MY AMBITIONS & GOALS FOR EARLY 2017

Happy New Year everyone!

I said in my suggestions for 2017 New Years Resolutions post that I'm not really a huge believer in setting NYRs. This is because I put myself under a lot of pressure to achieve them within the first month, after only a few weeks I would give up. This year, I said to myself that I wasn't going to set them, rather I would set monthly goals as I did in 2016. Normally, I would try and focus on 2 or 3 things each month, however I've got a lot I want to achieve so I've listed my goals for the next few months.

After I wrote this post, I realised that some of my goals are longterm so maybe, by mistake I have set some NYRs...

Pole Fitness

Pole dancing has been one of my biggest passions for years, it's a great sport and I've learnt so much. My balance, strength and fitness levels have improved amazingly. Since I'm at an Intermediate/Advanced level I've decided now is the right time to take a step forward and become a pole instructor. I'm going to get certified in February or March time. This is very exciting for me to do and I can't wait to get trained and start my new journey as an instructor.

Yoga

Yoga has been a huge part of 2016, it's increased my flexibility and strength levels. Over the last few months I haven't been attending due to an injury but now I'm back up at running and want to keep developing my skills. My main aim for the next few months is to build enough core strength so I can control my headstand. I can do them at the moment but I have to bend my knees to get in and out of it and would love to do my headstand with straight legs.

Acting

2016 was spent exploring my options in the acting world. Understanding what type of actor I am was very important, discovering how I would be type casted and what kind of roles I would be able to grasp easily. When my experience develops I will be able to branch out and try something different, although acting is still very new for me so I'm happy being type casted for now.

Over the next few months I'll be filming more comedy scenes for Wretch a Sketch and working with a few new directors. I'm also getting some experience on set behind the camera, learning about camera angles, lighting, editing and more. In addition to all of that I've also started a project that I have wrote the script for and will be acting, producing and directing in, with help of course! It's very exciting to have my own project and make all the decisions. Looks like my acting calendar is going to be very busy over the next few months.

Gymnastics

I'm going to be focusing heavily on fitness over the next few months, while pole fitness is amazing I want to learn something different. I've always found gymnastics to be a very beautiful and strength driven sport and I'm excited to give it a try. I'm applying to attend a beginners class for adult, I'm hoping that my pole fitness background will contribute to picking it up easily, after all a lot of the skills are very similar right?

Blogging

My little blog has come a long way and evolved since I started it. I want to focus on developing it further, I'm going to work on my photography and photoshop skills to ensure I'm adding the best possible photo content. I also want to do more collaborations with brands or other bloggers.

Sugar

So, I've decided to do something truly difficult. Something that will require all the willpower in the world... Give up sugar! Giving this up will be a difficult task but its perfectly doable, right? For me, this will be a huge challenge but I'm sure as long as I stay strong I can do this!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

LET'S REFLECT ON 2016

New Year is almost upon us, which means its time to start thinking about New Years Resolutions. Considering our ambitions and goals for the shiny new year. Before I get ahead of myself, lets take a moment to reflect on 2016 and everything I've achieved and experienced. 

Well, what can I say ... 2016 has been an interesting and fulfilling year. As always there has been ups and downs but at the end of the day I made it through the year in one piece.

Moved house

After years and years of my family home being on the market it finally sold! My parents moved into the new place and my sister and I moved in with my auntie on a temporary basis until the new place is refurbished. Life with the auntie isn't too bad at all, she's so welcoming (not that she had a choice).

Alcohol free

For the past 7 months I've been alcohol free, I don't know why I decided to stop drinking, it was a sudden urge one day and now 212 days later I'm still sober. It's not like I had a issue with abusing alcohol, I was just ready for a change and it was either this or chocolate. Not drinking has changed a few social events, especially when others are getting merry. Although, I don't need alcohol to have a good time, I simply go home when people get overly drunk.

Dealt with an injury

Around August time I injured my handstring. I thought I had just overstretched my muscle slightly so I took a week off to recover. I went back into my fitness routine as I thought it had healed but I was very wrong ... It appears that I had torn my muscle in several places and this is what was causing my issues. This delayed my progress in all aspects of fitness as I had a shooting pain when I pushed myself, finally in November I sought out help and started the process to truly recover. I should be back to 100% by the New Year, then I can focus and regain the fitness levels I've lost over the last few months. This experience has taught me to always seek out help when I injury myself.

Travelled

This year, travel hasn't been my main priority as it was last year. I've been staying closer to home and saving some pennies. Although, that said, I did fly off to Edinburgh to meet my Aussie friends. We were there for 5 days together, fringe festive was on so we experienced loads of comedy nights, musicals and magic shows. After that I jetted off to Barcelona for a solo trip, 10 days in this beautiful place and it wasn't enough. I explored most tourist attractions and got lost in the city, I met loads of awesome people who I shared loads of laughs with. People say that travelling alone is lonely, although I've never felt so surrounded.

Pole Dancing
I love pole fitness, its been a huge part of my life for a few years now. I finally took the plunge and did a pole photoshoot this year, it was an amazing experience and I'm so proud of my photos! Another huge highlight for 2016 is I decided to become a pole fitness instructor, early next year I'm hoping to get certified so I can teach my own classes.

Photography
This year, I decided to develop my photography skills and really learn how to use my camera. I've been going out with a friend to get some awesome shots of wildlife and the city. It's been great to work on getting the right angles and lighting so I can produce the best possible quality photos. I've also been working on Photoshop and Lightroom to edit my photos which is surprisingly easy to use!

Acting
I filmed my first scene this year for my showreel and it was extremely nerve-racking but I got through it and love the finished product. I've also been working closely with a director and other actors to produce a series of comedy sketches, this was interesting as I never saw myself as a comedy actress. I'm not the fun loving, bubbly, dippy comedian, I tend to lean more towards the serious parts because that's what suits my personality. Until I learn more and develop my skills I'm quite happy going for roles within my type cast.

Career

I've been back at Equator Design for over a year now and have a much better idea of how my career is going. This year I was promoted to Production Account Manager so I must be doing right, aye?!

Chopped my hair
This year I took the plunge and chopped my hair above my shoulders, for some people this may not be a huge deal but it was a difficult decision as I've spent years trying to grow it. It was the best decision I made and I love it.

Call me Auntie Kim
My best friend had her 1st baby this year, little Thea. She's so adorable and I love to spoil and spend time with her, watching her develop and learn new things is amazing. I can't wait to do this for my own little niece or nephew next year. In July my older sister told us she is Pregnant and the little bundle of joy is due in March. It's very exciting because it's the first baby in my direct family. Unfortunately we don't know the sex of the baby as my sister wants it to be a surprise, which I find frustrating because I can't buy gender specific presents! 

What to expect of 2017?

I always find it difficult to predict what will happen, I find that the unexpected seems to make life interesting so I enjoy not knowing. That said, I've got a few things that I would like to continuing improving and developing. Watch out for my next post where I'll be talking about my ambitions and goals for the next coming months.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

5 GOALS TO ACHIEVE BY THE END OF 2016

I've been so wrapped up in day-to-day life that I've forgotten to focus on my goals for the year. It's so important to understand what you want to achieve and how you're going to achieve it. My goals for 2016 have mainly been about developing and working on myself and my hobbies, there is still 2 months left of this year and I intend to spend my time wisely and focus on achieving these goals.

Pole Fitness

Over the last few months I haven't been going to pole lessons as much as I used to because my old studio shut down in June. After this I struggled to find a new studio that had lessons at times I could go to. My old instructor Alix opened her own studio not long ago and I've started going on a weekly basis to classes and I love being back with a tutor I admire. I'm learning new moves and ways to improve what I can already do. My aim is to keep going on a regular basis so I don't loose the strength I've built up and the techniques I've learnt.

Last weekend I did my first pole photoshoot, it was both nerve-racking and exciting as I didn't know what to expect. For the shoot I brought the cutest outfit, royal blue highwaisted hot pants paired with a sports bra with crossed strap back. Even though I felt like I didn't have much strength on the day, it still went well and I managed to get some lovely photos that I can't wait to see. This was a huge achievement for me as its something I've always wanted to do!

Clean Eating

Eating healthy is always something I aim to do, although recently I've been off the wagon; eating chocolate and junk food. I've had to sit down and consider the reasons why I've been eating like this, it isn't because it makes me feel good, actually its been doing the opposite and making me feel sluggish. Perhaps its stress or boredem? Whatever the reason I intent to snap myself out of this mood and eat healthy again.

Fitness

Fitness is constant and continuous, when you get to a certain fitness point you don't stop because you've reached your goals, you keep going and improve yourself further. Training has been high on my priority list over the last few months, I got a personal trainer and went to the gym atleast 5 times per week. Although, the last few weeks have not been filled with hard core training, more like sleeping in and having one too many chill out days. The most important thing is to not beat myself up about having a few "bad" weeks, instead I just need to pick up where I left off. From this week I'm getting back into my routine, so hello 5am wake up calls!

Acting

I've now been studying acting since November 2015 at the Actors Workshop Nottingham. Learning through different methods of teaching and tasks to further my skills. I've also been working with a Director to produce a series of comedy sketches, this has allowed me to gain an insight into filming. I have a long way to go in the acting world, I need to relax more while filming to ensure I'm giving a real performance rather than something that looks heavily rehearsed. This is something I intend to keep improving and will develop as I spend more time infront of the camera. My aim over the next few months is to get the 3 scripts I currently have on-going filmed and possibly another one before the year ends. 

Blogging
Writing on this little space of mine has become one of my favourite things to do, I spend hours brainstorming, taking photos and writing content for you lovely people to read. Over the next few months I want to work on creating new content, perhaps I should write more about my acting experiences or the pole photoshoot I did. Maybe even start doing "how to" guides, I'll get my thinking hat on and come up with some great ideas.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

MAY GOALS

May is a beautiful time of year, flowers are in bloom and we occasionally see a sunny day. I say occasionally because yano, the unpredictable English weather. Last week we experienced rain, sunshine and snow all in one day but that was April so here's hoping this month we have more sunshine...

So much has happened already this year, I feel like I've achieved so much in Pole Dancing, Acting class and progressed in my role at work and we're only 5 months into the year! Over the next month I want to focus on the following 3 goals.

1. Train hard

Fitness and eating well is always on my priority list because it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although from time to time I do indulge a little too much on sweet treats, this month I can't really afford any "slip ups" and overindulge or miss a training day considering I've got Tough Mudder in less than 3 weeks. If you haven't heard of Tough Mudder it's a 12 mile Army Obstacle course, I'll be crawling through mud, swimming in cold water and climbing up the steepest hills. With this in mind I need to be in tip-top shape to finish this course without being dragged across the finish line. For the next 3 weeks I am determined to maintain a highly motivated state of mind. I CAN DO THIS!

2. Acting

I've been attending an acting class for a few months now. At first, I was nervous because I'm not the most confident person but the atmosphere is so relaxed in my class and you get the opportunity to come out of your shell. Acting is essentially reacting, this is easier said than done though. If all else fails act like a child, kids make the best actors because they don't overthink they just enjoy themselves, I'm trying to adapt this style in my classes but it takes time.

For the last few weeks we've been studying Shakespeare and was given a monologue to learn. I'm due to perform my monologue next week, yikes! I am not prepared at all, it's time to put some serious time aside and rehearse, rehearse, REHEARSE!

3. Pole Dancing

Pole is one of my biggest passions, I truly am at my happiest when I know I've got a pole lesson. The last few months I've been working on strength training, really pushing myself to learn new moves. This month I'm aiming to perfect the many moves I already know, my technique is a little sloppy at times so my goal is to look graceful when filming the moves. Practice makes perfect, so I'll continue to improve every week!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

NOVEMBER AMBITIONS

I can't believe how fast this year is going, it feels like yesterday when I wrote my August Ambitions. Three months down the line I want to reflect on what's been achieved and those goals which are still on-going.

August Ambitions were:

1: Maintain a healthy lifestyle

2: Consider what my next steps are, career wise

3: Develop my Photoshop skills

4: Develop BunnyKitch

5: Stay organised in general

6: Learn a new language

1: Maintain a healthy lifestyle

I have maintained a healthy lifestyle to a certain standard on the food side of things, although I have been eating more cake and treats the last few months. I have no issue eating healthy food, it's the snacking which is the problem for me. Sometimes I can't resist those sweet treats. This month I need to have more will power.

I'm not going to lie, over the last few months I haven't been keeping up with my fitness and I'm feeling the difference. I'm tired all the time and feel as if I have no energy or motivation. This month will be different! I'm going to make the necessary changes to get my body back into a routine. Fitness is like anything, you need to learn something new and challenge yourself to ensure you stay interested. For this reason I decided to start boxing classes once a week. It's the best decision I've made, with the different aspects of training you do indeed "feel the burn"! 

2: Consider what my next steps are, career wise

I'm officially out of temporary work and landed a permanent position in mid October. Now I have a stable position, I don't have to worry that I'll be unemployed and loosing the opportunity to work. My career goals are always on my mind, I'm constantly working towards a new opportunity.

3: Develop my Photoshop skills

I haven't been very focused on my Photoshop skills unfortunately because I've had other things to priorities. This is still an interest of mine but I think I will take it off the list for now.

4: Develop BunnyKitch

For those of you who don't know Bunny Kitch is my homemade jewellery brand sold on Etsy. I've been looking into expand my customer base, over the last 2 months I've had an increase of about 3 sales minimum per week. I'm happy with those results and hope to continue growing as a small business. 

5: Stay organised in general

It's funny really, I'm an organised person at work but not so much in my personal life. In order to get organised I purchased a day planner to ensure I'm where I need to be and if anything needs preparing. It's been working most weeks although I have still missed a few bits and bobs so improvements still need to be made.

6: Learn a new language

I'm currently 6 weeks into a 8 week night class in French. I've been told my speaking abilities have improved but I feel I need to be doing more studying during the week. I seem to attend my lesson on a Monday night then only do 30 minutes to an hour mid-week. I'm aiming to do writing, reading or speaking at least 20 minutes per day. I have an hour lunch so I'm able to fit this into my daily routine.

My ambitions for November remain to be all of the above minus Photoshop skills with an addition: 

1: Learn something new
Now I know I already do a lot of activities to keep myself well and truly busy but I do love learning and experiencing new things. I joined an acting class that runs every 2 weeks, I've been once and it's a relaxing atmosphere where people can express and enjoy themselves while learning some handy acting tips. These kind of classes are great for developing confidence and expressing emotions about life in general you want to get out. 

Some goals are meant to have a long-term date, how else would you truly give it your best effort? Over the last few months I have achieved part of the above and I'm happy with the progress made. Now let's see what the next few months bring! Update to come after Christmas :)

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

AUGUST AMBITIONS

August is here, when did that happen? It feels like July has been and gone in the blink of an eye. I've been home from travelling for 7 weeks and haven't really set any "official" goals for myself. New month, new goals and endless possibilities. August is my month to achieve great things, six things in particular spring to mind ...

 

1: Maintain a healthy lifestyle

This is always an important part of my life on a daily basis. I consider what I'm eating, when to exercise and insure relaxation time is taken. I have to admit that there has been a few slip ups in July with birthday celebrations and general mis-eating on my part. August will be different because my goals for fitness are pretty much my top priority!

2: Consider what my next steps are, career wise

I'm currently temping to keep a steady wage coming into my life, although I don't want to keep doing this because its not the best pay if I'm honest. I'm keen to travel again and explore the world and that's when it hit me. Apply to work in another country again, I've been considering  a Ski Season in France or a position on a Cruise Ship would be the perfect fit for me. Time to get that CV 100% up to date and that cover letter written because those jobs aren't going to apply for themselves.

3: Develop my Photoshop skills

Since I've become more and more involved in the blogging world I want to develop the quality of my photography, thats where Photoshop comes in. Photoshop is an amazing tool used millions of bloggers and photographers to enhance their images. I want to be able to use the programme at an intermediate level by October / November time. I could continue using videos to expand my knowledge but I've seen a few courses that would be helpful. Maybe a course then ...

4: Develop BunnyKitch

For those who don't know BunnyKitch is my homemade jewellery brand which specialises in affordable fashion pieces, starting from only £2.95 its a hard bargain to resist! :) I want to expand my customer base to gain new ones, I haven't fully organised a strategy to how I will achieve this but I know it will include fellow bloggers who would like some freebies and social media. Take a look here!

5: Stay organised in general

I recently ordered a planner from The Blogger Planner to organise myself, not only for my blog posts but also in day-to-day life. Sometimes I’m missing small tasks that need to be done regularly, when I miss things too often I have to spend a whole day catching up. Solution: GET ORGANISED.

6: Learn a new language
I cannot believe I forgot this on my ambitions for the month when I wrote the post. Silly me ... learning a new language has been at the back of my mind for a long time. After living aboard and seeing other travellers having to learn english, it inspired me. I choose French because at the time I applied for ski seasons in France, also because I am unable to role my R's as you need to in Spanish and Italian :) 

Do you have any ambitions for August?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx