On 29th December 2006, I made some important goals for 2006. I’ve already modified and developed them, which is great because it’s important to keep re-evaluating, so I’ll be doing this once monthly.

My big goal for 2007: Escape with Courage

In 2006, I said it was Debt-free by December 2007 (excluding student loan). However, on reflection, this is a negative goal because it focuses on something I don’t want, namely, debt. So, I’ve re-worded it to concentrate on something I do want, in the right spirit too: Financial abundance.

2007 is my year of independence

Financial abundance and all kinds of independence

Spatial independence, financial independence, personal independence. For this I need courage, so I’m doing things a courageous person would do. I’m going on my first mini-break without my parents next weekend. Scary & exciting.

I’ve succeeded in not buying clothing this January (not including my uniform, which I overlooked when setting goals) and am continuing to avoid spending on clothes and clutter in to February. Hurrah!

Student frugality

Being more frugal when it comes to eating out remains a challenge. However, my awareness of how much I’m spending is definitely growing and I feel more uncomfortable when spending a lot on food. I’ve even taken a packed lunch in this week!

KathleenBright.com

I’m working on exactly what kind of work I want to do, in addition to entrepreneurship: My thinking is that I want to raise capital via consultancy services etc before launching my business as planned upon completion on my postgraduate degree. To that end, at the end of February I implement, and in March I launch, KathleenBright.com. Exciting!

How to be vegan

I have a new challenge for February - becoming vegan. One of the things I want to be true this time next year is this: I’m a vegan healthnut. All I can do to achieve this it to act now, so I am. I’m currently vegetarian, by March I’ll be vegan too. Wish me luck!

In addition, increased awareness about what I’m eating helps to keep me on the right path of a) spending reasonable amounts on food, especially when eating out and b) eating healthily. Brilliant when goals come together like that.

Beginners’ steps, by a newbie vegan wannabe

• Stop eating and drinking obviously non-vegan products
  Yes, lots of things have dairy and eggs in (like cakes) and it take a lot more effort to avoid those, so start with the easy things, like cheese.
• Use dairy-free & egg-free alternatives and substitutes (e.g. soya milk, tofu instead of egg).
  Use the Internet to get help from a variety of helpful resources, e.g. VegFamily Magazine
• Go to restaurants that specify what’s vegan - vegetarian restaurants tend to be very good at this, e.g. Food for Thought.

6 essays, 27th February

Studying & my MA Ethics & Philosophy of Religion

It’s still difficult, but I do want to succeed, so I’m just getting on with it. I’ve started actually writing my first essay too, so that’s all good. My goal here is to continue as I’ve started: Forging ahead with dedication and conscientiousness.