Last year, I decided to simplify my goal setting from previous years (2016 | 2017) and it seemed to work a lot better for me than in years past. I felt that establishing a word for the year was also helpful in streamlining my goals so I was not floundering around. In the past, I found my goals to be daunting, and often I would get frustrated and deviate from them. Not last year, because balance was at the forefront of all my goals. With that in mind, I decided to establish a new word for this year and adding two goals this year, but continuing on with the balance and goals I set for 2017.
Prioritize
I found that by establishing balance as my focus word for 2017, prioritizing became easier than my previous goals of saying no more often.  Starting back to grad school really helped put things in perspective about what took priority in my life.  This is something I want to continue focusing on, but especially continuing my weekly date night traditions with DG, and spending time with friends and family.
Exercise
My mental health greatly improved once I put a focus back on exercising. I have gotten back into a standard weekly routine for working out after two rounds of surgery to remove skin cancer. My favorite work outs are Pure Barre and Pure Barre Empower so I am getting both strength and cardio with those work outs. Questions? Feel free to email me! I was never one to stick to a work out, so I am proud to share my thoughts and experiences with Pure Barre!
Explore
If you’ve been here for a while, I know you are tired of hearing me talk about my Wanderlust (2017 Travel Goals here). DG and I have really loved traveling together over the past couple of years. We thrive on being in new places and learning more about the area and its history. I also loved exploring North Carolina with Glory and Angela last year (see my travel recap here). I am so excited to continue this for 2018. Traveling has by far been one of the most rewarding parts of my late 20s and first year of 30.
Relax
One of my big weaknesses is relaxing. I cannot sit down and relax because all I think about are all of the other things I should be doing. Between my real life job, grad school, personal life, and IFT, I often find it difficult to shut my brain off, which to be honest, causes me more stress. I have found ways to take time for myself that allow me some time to decompress without adding anxiety. I have a membership at Paintbase for manicures and pedicures, a membership at Hand & Stone for a monthly massage, and I schedule regular hair appointments with my girl Katy so that I can relax in that way. Finding ways that relax that work for me has been an incredibly valuable lesson from 2017.
Grow
For quite some time, my fear in life has been complacency. To be honest, it crippled me a couple of years ago and I found myself defeated and unhappy. I have found a nice balance for my goals and aspirations + creating change both professionally and personally. My goal last year was to continue to grow in my real life job, and I found myself with a new position in August making a different impact in public education than I ever imagined for myself. This year, I am optimistic about that change and also, getting back into my freelance writing. I have an article I am super excited about coming in the spring in addition to continuing to create new content for I’m Fixin’ To. And as always, if you have topics you would like to see covered here, please feel free to email me! I did a poll on Instagram and my followers on that platform want to see more home decor, everyday fashion, real life, and DG & the boys.
New 2018 Goal: Eliminate
I have been on a major purging kick since our move in June. I am historically a clutterer by nature, but this creates a lot of anxiety for me. I have been very intentional about getting rid of items and making room for quality of quantity. Looking for how we prepared for our move? We did 40 bags in 40 days.
New 2018 Goal: Experience
In addition to exploring and prioritizing, I want to take time to fully experience life. While I love the opportunities blogging has brought, I sometimes get so caught up in making sure I have enough photos from trips, date nights, what I wore, and life in between, that I have tried to find a healthy balance. In recent trips, I have given myself time to work, but also time to just take a seat and enjoy so I could fully experience and be present. This is a trend I would like to continue into 2018.
Finally, my one word for 2018 is gumption. Gumption is shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness; courage, spunk.
I would like to think I already possess some of these qualities, but I hope to really focus on them to continue growing and getting better.
What are your goals for 2018? Did you pick a word for the year?
xx
I love all of your goals! One of mine for this year is to put my phone down and take pics with my nice camera instead. This will help allow me to still capture the “moment” but not jump straight into social media after snapping pics. I am also so bad at relaxing and honestly feel guilty when I kick my feet up because I can think of so many other things I need to be doing but I am going to try to be better about this!! Xo
That’s always my problem, too. I think about all the things I could be crossing off my to-do list. I love your goal for the camera! xx
I really enjoyed reading your 2018 goals. Relaxing is really hard for me, as well, but I’m trying! Good luck with your goals!
You too, Rebecca! I’m optimistic that we’ll get better at relaxing! xx
Gumption is such a great word for 2018. Can’t wait to see what’s in store!!