The one thing we all have in common is the desire to grow - including me! Even though I've come a long way in my growth mindset, there are still things on my personal growth checklist I have to take action on.

There’s an old saying; If you’re not growing, you’re dying! Scary right! So, with that said, I’m always on a personal growth journey. I’ve previously shared what my key life pillars are and how I make plans to improve each area of those pillars. But I don’t think I’ve shared the actual things I’m personally working on.

So, this year instead of doing it in private – I’m sharing them with you!

At the beginning of my new year, (my new year starts in July as that is my birthday month), I think about what I want to achieve. Then I create a personal growth checklist to work towards over the next 12 months.

I’m never entirely sure how I will accomplish some of them. And through the course of the year, some goals may change. However, as I always say, when setting goals always think about the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ will manifest!

My Personal Growth Checklist

HEALTH & WELLBEING

STOP VAPING

I stopped smoking a few years ago. But, I did that by transitioning to vaping. Although this may have been a better option to get my nicotine fix – I still need a fix! Over the next 12 months my aim is to quit my nicotine dependancy once and for all.

This will be the final action in giving up my old identity.

Taking action to stop vaping will probably be my toughest personal growth goal over the next year. However, I have a plan to wean myself away from this habit. My plan includes making a personal promise that I will no longer allow myself to be dependant on a substance that has no positive impact on my body and my health. (Wish me luck!)

START MY NEW ‘SMILE JOURNEY’

This is the one thing I am so excited about starting. I’ve had teeth trouble for a while now. Since I had 3 wisdom teeth removed about 10 years ago, the smile I used to have is a distant memory. And although I have never spoken about it, it does have an impact on my confidence.

So, I’ve now decided restoring my smile is added to my personal growth journey this year. I’ve made an appointment to get new aligners and hopefully before the end of the year I will have my smile and full confidence back.

If you want me to document my smile journey, let me know in the comments below.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

GROW THE BLOG

I have learned a lot over the last two and a half years of blogging, including what I shared in my post My Two Year Blogging Anniversary. But there is so much more I want (and need) to do.

Putting all cards on the table, I need to start generating more income in order for me to live my ultimate goal of making I Am Brazen Spirit my full time job!

Taking the blog to the next level will be scary, time intensive and at times, overwhelming. But a few years ago, I never dreamed I would get this far!

So, once again it’s time to step out of my new comfort zone and see how far I can really go! (I hope you will stay along for the ride!)

5 MONTHS EMERGENCY FUND

I’ve managed to pay off almost £20k in debt over the last 4 years. But the one thing the pandemic has showed me was the importance of savings. Now I’m finally debt free, my new focus is having a 5 month emergency fund by the next 12 months.

This will mean saving money to ensure (by this time next year) I have an emergency fund to cover all my expenses for 5 months.

I plan to use all the tools I shared in my money blog post It’s Time To Talk About The F Word. But, also incorporate financial principles from the books and blogs I read, as I work towards this goal.

RELATIONSHIPS

BE MORE PRESENT

My family has supported my journey from the very beginning. When I made a commitment to lose weight, get out of debt and start a blog. They have been so gracious at giving me the time and space to focus on the things that I are important to me. But by doing this – I know I’ve not been as present as I should be.

So this is one personal growth goal that I am so focused on rectifying – in all areas of my life!

EXPAND MY TRIBE

My circle is very small. I have two best friends – one I’ve known from the age of 3 and the other from the age of 11. They are my rock – my sisters, and I am so grateful for them in my life.

However, I think this security, is not allowing me to open myself to new people and new experiences.

I get countless invitations to meet up and make connections, but for some reason, I always find an excuse not to go. Over the next 12 months, I plan to be more open about letting new people into my life and growing my tribe. This year I will be coming from a place of ‘yes’ and seeing where that may lead me.

FUN & EXPERIENCES

TRAVEL

I’m a proud Londoner. I really love the fact that I was born and bred in London, England and don’t think there’s another city in the world I would live. But I do enjoy learning and experiencing other place and cultures.

The last time I left the country was 2017. 2017!!!! We spent a wonderful 4 weeks in Trinidad. However, this was also the holiday where I had my mid-life crisis!

My new focus after that experience was getting out of debt – there was no money for holidays! Four years later I’m in a completely different position in my life – it’s time to explore the world again,

Over the next twelve months, I plan to take 3 holidays. One with the whole family, one with just my husband and then one girls trip with my two besties!

TRY NEW THINGS

Now, this goes without saying!! We are (hopefully), post pandemic and there are so much opportunities to get out of my comfort zone, re-ignite my brazen spirit and start really living again.

Whilst writing this post, I’ve already made plans to shift the way I work at my current full time job and I applied to be a trustee at a charity.

For my 46th year on the planet, I’ve set myself a target to try something new each month and although some may be scary – I actually can’t wait to give it a go.

My personal growth checklist outlined above are going to be my guiding goals over the next 12 months. I may adapt a few as my 12 month journey evolves, however having a plan to work towards is the first step in my own growth. Sharing them with you keeps me accountable!

If you would like ideas for your own personal growth journey, check out my 80 Goal Setting Ideas To Live A Fulfilling Life.

Let me know in the comments your own personal growth goals for the next 12 months.