New year, improved me

So how is the first bit of this New Year treating ya?

Just because the calendar reads a new year does not mean you need to set out on unrealistic goals, new year new me attitude. Be you, the same you. Just improve you, if that’s what you want. Be the best you. If you haven't done a year in review check it out here.. it really helps adjust your mindset with reflection and outlook.

Take a moment to look ahead at the new year, who do you want to be in 6 months from now? Set yourself up for success and set some goals! Nothing better than to jump start your year with realistic expectations. A new year always comes with the hopes of big change and a feeling of a fresh start. Wellll just because the calendar reads another day and a different year, you are still the same person you were yesterday. But if you want change. You want to celebrate life. You want to accomplish those goals, start of small..

Life is about the small victories that make big impacts! You got this, make this year the best one yet, regardless of life's uncertainties.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes."

Charles Swindoll

If that quote doesn't shake ya, check your pulse. It's up to you.

So lets make some goals!

In order for the things you want to really happen you need to manifest them. Write them down and look at it often, check in with yourself. See how far you've come, what you didn't accomplish and why. The most important thing is to allow yourself to dream big, reel it in with short term goals and give yourself grace! There are so many things out of our control, so when things dont happen, dont be down on yourself.. just ask yourself why. If you were the reason you didn't accomplish what you wanted - thats on you and remember that. Don't blame the world. Now if obvious things aren't happening because of specifics like money, resources, etc.. thats where you give yourself grace. Pause. Reevaluate. Sometimes those goals just aren't ready for you yet. And learn to be OK with that.

We are all different, I am just going to share what works for me. I typically love to plan far ahead (with realistic AND unrealistic expectations).

I break the year into quarters.

Quarter 1

Jan-March (winter)

Quarter 2

April- June (spring)

Quarter 3

July- Sept (summer)

Quarter 4

Oct- Dec (fall)

This helps me stay on track and organized without feeling so overwhelmed with 12 months ahead of me. It also helps me set better short term goals and be able to pause and have reflection.

This is also so handy in Ohio because that basically broke down my seasons. Which helps me "plan" for specifics. Again, I am a little OCD with planning so take what you want, or take nothing, and plan ahead, set those goals and make it happen baby!

So starting with quarter one.. which then I do with each quarter..

I brain dump all of the things I want and need to do and then break that down into the appropriate month.

I try to keep it kinda simple and then branch off from there.

Example..

Then I break it down into my months by prioritizing it all. I put it on my calendar so I dont forget and I can keep myself accountable.

So starting with January here is an example of what it would look like for me-

January Goals-

Home:

- Start remodeling the nursery

- Clean & organize the basement

- Finish painting the foyer

Personal:

- Set goals

- Start a workout regimen

- Cook something new / this is what I am going to try!

- Spend time with my mom

- Start school

Fun:

- Go hiking

- Check out the new restaurant down the street

- Go to the Outlets

*Remember, these are your goals, make them small or big. Whatever you achieve is success! Do not let fear get in the way. Take a moment and read this article if fear is what keeps you from living.

This has been so helpful for me to stay organized and on top of the things I actually want to do. Its so easy for us to set out on a new month or year with expectations but if there isn't action behind that then we are really setting ourselves up for disappointment. This life is meant to be lived! So lets live it and live it well. If you need some inspiration for January, check out this post.

xx.

kasey