Uncharted Thoughts.

I am one for New Years resolutions, always have been. Some people think its corny and stupid, but I like to look at it as a time of reflection and anticipation for the future. Of course some of the resolutions we set ourselves fail, that is just a part of life, I took me nearly 5 years to quit smoking properly, and even now I am tempted by the sweet nectar of the tobacco leaf. I have completed a couple of resolutions though, quitting smoking being one of them, the other was reading a book consistently, to which I read eight over an entire year (one of them being the Lord of the rings which took me almost four months). So yeah, I think resolutions are good, and don’t let anyone tell you different.

This year, I have decided to set myself six resolutions, just to make sure I don’t play this game of life on easy mode. Why have one or two when you can have five or six, also if I shoot 6 shots, there is a higher likely hood that one will land, right?

Resolution 1 : Get fit or die trying.

This time last year I was at my fittest. I was running 35+ miles a week and training 4 to 5 days a week. I was thinner, I was stronger, my mind was clear and my endurance was insane. But like most stories of athleticisms my epic quest was cut short by an injury. I had managed to completely destroy my left ankle and hip while running my first ultra marathon. And like most stories this meant I completely stopped working out.

I used my injury as an excuse to stop running, although I was supposed to take some time off, one month became two, two into four and it’s now nine months since I last trained properly. So naturally when I went for a run two days ago, where I was once smashing 8, 7.80 minute miles this time I was gasping for life as I arrived at my destination a mere 1.8 miles from the start.

So this year, I would like to end it in shape and having saved myself some metal stress through exercise and eating right.

Resolution 2 : Continue the fight against smoking.

Now, although I have already stated that my habit of smoking has come to an end. The truth is, once a smoker, always a smoker. I have for the best part of two years, kept smoking at bay, I’d go as far to say that the last 365 days have been an overall success in the non smoking department. However, these old habits die hard and I think with enough twisting of the knife it would be easy to go back to old routines and ill decisions.

So this time next year on the 4th of January I hope I can look back at another 365 days of smokelessness .

Resolution 3 : Financial wisdom.

This we could all do with more money these days, and more time to make it. I wouldn’t be surprised if every person in the U.K. has this at the top of their list.

I have recently, at the ripe age of 29, realised that to make money you have to spend it and to do things you love, you have to invest time and money to make them happen. My business plan has been on the cards now for about a year and I have realised that the only way to make this happen is to spend money on things that will make this happen. Sounds obvious right? Well no, not to me anyway. I have always believed that saving money is the best way to have money. This is false.

I want to start investing, both time and money into my future business plans. I want to be careful with my money this year and be sure to save and spend correctly.

Resolution 4 : Complete my Masters and complete my documentary(s)

At the start of my masters (September 2024) I had decided to set myself the task of finishing my four documentaries along side doing it. So far I am 2/3rds of my way through my first and the end is edging closer and closer to the finish line with each passing day. However, it has become clear to me that the chances of me completing four documentaries is rather slim. So I have decided three. I would like to finish three by the time I am finished at university.

Along with that I would also like to complete my course along side the NCTJ and whatever else the course throws my way.

Resolution 5 : Plan the ultimate trip with my girlfriend.

This one is a given, as it links in with resolution 3. My business plan involves travel, additionally any money saved this year I would also like to put towards an epic trip with my girlfriend in the year 2026. We have already a rough outline of the trip and I am hoping we can secure a better idea as the year progresses. I’d also like to finish the year with enough money that I can comfortable confirm that this is a possibility.

Resolution 6 : Read and blog.

I wanna continue to read across 2025. Always have a book on the go to keep my mind wandering and in motion. Additionally I would like to beat this years blog viewership and keep producing content I enjoy and my readers can also enjoy.

Have a great new year and let me know what resolutions you have this year by emailing me in the Contact section of Uncharted thoughts.