A year ago, I composed half a dozen or so goals that I was intent on achieving. Alas, my determination strayed and so did my progress – I didn’t accomplish any of them. In hindsight, they were quite optimistic and lacking in direction.

But neither the composition of these goals nor lack of accomplishment concerns me, because I’m not disappointed in the slightest with what I did manage to achieve in 12 turbulent months.

In summary, I got a job, took up web design, made it into the school orchestra, spoke out about English in high schools, wrote some of my best stories and had a great year at school – new friendships, better friendships and success in school exams. I was also more comfortable than ever in a learning environment that will suit me well for the next three years of school.

So yes, in these regards it was a great year. There were obstacles, and many things which could have gone better. I can sympathise with many other Cantabrians who had a far bigger battle to fight courtesy of countless massive earthquakes. But this is all the more reassuring in that it means next year can only be better for all of us.

I like to think that goals follow the same adage as rules: Goals are made to be broken. Some goals are not, mind you (like some rules), but it is fine to leave your intentions behind, just as it is to succeed beyond your intentions.

If I were stubborn, letting nothing compromise my path to fulfilling the goals I set myself then I would surely have let myself down in other ways. There’s a lot to be said for embracing serendipity – through good and through bad. A year is a long time, never void of troubling times.

Really, the important ingredients to a successful year are optimism and determination. I aimed high, I didn’t land  where I once hoped to land, but I feel like I’m far better off for where I ended up.

I say so because I’ve achieved some continuity this year – I won’t be writing new goals and starting over next year with fresh intentions. I just want to keep heading in this direction; serendipity will inevitably take care of the rest.