My 21 for 2021 Happiness Project

I have always been a huge fan of Gretchen Rubin ever since I moved to New York. I have read all her books, and her and her sister Liz kept me company on my subway ride on their Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast.

New Year’s resolutions never worked for me, they were always the same- big asks and little motivation. I feel January always puts such pressure on us to lose weight, get fit, give up alcohol, learn a new language, exceed our wildest expectations and continue with this sentiment till December 31st.

Gretchen opened by eyes in 2018 to a new sort of New Year’s project, a happiness project, starting with a theme of the year, and a list of things we want to achieve. The number of goals attain to the year we are in, so it started with 18 for 2018, 19 for 2019, you get my drift.

My theme this year is doing as I am a huge procrastinator, and this year I want to achieve everything I set out on my list, and please note I have made them covid sensitive because we are currently in a lockdown here in Ireland.

Without further ado, I present to you my 21 for 2021:

1. Donate €21 every month to a different charity

2. Try four new types of exercise classes

3. Eat one vegetarian meal per week

4. Write 50 medium.com articles

5. Volunteer with a charity that helps older people

6. Lose 21lb

7. Read 5/7 days per week

8. Read 6 books in 2021

9. Visit two counties I’ve never been to before in Ireland

10. Take 21 days off work

11. Go on a walk somewhere different in Dublin every month #lockdown

12. Leave Ireland and go to somewhere sunny (please Covid-19)

13. Try sea swimming

14. Drink 2litres of water per day

15. Take an online course

16. Look at my finances and budget

17. Meditate daily

18. Give blood

19. Buy myself something nice every month

20. One day a week social media ban

21. Spend two hours a week alone doing whatever I like #metime

Remember don’t put pressure on yourself with these goals, they are created to be achievable and fun. Even if you don’t tick them all off your list, at least you had fun trying and it focused your thoughts into what you really want in life. If you want to create your own 21 for 2021 list, please check our Gretchen’s website, and don’t forget to tag your list on social media #21for2021.