LIFE

Let's admit it: 2020 has been a *complex* year to say the least. Although we don't know what 2021 can bring, we have to view it with the most positive outlook and set goals that we can—and will!—achieve this year. 

So, get out a pen and paper and start writing down what you want to do in 2021. Don't be self-conscious by telling yourself that your goals are impossible. Do you want to make an amazing film, write a book, win a major science competition or start a business? Although these are *big* goals, you can take steps that will get you there sooner than you think. As Walt Disney said, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Believe in yourself and know that you have the courage to make 2021 *your* year. 

Find opportunities that match your goal

To kickstart your amazing year, look up opportunities that you want to pursue. For example, if you want to be a politician one day and better the world by getting involved in your community, there are *so* many ways to do this (even as a teen!). Search online for internships at political offices, mayor youth council positions, civic writing competitions and volunteer programs at nonprofits. No matter your interest, there are great opportunities out there that are related to your goals. 

Understand what your *ideal* self in 2021 will be like

Making a current me vs. future me journal is an *amaze* way to really understand who you want to become and what will make you happier.  Do you want to find your style, connect with your fam better, live a healthier life or improve in math class? There are many types of goals that you may have, so find some time to sit down and figure them out. Check out our Law of Attraction article for more deets on reaching your dreams.

Invest in a Planner

Now that you *know* what you want, time to get a planner to outline your day-to-day goals. If you can relate to purchasing a planner but not using it that much, then the Panda Planner is the perfect one that will definitely increase your motivation.

The planner doesn't have any dates, so no worries if you skip a few days! There's room to write about what you're grateful for, what you're excited for and daily affirmations. In each section, you can also outline your complete hourly schedule, the focus of the day, "today's wins" and ways you can improve. 

Founded by cancer survivor Michael Leip, the Panda Planner has been consistently rated as the top planner to keep you on track with *all* kinds of goals. This amaze planner has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon alone! From family and fitness to school and hobbies, this planner will help you be uber organized with everything in your life.

Find a support squad

To reach big goals, it's important to surround yourself with people who motivate you and inspire you to be better. You can even make a pact with a close group of people and text each other breakthroughs with your goals.

An example? If you want to become a better cook this year, text your besties some pictures of your latest culinary masterpieces or let them know you're taking an online baking class. With others to cheer you on (and hold you accountable), you'll achieve more and have people who will root for you along the way.

Take small steps to reach your big goal

The road to success is made of small steps we take every day. Make sure to celebrate the little victories along the way and enjoy the process. As I wrote in my book, The Teen's Guide to Fun Social Distancing During Covid-19, "Don't give yourself unreasonable goals that drastically differ from what you were doing before. While being ambitious is great, you should give yourself a realistic amount of work you can get done." 

When I write my books, I try to divide the work into smaller chunks—for example, I'll plan to write one chapter a week. Whatever your aspirations are, consistent little steps will get you there sooner than you may expect. Don't forget to reward yourself along the way—even for small achievements!

Whether you want to reward yourself by jamming to a playlist of the *best* songs or reading a new book by your fave author, it's important to find ways to treat yourself.

Don't let setbacks get you down

It's easy to feel disappointed when things don't go according to your plans. Maybe you've been doing your best to improve in your math class at school, but you got a low score on a timed quiz.  Instead of automatically feeling like you failed, try to inspire yourself again. 

Sometimes, we can lose leverage on our goals when they're not fresh on our minds. So, talk to your teacher about your weaknesses, put study session reminders on your mirror or try reviewing your school notes as soon as you wake up.

To add more motivation to your life, follow inspiring accounts on Insta, pin inspirational quotes on your Pinterest board and watch TED Talks. Setbacks are normal. Continuing to work hard and staying positive will help you achieve any goal! 

How do you plan on making 2021 your year? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag.

by Camille Campbell | 12/31/2020