Committing To New Years Resolutions!
Hooray! It's 2016! Can you believe it?! The New Year is always such an exciting time. It marks the beginning, a fresh start, a chance to be a "new" you. So, we throw some confetti, sip on some champagne, and set goals for the following year. This is something that most people, especially entrepreneurs, do each year. We make a commitment to live, in some way or another, better the next year. Here are a few tips to setting + committing to these goals:
How To Commit to New Years Resolutions!
1 - Make Them Known!
The first step to reaching any goal is to make them known! Share them with your friends, on your blog, or with your sweetheart. Be accountable for these goals. The more you talk about them the more you will begin to visualize your future with these goals in mind. This will help you mentally prepare for the steps that need to be taken in order to actually achieve them. I do this with most of my projects: visualization. I close my eyes and watch myself set up the design for an editorial shoot, for example. I mentally troubleshoot along the way and take notes on items I need to pack from my studio in order to execute the project.
2 - Be Realistic!
Do not set yourself up for failure, friends! In 2014 when I decided to leave my medical sales job and take on POSH PR full time, I set a ridiculous financial goal. At the end of the year when I did NOT reach this goal, I was disappointed with myself. When truly, I should have been thankful for the ability to support myself in my new creative career! The purpose of setting goals is not to be disappointed at the end of the year. It is to strive to work hard towards your future and what you want out of your life!
3 - Establish A Plan!
No goal can ever be reached without a clear plan of action! Beside each of your resolutions be sure to state how you plan to tackle them. The planner in me LOVES this step! Similar to how you would tackle your day with a to-do list - - and check things off in stages as you along. Think of your 2016 resolutions + goals as your BIG to-do list for your year and essentially for your life. Also realize that these things most likely will not happen over night! I know that we all are searching for that instant gratification at times... but be patient with this one! I promise it will be worth it.
4 - Track Your Progress!
Be sure to track your progress along the way. This can seem silly to you, but I LOVE this step so much! It allows you to celebrate the small successes along the way. And, it makes the process so much more fun and can boost your enthusiasm as you see some growth.
5 - Don't Give Up!
Just don't. Make the commitment to yourself and to your future and say "I Can!" Totally not related but slightly similar situation... This is similar to the commitment I make with my shoes before a night out. I will NOT under any circumstance take you off NO MATTER how much you hurt me and NO MATTER how many tears I cry. Beauty is pain, right? Well, commitment is the door to your success! Make the decision that you WILL not give up. I promise, if you give yourself a way out you will take it.
With that being said here are a few of MY 2016 goals:
1: Speak At A Conference + Share My Journey
2: Cultivate + Grow The Caroline Doll Blog
3: Work Smarter Not Harder
4: Design + Produce New Items For The Caroline Doll Shop
5: Be Content With Turning 30! Eek! (So, basically throw a killer pink carpet party to celebrate!)