In December 2017, I promised myself that 2018 would be the designated year of getting my shit together. I departed from 2017 into 2018 with no job, no income (bar my student loan), little/no friends and definitely being lucky if I even scraped a 3 by the end of my second year at university. I was a mess, my life joined in and hey presto – I needed help.
I set myself some guidelines to complete by the end of June 2018, as well as some suggestions to complete and continue throughout 2018. Some priorities have changed, some have stayed the same, and some are no longer relevant. However, growth is never a bad thing, is it? Here is a reflection on my goals for the first half of 2018, and how my relationship with them has sunk or swam.
Learn about fashion
I promised myself that I would invest a good chunk of time learning about the fashion industry this year. Fashion journalism has never felt like an accessible route, and to know what colours suit my complexion or what size heel I can walk in. However, I have made a conscious effort to switch that up.
I have started contributing to a variety of fashion-based online outlets, (see here & here for some work) started upgrading my wardrobe while reworking contrasting textures. It is starting to click, I am starting to learn and honestly, I am enjoying it immensely. There is still so much to understand, adapt and find my fashion writing niche – but it is a start.
Own a pair of Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats
Alas, 15-year-old I’s dream must burn for another day as I am yet to own these slippers. They are still top of my list on luxury purchases, but my bank balance nor sanity is ready for that splurge yet. I will channel Alexa Chung at some point in my life.
Be an avid replier
Replying to friends’ break-up woes, badgering the group chat to set-up meeting dates and venues as well as answering my emails at least once a week – I am nailing it. I still have slip-ups, sometimes I just want to lie in bed, cry, watch Love Island and eat chocolate but hey – at least you can expect a reply within 1-10 business days.
Have a job in the music industry
My third goal for the first sixth months of 2018 was to claim a job in the music industry. This umbrella term covered working the door of a music venue, pouring pints while watching bands play or become a social media manager for a brand. In 2018 I have successfully done both. I have been working festival bars this summer (including at Parklife and Alnwick Castle) and was the social media manager at Victoria Warehouse for a short spell of time.
It is not exactly the kind of music industry job I am after in the long run, but it is better than nothing. Here is to the next six months. May my bank account prosper.
Invest time in more culture
I wanted to achieve seeing 64 live acts in the first half of 2018. Currently, I am sitting at about 35+, so perhaps I might reach the goal via the end of the year depending on whether I can peel myself away from my laptop for long enough.
Television-wise, Love Island fever has taken hold, allowing me to indulge in the 1st and 5th series’, as well as finding adoration in watching The Crown and Riverdale.
This year has also seen me rekindle my love for books. #cigsoundsbookclub was born, allowing me to document my year through books. Follow me on Goodreads for more, or visit the Book Club tab via Life to find your next read.
Things are apparently going swimmingly. There is so much improvement yet a lot more room to spread my wings. If anything can be said, then I sincerely hope that the second half of 2018 follows the first in suit. Keep your eyes peeled for the second instalment of my 2018 goals – July-December 2018.
ELLA LOUISE SCOTT 
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