2018 is HERE! New Resolutions and 2017 Wrap-Up

Okay, so it's 2018.

Pow. Just like that. I'm so ready for it. I just have a feeling this will be my year. I've felt this for a long time, too. It's like I've always known that 27-28 years old would be bomb. I'm also pretty sure 34 will be bomb, but I'm not quite there yet. Anyway, 2018 is happening and I'm ready. 



Let's take a look back at 2017 though...

Last year, rather than setting specific actions for my resolutions, I set an intention for the year. My intention was ABUNDANCE. I wanted abundance in my career. I wanted abundance in my social group. 

Well, I got it. I spent the last year working my tail off for my jobs. I switched paths a lot, but eventually figured it out and feel confident in what I do, now. I worked long hours with no pay on projects for Ignite. I spent every second of spare time on work. You probably see where this is going...

I need a break. I'm burning out. Hence the reason for my 2018 resolutions:

1. Read one book per month

2. Travel once per month

3. Cook my way through my Pinterest board

4 Spend more time outdoors


I need time for myself. Time for me to learn and grow as an individual. So, this year, my focus is on joy and flow.


I will find my joy and flow alongside it. 


I have a method for creating my resolutions. Here it is...


Step 1: Get a journal and some pens.

Get nice ones. This matters. Psychology tells us that perception is possibly the most important part of completing goals and reaching our dreams. Treat your goals like they are valuable (BECAUSE THEY ARE) and your brain will be more focused on them. If we place just as much value in the goal-setting process as we do in the actual achievement of the goal, we are more likely to succeed. So, get nice pens. Get nice paper. You deserve it. 


Step 2: Write down what you want. 

Make it as specific or as broad as you'd like. We will be simplifying in the next step. 


Step 3: For each of the "wants," ask yourself "What can I DO to make this happen? What ACTION will I take?"

Statistically, only a small percentage of people who make new year's resolutions actually keep them. I think that's because people focus on the end goal more than the ACTIONS involved in completing the goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, don't tell yourself your resolution is "to lose weight." Instead, your resolutions may be things like "Only eat fast food once per week," "Attend 4 exercise classes each week," or "Stay under my calorie limit every day." Giving yourself an ACTION to DO is easier to enforce and track than judging yourself based on the idealized end goal. 


Step 4: GTFO and start DOING it. 

journal for joy