your journey right now.

How amazing will be it when the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins with you looking back over all the incredible things you’ve been able to accomplish in 2015? Then you can roll right into 2016, not with daunting resolutions, but with the knowledge and confidence that you’re already well on your way to achieving your dreams.

Start working on your list now so you can finish 2015 strong.