While not everyone loves the idea of ‘new years resolutions’, I doubt a lot of people would disagree that important to have goals. For each person, these are completely different, and can be set at any time of year, not just January. I personally quite like new years resolutions (though I think ‘goals’, ‘aspirations’ or ‘achievements’ are more suitable words). I think the start of a new year is a great time to gain some perspective on life. You get a bit of time off with work, spend it with loved ones, and have some time to evaluate what you want out of life and the year ahead.
Other than a couple of goals relating to work and money, most of my goals for 2018 are all adventure-related! And I think other adventurers out there may be the same. Here’s a few ideas of the type of goals adventurers could set themselves:
1) Try a new activity or sport
There are so many out there! Maybe you’ve always done watersports and want to try your hand at some land (or air!) based sports. Maybe you’re a snowboarder but fancy a shot at skiing. Why not face your fears and jump out of a plane? There are countless options, and trying something new widens your horizons. You never know, you may just find your calling!
2) Travel to a new place
Wanderlust has hit so many of us at one point or another. Where your next destination will be is entirely up to you! It could be trekking to Everest Base Camp, road tripping across the USA, or even exploring the unseen corners of your own country.
3) Fine-tune an existing skill or hobby
A lot of adventurers have a hobby that they love to do on a regular basis (and if not, I refer you back to point 1 for inspiration!). Sometimes we need to ensure we make time to get our skill level up. For example, I adore kayaking but didn’t get out as much as I’d like in 2017. So a goal of mine this year is to spend some more time getting my skills up, so I can be at a level to go out confidently on my own in different water types. Why not try and fine-tune a skill of your own?
4) Do something that is solely your own
There are a number of reasons why having an adventure on your own can be better than in a group. For example, you can do things your own way, at the times you want and at the level you want, for however long you want. Though that is the obvious reason, it can also be extremely rewarding to have an achievement that is solely your own. To be able to say ‘I did this’ is a pretty extraordinary feeling.
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| At the summit of Shiehallion with my dad |
5) Do something with a friend or partner
Equally, there are times when it can be fantastic to have a friend or partner with you on your adventures. Whether it’s sharing driving duties, taking photos of each other, someone to banter with where it could otherwise be lonely, having someone there to motivate you when you’re doing something difficult or simply having the joy of sharing a special moment with someone, there are many reasons to bring a loved one along on your adventure.
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| Walking the Lairig Ghru with friends |
These, to me, are what I imagine the basics of most adventurers’ goals for the new year are – they certainly are for me. Even outside of the adventure world, it’s a pretty good format to follow, and can be applied for anyones goals.
What are your new years goals? Share them with me in the comments!
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