February Followup

Hey, it’s me again… yep I’m still here despite not having made a post since October! There has been so much going on as we transitioned from 2019 into 2020 that I’ve barely had time to take it all in myself let alone share any of the stories with you! 

However, now’s my chance to bring all my thoughts from these past few months to life and share them with you. This year, I’ll be approaching things a little differently with the blog. I’m beginning to come to terms with the fact that I really can’t do everything and that means picking and choosing what I spend my time focusing on. There are so many experiences and opportunities both past and present that I can’t wait to share, but as my goals continue to change the blog posts might change a little bit with it. 

To put all these thoughts in perspective here’s a look at what kept me busy this past year and a preview of what’s in store for 2020! 

Goal setting has never been more important to me than it is now.

One thing is for sure, goal setting has never been more important to me than it is now. Writing things down somehow gives me comfort in the fact that I have things I’m working towards as well as holds me accountable to make sure I actually get things done. It’s the most rewarding feeling to look back on a year and all the highs, low points you overcame, and accomplishments you’ve made this past year. 

If you haven’t had the chance to do any formal goal setting yet–there’s plenty of time. If you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend you check out my post about goal setting February Fresh and read about Hilary Rushford’s Elegant Excellence to get your mind thinking about both the big and little things you’re wanting to accomplish! 

Looking back on my list of goals for 2019, although not every goal was accomplished it’s important to realize just how much progress was made. I’ve made an effort to stop referring to my goals as a “plan” and have tried even harder to refrain from “planning” too much of my life out in general.  

Goals change, shift, and evolve throughout the year. Things may come up and get in the way or change your perspective.  It’s always important to look at your list as guidelines and ideas rather than super strict parameters.

Be realistic but also don’t be afraid to think big! When making a list you need goals that are easily attainable if you dedicate the time to them and some goals that will challenge you and push your comport zone. For instance 2018 was a huge year for me with a lot of major life changes and decisions, so my focus for 2019 was about more interpersonal goals and about maintaining a healthy lifestyle in LA. 

Here’s a brief overview of the goals and results from this past year:

• Run a 5k: Checked this one off in April when a friend asked me to run one with her! Signing up and paying is a great way to hold yourself accountable. 

• Visit a new state/country: I managed to cross off a lot of new places in the United States this past year! Read about it in Cars, Castles & Clesi, Destination Denver & Cross Country.

• Book 5 Freelance Clients/projects: This past year I was fortunate to work with some amazing new clients and well exceeded 5 projects! One in particular certainly stands out and I hope to soon share the story of The Strength Shop with you all!

• Pay off at least ½ of my student loans: After attending a networking/speaker event…. They convinced me this is not something to put off, so I ripped off the Band-Aid and took care of it all at once! No more student loans!

• Read a book: Easy to do when your friends start a book club…and here we are 6.5 books later.

• Visit home at least 3 times: Done, but I wish it could be even more!

Now for the goals that have yet to be accomplished….

The goals you don’t accomplish are just as important as the ones you did! It’s crucial to take a look at this list and realize and reflect on “why didn’t this one happen?” Then try and figure out if it’s still one that’s important to you and worth continuing to pursue.

• Create a successful morning/evening routine: While progress was made at times, it’s not super quantifiable and hard to really say. It is still in need of some work. 

• Try something new/learn a new skill: I tried LOTS of new things that would satisfy this goal, but they weren’t necessarily the activities that came to mind when I wrote the goal down. I needed to be more specific. 

• Launch a creative Passion Project: I spent a lot of time thinking about this one and looking for something that I was actually passionate enough to put the work into…

When I actually figured it out, I was too scared to actually move forward with it. 

Well no more, you heard it here first–this year my main goal is to drive that passion project forward and not let fears and uncertainties keep me from going for it!

Do you have something on your list of goals for the year that you really want but you’re afraid to make it happen? Maybe it’s changing jobs or starting your own business? Maybe it’s moving somewhere new or maybe it’s wanting to try a new exercise class…. Whatever the situation may be… We’ve all been there. Part of why I love Hilary’s goal setting process so much is because the thought process you consistently going through always ends up at the same place, “just start.” 

Starting is the hardest thing! No matter what the goal is, finding the courage to start it and go for it is the biggest roadblock you face but once that part is over, imagine all the amazing things that can follow. I’ve had this realization before but yet it still held me back this past year. I now know the outcome I’m looking for more clearly and I know I’m capable of making it happen so there’s no more excuses. 

So, for me my major goal for 2020 is getting my Passion Project off the ground and turning it into a business. I plan to share information about this passion project every step of the way as well as progress as it relates to other goals with hopes to not only hold me accountable but keep you on track to exceed your goals this year as well! 

The rest of my goals this year have been divided up into categories: personal, health, relationships, hobbies, and career! Some specifics that stand out include: 

• Analyzing and fine tuning my financial budget 

• Move to a new apartment

• Focus more on my breathing

• Cook a new healthy recipe once a month

• Maintain working out at least 3 times a week

• Continue Personal Dates at least once a month

• Play more games (board games/card games) 

• Travel to 3 New Places (city/state/country)

• Read 10 Books

• Actually take a lunch break at work by sitting with coworkers or going for a walk

• Write at least 12 new blog posts for Day of Jae

Having a list of your goals is only the first step. Make sure you keep the list handy and accessible. Check back in with it multiple times! Don’t be afraid to change, rewrite, or add to the list. You’re the only thing holding you back from making any of these things a reality. Commit to the ones that matter and go after it! 

For three years I’ve been doing this, following the same process and every time when thinking about the biggest goal on my mind, and someone asks, “What’s holding you back?” my answer has always been… “not starting.” Trust me–start now and thank yourself immensely next February.