It is customary for me to reflect on what I’ve accomplished at the close of each year. Doing so allows me a fresh take on just how far I have come. I also take time out to plan for the upcoming year. The hustle and grind never stops, and neither do I! Where am I headed this year? Onward and upwards, I always say. We all want to live our best lives, though that picture varies for each of us. I clearly defined a few ways that I plan to ensure that I have a successful year … and I’m sharing it with you! Let’s go!
1. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals. As I regularly mention, I make a vision board every year. I also make action plans for how I plan to achieve my vision. This year I was intentional on the action plans for reaching each of my goals. I decided to set SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based goals. For example, instead of having establish an emergency fund as the goal, SMART goal would say I will establish an emergency fund in the amount of $5,000.00 by the end of this year by putting aside $209 every two weeks. Very specific, there’s a deadline, it’s attainable based on a budget, and it’s broken down in a way that is measurable. You catch my drift? Setting SMART goals is a great way to help me gauge where I’m at and gives me a deadline or time frame as well as actions steps to ensure I meet my end goal.
2. Prioritize self-care. As hard as it is to admit, I must say that I have a habit of running myself into the ground. Planners are my best friends because they are jam packed with everything I must do. Often times, I forget to schedule myself in there. Oops! Not this year. While it may seem selfish, prioritizing self-care ensures other needs can be met. Productivity takes a dip when you’re rushing, feeling overwhelmed, or exhausted from lack of sleep. For me, self-care is what will keep me on my A game this year. More productive? Better attitude? Clear mind? Focused? Hello! Bingo! Yahtzee! I’ll take prioritize self care for two hundred please, Alex!
3. Say no! Short story, y’all. A few years ago, I found myself drained. Depleted. Cup on empty, you hear me? I had nothing left to give, and everything/everyone I’d given my all to were not attempting to give anything back. As a result, I decided to start saying no to everything that would overextend me, inconvenience me, cause me pain, or leave me in a bad state. That was the first time I experienced true freedom. It felt so good! The saga continues, my dear. Same song, different year. Say no.
4. Identify your tribe. Having a support system is so important. No one is an island, and having people in your corner to support you and encourage you makes a big difference. I took it a step further and secured myself an accountability partner (hey, girl, hey) because sometimes another perspective gives us clarity. Also, life is hard! It’s harder when you feel as though you are by yourself. Everybody needs somebody sometime.
5. Get physical. I struggle with depression. It makes every nerve in my body just want to crawl in my bed and sleep. To counteract that, I force myself to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Yoga, a walk around the block, tag with my daughter … I just had to keep moving. I found that physical activity boost my overall mood. In turn, I had the urge to keep moving and be productive.
6. Pursue your passion. I don’t have to explain this one do I? Pursuing passions gives life meaning and purpose. Go after the things that speak to you and give you life!
These are just a few ways that I feel will make sure that 2020 is my year. Pretty simple, nothing too out there, but effective and efficient. Productive, not just busy, is the overall goal for this year.
How do you plan to live your best life this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! If you’ve enjoyed my blog, like and share my posts! And as always, thank you for your support!