Goals as big as mountains

January felt too bleak to write goals and too dark and depressing to believe we will ever see the sun again but February (although storm-riddled) is feeling much more optimistic. This means, time to set out some intentions for the year ahead – if I make them public, I have to commit… 

1) Spend less time at a desk & more time outside.  

If this means a total change in work life then it’s time to bite the bullet. Every day, several times a day, I sit and wonder how I can be outside more. How can I turn passions into my every day? Get more qualified, spend time on what I like doing and break the routine. 

2) More mountain time.  

Basically, spend more time in my happiest of places.  

3) Live more simply.  

I don’t need all the stuff I have, strip it down and make life cheaper. I fully intend to buy a van and exist from said vehicle, hopefully with Dan & Albie in tow. We can and we will live more simply. 

4) Commit to balance.  

Work hard and rest just as hard. I’ve spent years burning out from too much of everything and not enough “nothing”. Enjoying the benefits of rest and that down time is so good for everyone mentally and physically. Ideally, this rest will take place in epic places… 

5) Wild camping.  

More please. Nights in the wild. Sunsets from a bivvy and sunrise with a Jetboil. Tired hiking legs but a full soul. 

6) Make changes to benefit the planet. 

From “take 5 for the trail” to reducing home energy outputs. Committing to these changes that mean we will have a planet in 50 years time.   

7) Learn new skills.  

There’s plenty I want to learn to do better from sports like climbing, surfing, mountain biking to being more technology-competent. 

8) Adventure more self-sufficiently. 

There is nothing like embracing that fear and excitement like a self-propelled adventure. Going out for anything from one day to multiple days with everything I’m going to need packed in my backpack.  

9) Say yes more. 

Don’t question it, follow my gut and my heart and say yes to stuff that stokes the fire.  

10) Face the fear of failure.  

It’s worse to regret not having tried than failing trying. This applies to all of the above. Basically Julia, grow a pair and embrace what you love because you can’t get to retirement and regret all that time you spent not doing what makes you happiness-rich.  

Hopefully, by making my goals public fodder it will shove me in the right direction to actually chase them. If anyone wants to get involved then I would love that – share you big dream goals and any tips, hints or suggestions on any of points 1-10 on mine then that’s even better… 

Set some goals. Try to achieve goals. Enjoy the process. Reap the rewards.