Hello Everyone!
Happy New Year!
It is finally 2021! I think we’re all glad to see the back of 2020 and now that we’ve officially done that I think it’s time to look towards this year and set some goals. Here is England, the pandemic is still very much a thing, so I can’t set my sights too high, but never the less, I still have a lot of plans for this year, including some VERY big steps. I turned 18 at the end of 2020, which means I am now officially and adult and I’ll also be finishing college this year. 2021 is going to be a big year for me in all areas: personal, academic and career wise and I honestly can’t wait! I’ve decided to split my goals into those 3 categories this year to keep them a little more organised, so let’s just get into them shall we!
Personal
– Read 52 books
My first personal goal is, as always, book related. Usually I just put the same repeat goal of ‘Read Everyday’, but this year is going to be exceptionally busy for me. I’m not sure I’d be able to keep up with reading everyday and I don’t want to set myself up to fail, so instead I’ve settled for a goal of 52 books read this year (averaging at 1 per week), which is very achievable for me.
– Move out
Yes you read that right; I’m planning to move out this year! I’m just barely an adult, but I am beyond ready to move out. I would have moved out years ago if it was possible, not because I don’t like my family, but because I thrive on my own and living at home has held me back in a lot of ways. I can’t wait to have my own kitchen that I can cook in without fear of being interrupted. I can’t wait to not have to pause my music every time I want to go to the bathroom or get a snack. I can’t wait to have a whole place to myself that I can decorate as I see fit and where I can truly be myself. I won’t be moving out immediately, but I’ll be starting to look at properties to rent in May, so if you want to stay posted on that you can subscribe to my YouTube Channel where I’ll be documenting the whole process. Moving out will be my first big step out into the world on my own and I’m equal parts excited and terrified!
– Get and train a service dog
I have wanted a dog since forever, but my dad is allergic to everything with fur and also our house just isn’t big enough for a pet. This is all going to change later this year though! Once I have my own place, I’ll finally be able to get myself a dog like I’ve always wanted and, more importantly, I’ll be able to train it as an Autism assistance dog, so that I can take it everywhere with me. Leaving home is a big step for everyone, but leaving home and trying to make your way in world with a disability is even scarier. Hopefully having an assistance dog with me will help me navigate the world a little better, as well as achieving my life long dream to have a dog!
Academic
– Finish college with a Distinction
The first half of this year will be mostly filled with college work, which is going to leave me busy as always, but I want to put my all into it as I’m hoping to leave college with the highest grade possible. A Distinction might seem like a lofty goal to some people, but I’ve always achieved high marks in everything I’ve applied myself to and I want college to be no different, so although I’m going to be busier than ever this year with college work, making video, writing blog posts, launching my business, personal projects and trying to move out, I still want to put my all into school to make sure I maintain my high grades I’ve always had.
Career
– Upload new Redbubble designs every month
Now I’m 18, so many more opportunities to make money and get my creative career off the ground have opened up because I’m no longer held back by not being of age. I’ve waited for this moment for so long and you best believe I’m going to grab it with both hands, so with that in mind, I’m aiming to release new designs on my Redbubble shop every month! I’ve got a little bit of a head start on that with all of the drawings I did over lockdown last year, but they’ll run out pretty quick, so I’ve got some work to do to keep up with that, but luckily I draw a lot and I love it so much that it isn’t really a chore! If you want to support me, then please check out my Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/SamanthaDrage/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown and leave any requests for designs, stickers, etc in the comments!
– Build portfolio
This one is a repeat from last year since I never really got around to it! Lockdown and the pandemic (which we won’t talk about) put everything on hold and meant that I couldn’t travel or work with models to build my photography portfolio like I had planned. I managed to build it in a few other ways, but I still have a long way to go with that and a lot of catching up to do, especially in stock photography. I want to do as many shoots as possible this year to get some decent work behind me and to help improve my skills as much as possible before I head off to University in 2022.
So those are my goals for 2021! It’s going to be a busy year for me with everything that’s going on, but I’m ready to get going and make this the best year of my life so far! *touch wood*
Do you have any goals for 2021? I know not everyone likes to set them, but I love a good list of goals and am always interested to hear what other people are planning for their year, so let me know what your goals are in the comments below or come and chat to me about it over on my Instagram: @theautisticdreamer
Don’t forget to check out my 2021 goals video I posted on my YouTube as well!
Goodbye for now!
Over and Out