Seeing as it was the start of a new year, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to look back over 2021 and set some goals for 2022.
2021 was a real rollercoaster of a year
I was so optimistic going into 2021 as I thought the worst of the pandemic was behind us and everything was going to get back to normal. Sadly that wasn’t quite how it worked out! I found the first few months very difficult as we were back in lockdown and I was struggling with motivation. All my events had been postponed and the majority of my stockists were closed so my income had taken a hit. (I filmed a video about that which you can watch here.)
There were some positives though! With the extra time on my hands I finally got round to creating my YouTube channel. This is something that I’d been wanting to set up for years after being advised to by a marketing mentor in 2018. I was beyond nervous in my first video and it took me so long to film and edit. But I pushed through and eventually became more comfortable talking to the camera and editing videos.
Once lockdown restrictions eased I was able to get back out and do markets again. I love doing markets! (You can see my upcoming events here.) I had some of my best trading days ever and took part in the Young Traders Market final in Stratford Upon Avon which was a huge boost (and super fun!).
My greatest achievement in 2021 is that I made it through. This was my first year as full time self employed and, although it was rocky, I did make enough money to support myself which felt like a huge win.
2022 goals
I’m always very reluctant to make concrete goals because I stress about not accomplishing them and feeling like a failure. So for the moment I’ve set myself quite “fluffy” goals so that I don’t feel too stressed by them. I’m hoping later in the year I will feel more confident and will be able to set more solid goals that are ambitious but still achievable.
Take a look at the video below to check out my goals for 2022 and see my full roundup of 2021.