New Year’s resolutions
What a year… 2020 came and went with such a bang. The most significant chapter of our human existence is finally ending.
If you’re like me, you’re probably treating 2021 as a fresh start. You’re ready to cross this past year off your list for good and hope the new one is full of promise. Since so much is still out of our control, it may not be a bad time to implement a legendary practice: writing your New Year’s Resolutions.
At the end of every year, I take some time to reflect on all the experiences, challenges, and growth I’ve made in the past 12 months. These self-reflections allow me to see what still needs attention and create a list of new goals.
To my surprise (and disappointment), I realized that my goals for 2021 were EXACTLY the same ones I had for 2020!
There was so much I wanted to accomplish this year. I wanted to grow my business, work on my mental & physical health, travel to so many places… And I still want those exact same things now!
So what happened?
I want to say COVID-19 happened, that I was a victim of the pandemic, and that any lack of progress is a circumstance of my reality. In other words, I want to excuse the fact that I came full circle with nothing accomplished.
But that’s not true at all, I actually accomplished so much this year.
I learned about myself in ways I never had before. I connected with people I care about on a deeper level. I spent a lot of time educating myself, picking up new practices, and developing healthier habits. I even traveled to local and national destinations, which was just as rewarding as going abroad (allowing me to capture the beautiful landscape images featured in this blog post!).
So truly, the reason it seems like no progress was made is that I didn’t make measurable goals.
Let me give you some examples of measurable goals, and how I updated my New Year’s Resolutions:
- 2020: Improve my physical and mental health.
Exercise more.
Have a better diet.
Manage my anxiety.
- 2021: Still improve my physical and mental health.
Yoga on Monday and Friday, jog or gym on Wednesday, and fun activities on the weekend (dancing, hooping, etc). Physical activity at least 3x a week, 30min sessions. Put an x on the calendar every day I work out.
Take daily supplements: multivitamins, bentonite clay, and castor oil. Only consume meat once or twice a week. Make sugar a reward, not a habit.
Meditation Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practice mindfulness and discipline with my thoughts and energy. Be present and let go of expectations. Keep a gratitude journal.
Do you see what I did there?
I took the exact same goals but I broke them down into specifics, gave myself a weekly timeline, and rewarded myself for reaching my goals. This makes it unambiguous, clear, and MEASURABLE.
You can apply these skills for all sorts of goal setting and life planning, including wedding planning!
For example, instead of simply writing “book wedding photographer”, you can write:
research local wedding photographers in January.
research destination wedding photographers in February.
compile a spreadsheet comparing styles, prices, and value.
set up interviews with my top 5 choices.
choose and book my wedding photographer in March.
It may seem like more work, but to be honest you probably have to do all of that anyway!
By breaking it down and making it measurable, you can cross off each little step which will empower you instead of being daunted by a task that seems never-ending.
I’m happy to say that making my new "New Year’s Resolution” list has never felt better.
I included goals regarding my health, my professional life, and my personal life, in a way that feels achievable and sustainable. But more importantly, in a way that allows me to track my own progress!
Try it out for yourself!
I’m all about having a growth mentality and would be happy to share more tips on setting and reaching concrete goals.
Feel free to reach out, and have a wonderful NEW YEAR 2021!