New Year’s Goals: 14 Things I’m Hoping to Achieve in 2019!

New Year's Goals

New Year’s Goals: 14 Things I’m Hoping to Achieve in 2019!

Back in November I thought about what I wanted to achieve for 2019. While 2018 was an amazing year both personal and career-wise, I wanted to plan out the upcoming year ahead of time. Instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions, I created a list of New Year’s goals. The difference being that resolutions tend to be black or white, while goals can be steps that you can take to achieve your main objective. I thought long and hard and visualized what I wanted to change in my career, personal life, and in my relationships. Here’s what I came up with.

Set aside an hour each week to plan the week ahead.

On Sunday evenings I’m going to set aside some time to plan my weekly calendar. Usually I’ll add tasks, appointments, assignments, and reminders as they arise, but I’d like to do it differently this year and plan out each day ahead of time. This will allow me more free time to hangout with friends, go exploring, or do nothing at all.

Hire someone for social media marketing.

Between writing and editing it was a struggle last year trying to keep up with social media. When I get back to Los Angeles, I plan on searching for a social media manager who can bring their skills to A Girl in LA.

Get back on Instagram and post regularly.

I realize that a common New Year’s Resolution is to post less or even take a break from social media all together. With my job, Instagram is a vital part, yet I barely had any time for it in 2018. It also wasn’t as “entertaining” as it once was and I dreaded the task. I’m hoping by using an Instagram scheduler, I can get organized and find the time and motivation to post regularly again.

Continue learning more in Photoshop and Lightroom.

It wasn’t very long ago where I had no knowledge of either and they both intimidated me. Now, I use both daily. There are still so many techniques to learn and I plan on watching Youtube videos to gain more insight.

Start posting “outfit of the day” articles.

I told myself last year I wanted to incorporate “outfit of the day” posts on A Girl in LA, but somehow other blog posts had taken preference. This year I’m making it a priority.  

Read more.

Growing up, I always had my head in a book. Now it’s tough to find the time to read. This year I’m hoping to change that by allowing myself an hour a day to read each evening. I’m visualizing a good book, a glass of wine and sitting on the rooftop. That would be an ideal end to a long day.

Eat healthier.

For Christmas my mom gave me the 15 Minute Vegan: Fast, Modern Vegan Cooking, and my sister gave me High Vibrational Beauty: Recipes & Rituals for Radical Self Care. Both of these couldn’t have come at a better time. This holiday season my diet consisted of pasta, candy, chocolate, cake, and every other carb you can think of. I’ve been flipping through both books and creating a list of all the recipes I want to try as soon as I touch down in Los Angeles. I’m eager to jumpstart my journey back into eating cleaner.  

Go to bed earlier and learn how to keep a regular sleep schedule.

This has been a constant struggle for me. I remember even back in high school going to bed at 1am and having to wake up at 6:30am. I had the same issue when I was working in the fashion industry. It’s even more of a problem now, because I don’t have a set time I need to be awake at. I still go to bed super late, but I like to be up by 9:30am so there are days where I get only a few hours of sleep. I recognize this isn’t healthy so I’m trying to figure out away where I can change being a night owl into being a morning person.

Start a new fitness routine.

There’s no better time to start a new fitness routine than after the holidays. I’ve gotten into weight lifting, but in 2018 I cut down on the cardio because I grew bored with running on a treadmill. I bought my boyfriend a punching bag for Christmas and boxing is something I’d like to try. I would also love to join a yoga or Pilates studio and take more walks in Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park.

Stop procrastinating.

This is a significant issue for me because it consistently makes me late. It’s made me realize I need to manage my time better and plan accordingly. I’ve also recognized that if I have someplace I need to be, it’s not a good idea to start editing a blog post or photos because I’ll become lost in the task and lose track of time.

Spend more time outside.

Being a blogger means spending a lot of time at my computer. I noticed once I started writing full time I had less time to spend outdoors. Besides my daily walk, I will make a point of going places where I can get in touch with nature. On my list is the Echo Park Lake, Huntington Library, Lake Hollywood, and the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, and the beach.

Organize me and my boyfriends apartment better.

There’s nothing like marking the start of the New Year by decluttering. I have bins of items I would like to donate or sell on eBay. Right before I left for the holidays I took a box down to the donation bin inside my apartment garage. It felt so good to be giving back (especially since these items would land in the hands of those that lost all in the California wildfires.) It also felt good to make room for new things. I’ve been procrastinating on selling items on eBay because it’s such a tedious task, but I need to set aside some time and get it done. I’ve also learned if I have something I no longer want, it’s better to donate or sell it right away, rather than put it aside and have it sit there taking up space. I have a lot I need to go through which is something I’m putting at the top of my to-do list.

Listen more.

When I’m trying to prove a point or if I’m in a debate, I’ll have my response already in my head before the person is finished talking. Often, I’ll say it out loud and cut them off. This is a habit I’m trying to break free from. With learned behavior it can be hard to change, but noticing it is a step in the right direction.

Meet new people.

Being a blogger calls for a lot of time sitting at my computer. Because I don’t have typical co-workers in an office setting, it makes it harder to meet people. One of my objectives for 2019 is to meet other powerful women who hold similar interests to mine.

 

Tips to create a plan of action.

Over the years I’ve made many New Year’s Resolutions that have failed. I’ve discovered it’s better to create a target goal and then make a plan of action that consists of small steps. Here are my tips:

  • Purchase a planner or journal.
  • Make an outline: write what you’re hoping to accomplish and how you plan to get there.
  • Track your progress: each week evaluate your growth and detail what you need to change. Doing this will help you stay on course.
  • Talk about it: discuss your objectives with friends and family. Saying it out loud to others can help motivate you.
  • Reward yourself: write down a bonus you would like to give yourself for each milestone you achieve. It can be something big like splurging on that pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing, or something small like having your favorite dessert. This can inspire you to keep going.
  • Don’t get discouraged: it’s common to get off track so don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead rethink your plan and keep moving forward.

What are your New Year’s goals and how do you go about achieving them? Comment below!

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