Every morning I set one goal. I wake up frustrated that I’m awake so early, and pissed off that the coffee is upstairs and not already flowing through my veins. I stretch and then I whisper to myself the phrase that I’ve said for as long as I can remember. “Be better today.” Then I get up and take on the world- after about two pots of coffee.
Those three little words are my daily goal. Every day I strive to be better than I was the day before. Whether it means improving my writing, facing a fear, learning a phrase in a new language, or going to the gym, I challenge myself. Having that mindset keeps me focused and reminds me of the person I’m desperate to become. After all, why not strive to be the best version possible of yourself.
This new life is only a handful of days away, and I’ve been making new goals for myself for the upcoming year. It never occurred to me to share them, but I was inspired to do so after reading Ali’s Adventures and her goals for her upcoming trip. (A blog worth reading).
So I thought why not share my goals.
Face My Fears
A reader emailed me, which you are always free to do at abackpackerstale (at) gmail (dot) com, and asked if I was afraid of getting lonely. I replied honestly, with yes I’m afraid; but now I’m taking that back. I’m not afraid of getting lonely because I know it is bound to happen, even though when traveling you are surrounded by people the majority of the time. What I’m afraid of, however, is how I deal with the loneliness. Will I push through it, or will I let it affect my trip. In the end, I’m more afraid what would happen if I stayed home. I would take a little loneliness for the life-time of adventures and the memories I’ll be making.
A few other fears I want to conquer.
Scuba diving
It looks so damn cool, but I’m deathly afraid of being in deep water. This is strange because I love long boat rides.
Everyone I know expresses fear for me when I say I’m running with the bulls. Guess what? I’m scared shitless! I mean who in their right mind would pack themselves on a crowded street with charging bulls. Well, I guess I would. I’m nervous and afraid, but full of excitement. Actually a lot of things on my bucket list make me nervous, which is why they made it to the list.
Improve as a Blogger
I’m done with one job and finishing up my final week at another. This means it is time to get into the full swing of blogging and I can’t wait to improve. Areas I’m focusing on are writing (lessons in progress), photography, and video. The last two I’ve been trained in, but have become a little rusty. However, I’m ready to wipe away that rust and bring this blog to a new level.
Grow as a Person.
This is a natural part of traveling and honestly one of the things I’m most excited to experience. Travel changes you ( that’s one adventure quote I know to be true.). It awakens parts of yourself you never knew existed. The first time I traveled, it flipped my world completely on its head. I’ve never been the same person since. Traveling is the best teacher you can have and I can’t wait to learn what long-term travel has to teach me.
Not Gain Weight
This might sound silly, but it is one of my main goals. At one point I was overweight and while I have a strict diet at home, every time I travel I gain weight. This scares me since I’m transitioning from traveling as a hobby to traveling as a lifestyle. Not gaining weight is a promise I’ve made to myself. I’ll just have to make sure to stay out of every French bakery on the planet.
Push Myself
Just like I whisper to myself every morning that I want to be better; I have a vision of the person I aspire to become. One of my goals in the next year, as I explore and experience different countries across the globe, is to expand that vision. I want to push myself through the trials and hardships, yet come out on the other side running even faster and further.
These are a few of the goals I’ve set for myself for 2013. Goals that I believe will challenge, push, and change me into a stronger person. Traveling for travels sake is fun and enjoyable, but I’ m ready to push that to the next level! I honestly feel like a huge chapter in my life has ended, and a new one has started.
What about you? When you travel do you set goals for yourself? If so, I would love to hear them. Share in the comments below.
Hey nice post! I’ve just done the same, set goals for this year and years to come. Scuba diving is awesome but bit scary. Where you are you planning to go diving?
Hey Nina, I know! Just thinking about deep water gives me cold chills. I’m thinking maybe Thailand 🙂
Your goals are awesome and very realistic! I love that you have thought about it so much and are willing to write it all down for everyone to read.
My goals are not so different than yours: pushing myself, growing as a person, building a solid foundation for our web design company, grow as a designer and grow as a blogger. Oh and eat more weird stuff!
Great set of goals, and thanks for the mention! Traveling by yourself can get lonely, but you will also meet some really amazing people. And solo travel will fit into your goals of pushing yourself and growing as a person. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re on your own for extended periods of time. Looking forward to reading about your trip!
No worries Ali! Thanks for checking out the post 🙂 Yeah, I love solo travel because you meet so many more people. I looking forward to reading about your upcoming travels as well.
You inspire me and so many others. I have been traveling ever since I graduated in 1994 to new cities in the US and countries around the world and you have a fresh perspective and your very real, bravo! I look forward to your discoveries, country commentaries and insights into your personal growth. Gunbatte from Tokyo 😉
Wow! What a compliment. Thank you! I love traveling. I started traveling internationally in 2004 and it was the best thing that ever happened to me :). However, I haven’t traveled for the last two years because I’ve been saving for this trip. I’m so ready to get on the road again. 9 days!
I’d like to run with the bulls too! It’s a great idea to set goals and have a purpose for a trip. To answer your question, I’ve set personal challenges to do something strenuous like hike the Inca Trail, bring less stuff than needed, not book a place to stay at the next destination. Adding a little challenge makes the trip fun fulfilling.
Sounds like you have amazing goals as well! Goals like not booking a place to stay make traveling exciting, they often lead to the best memories.
Great post Stephen. I love setting goals for myself; short term and long term. I have two lists, one as a traveler and one as a blogger. Im working every day at being better at both 🙂
I know you are Nicole 🙂 I can see that you are very driven. Can’t wait to see where your journey takes you 🙂
Wow I think those are some great goals. Can’t wait and see what the future brings!
Hey John,
I hope the future hold exciting things for both of us.
I did my PADI in Mexico about 5 years ago and although I wasn’t one bit scared before I did it I seemed to have developed a fear! I have also discovered that I get extremely sea sick… so fear and sicknesses isn’t a great combination! I forced myself to go diving in Thailand last year as there was a possiblity we might see whale sharks (we didn’t), but I ended up getting so seasick I only did one dive rather than the normal two tank dive. I will still make myself go diving in the future but next time it has to be somewhere really great like egypt or the great barrier reef. I’m glad I did my PADI – I feel as though it was a pretty big achievement. I am going to concentrate on other hobbies though – like rock climbing. Anyway, ramble over…have a great time travelling!
Ha Jennifer that is a rough mix. I’m glad you made yourself get back in the water (though you still got sick). It is a HUGE achievement and It is inspiration for me to force myself to do it. (maybe in Egypt)
As always thank you for your wonderful comment 🙂
Beautiful post and great goals Stephen. Must be so exciting to nearly start this new phase in your life. Traveling is great but not gaining weight while traveling is something I still need to learn 🙂
Thanks Freya! Maybe we should keep each other accountable 😉
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Thanks Sarah, and welcome to A Backpackers Tale.
South-East Asia is definitely one of the best for backpacking experience and actually you can stay luxury most of the time and non-touristic places. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are some of my favorite destinations.
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You’re the real deal my friend. 🙂
I also believe in this, to push myself to ever greater boundaries. I’ve said to myself to go to the moon before I die, perhaps I will not even go into outer space, but I will die trying… (Ever heard about this new phenomenon called “space-tourism”)
For the moment I’m working hard as a personal assistant, raising money to leave to the southern part of europe for the winter. I will make everything I can of this opportunity, and grow in the process…
Love your writing by the way, you’re a great inspiration. 🙂
Haha I really want to go to the moon as well.