For the first time in several years I can’t say I’m sad to see a year end. 2017 was a doozy. It was honestly one of the most challenging years of my life. When I look back at my resolutions from last January, I left a lot unaccomplished. And that doesn’t feel great.
Despite everything that happened in 2017, it wasn’t a total wash and there were a few key takeaways that I’m bringing with me into the new year. These “epiphanies” are things I hear people say all the time. There’s plenty of fancy Pinterest quotes with the words scrolled across them, but these realizations are now deep in my core. These things are what set me on FIRE for the upcoming year.
1. I and I alone am responsible for my own happiness. Not my kids, or my husband, or that happy hour strawberry margarita.
2. If I don’t like the direction my life is headed, I can change it.
3. I have the time to accomplish all of my goals, my actions just have to reflect what I say my goals are.
I’m not gonna lie, that last one stings a little. You may read these and think, well duh, of course you’re in control of your own life. But how many of you actually truly grasp and believe these truths deep down in your soul?
2018 IS going to be the year of change. Not because I’m drunk on the intensity of the New Year (or the cocktails from last night), but because I’ve reached a point, where I.am.done with the status quo.
I want an exceptional life. A life filled with purpose and growth.
Although I’ve always set New Years Resolutions they’ve never been super specific. And when we’re not specific, we give ourselves the permission to fail. For example, “I’ll eat better” doesn’t require as much effort and accountability as “I will lose 10 pounds.” When our goals are specific and measurable we know exactly what we need to do to achieve them. The hard part then becomes actually doing it. So…
Here is what I’m going to do 2018
//Write down ten things that I am grateful for at the end of every single day//
//Complete at least 3 devotionals or bible studies//
//Workout at least 4 times per week for at least 30 minutes//
//Lose 20 pounds//
//Give up soda for at least 30 days//
//Wake up an hour earlier on weekdays in order to have the best start to my day//
//Drink half my body weight in ounces of water each day//
//Read 12 books throughout the year//
//Declare our house a yelling free zone and create a plan on how we’ll do this//
//Have bi-weekly date nights with my husband. Whether we go out or do something at home, a time carved out for just the two of us to strengthen our marriage//
//Continue to create a budget each month and update the budget at least weekly//
//Create a house where stuff does not cause chaos. Each room will only have things we love and all of those things will have a place//
And there you have it. My goals for 2018. I would love to hear some of your goals for the upcoming year. And if you need inspiration on how to be the best version of you, I highly suggest you follow Rachel Hollis on Instagram. She is the most inspiring, motivating, real-life give it to you straight, kind of person.
Happy Happy New Year!
