Same old ‘New year, new you’? Maybe, but you should try as hard as you can.

I know it’s a cliché, but… Happy New Year! We managed to survive to all apocalypse-like Mayan curses about the end of the world as we know it and here we go. Back on track after the so longed-for break.

Last year I drafted a short list of resolutions – or at least, good intentions as I like to call them – and it’s time to draw some conclusions. Did I make it? Or did I blatantly fail?

• Read more – and not only the files I’m translating! – if 50 Shades of Grey does not count, I think I can do better! I certainly have read plently of blogs and articles, so if not books, this gets a pass.
• Listen better (sorry to those who I unwillingly cut off and overlap with my voice! I do not mean it!) – I have tried to listen more if not better. I still interrupt people half way sometimes, but I’m working on it.
• Travel more – and not only to improve language skills or attend a tweet-up (even though the latter is fun!) – Scored! I went to Paris, Bilbao, Logrono, Vienna, Newcastle, Birmingham, New York, Stockholm, Malaga, Thailand and not only for work!
• Have a tidy-ish office – and maybe try harder to be minimal. << work still to be done on this one. I don’t have enough time! But in the end, I did managed to reduce the number of paper by reading magazines on iPad only.
• Go to the gym – this was my major change of 2012. I not only started going regularly, but I’d dare say very often! I see a trainer and I feel so empowered (plus lots of trousers fit better, once again!)
• Stay in touch with those who count – I have to say, Facebook does help me with contacts. I hope I’m being there for those who need me and love me. If not, just tell me off!
• Be positive – I do get my ups and downs but overall, I am doing my best.
• Eat well – I am trying. For now, no Coke and less pasta are improving things!
• Give more time to me time – I have tried to switch off even though I realised I cannot do a complete, raw, cold-turkey digital detox ie. leaving laptops and phones at home when away etc. I try to not be obsessed, but I still do love my techie gadgets.
• Update my status – The gloom and doom is still there – and after a short trip to Italy, I see that in my face – but really, everyone has to choose what to be and go be it.

Any new ideas for this year we have just rang in? Mais oui:

• Kiss (excess) carbs & refined sugars good bye – I’m partially already doing it as I went cold-turkey with Coke but I realised that most of my uneasiness and tiredness is due to sugars and too much pasta and pizza. So, moderation!
• Keep on exercising – mens sana in corpore sano. Trust me, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but even though I still don’t entirely *enjoy* exercising, my body requires it. And i feel energised!
• Travel even more – having short breaks helps me relaxing, as long ones totally mess up with my routine. My next plans involve Spain again (networking is amaze there!) and Copenhagen. Then, anything else clients and life throw in!
• Speak at more seminars and events – I LOVE talking of my experience and showing others what they can do to improve. I loved the event with ITI at Westminster Uni back in October and the Language Show too. Hey, not a guru or anything here, but I’m happy when I can transfer some tips to others. And they give me good feedback!
• Blog more – I know, I’ve neglected this space a bit but November and December have been crazy! I promise more posts, more articles and events.
• Create a regular meeting network in London – we’re almost there! Translators and Interpreters in London is a thriving group! Join us in Jan.
• Save for a pension – I know, all grown-up and stuff but we do have to start from somewhere, esp. as we are freelancers. Plus, it does not have to be a massive effort to start with. Another cliché? I’m not getting any younger.
• Learn or improve a language (and work with it) – I’m a massive supporter of diversification and what’s best than learning a new language and make it an asset? I’d love to go ahead with Japanese but it’s a long shot. So I’d probably refresh my spoken French and maybe learn Polish or Portuguese, which I’ve both done a bit in the past.

I know many try hard and yet do not succeed – at least not entirely. But don’t despair: sometimes a fresh start can really make the difference – but you have to put it into a bigger picture. Set a goal and go for it, put your back into it and think pink!

So what about you? I’d love to hear YOUR resolutions! (In the meantime, this is the song I listen to to feel empowered. It works!)