Hello and welcome to the first post of the year for The Visual Aspect! Like many others, I like to start off the year sharing some of my goals, my word of the year, and some encouragement for you as you start the new year. It might seem cliché talking about these topics and of course everyone and their mom is doing it. However, I feel like it’s a part of how I operate in life, trying to always find the fresh chapter.
For example, when I was in college there were for parts of the year where I would call a fresh start. New Years, my birthday, and each semester of school; which those were more on a micro level pertaining to school. Now I focus on two parts of the year as a time to reflect, re-evaluate, and set new goals. That is the start of a new year and my birthday. The New Year is mainly focusing on setting the goals and my birthday is a time for reflection.
The end of 2019 was not the best time and that filtered over into the start of the new year. The challenges came from my relationship and if any of you have gone through something like that it makes it difficult to move forward for a bit. After New Year’s Day, I just stopped feeling sorry for myself. I had already given myself almost a week of being in my feelings, now I must get myself in a better mindset.
Things ended up turning around for us through time and patience but the most important part I want to share with you is not to let yourself be swallowed up by your challenges. When negative situations happen allow yourself to feel it and sit in it, maybe you need a couple of days. But don’t allow that one moment in time dictate the rest of your week, month, or even year.
Now we’re off to the races in 2020! A few days ago, I sat down and created my content calendar and chose my word for the year. I chose LEVEL UP, because my focus is what am I going to add to my life this year to get me to that next level. How do I avoid complacency? Take it up a notch! So, I have listed out my goals for each area of my life down below, and where I am going to level up.
Personal/Physical Growth
Yoga Class– I already take HIIT class 4x a week, but I do miss yoga and ballet class. So, this year I am adding yoga back into my routine. Black Swan Yoga Studio has a location up north near where I live, and I loved going to their classes. You donate and show up to class. So, starting this coming Friday I will be there! 🙂
Ballet Class– As I mentioned above, I do miss ballet as well. I had this as one of my resolutions last year but didn’t quite make it to a class. I am adding it to my goals again this year because ballet does bring me a lot of joy and it’s a great work out! Ballet Austin has the best adult classes that you can join at any level. I had taken classes with them a few years back and I am looking forward to joining again soon!
Cupping & Dry Needling– OMG this is my new favorite way to relax. I have been wanting to try cupping for a while now and found Round Rock Acupuncture through a recommendation from a coworker. I had my first session a few weeks ago and I am hooked! For me its 10x better than getting a massage. So, this will also be a bi-weekly/monthly appointment I am adding to my routine:)
Spiritual Growth
New Devotional– Spiritually I feel like I have been lacking in this area. So, I went out and got a new daily devotional to get myself back into the habit of reading it every morning. That is just one step to getting back on track. I know it is a daily challenge, but I am excited to dig deep in this area.
Getting Connected at Church– Last year I made the decision to switch churches and I started attending Celebration Church in Georgetown. I really like the messages and more so a fresh start with new faces. But my challenge here is to connect and grow with a small group.
Mental Growth
Counseling/Visiting a Therapist– Ah yes there are many stigmas regarding counseling. I remember telling my mom several years back talking to her about going to a therapist and she told me to go pray. I’m like yeah, I already did that, but I still felt like I needed something to supplement that. So, after thinking about this a lot over the past several months I am acting on it. I am not entirely sure what this will look like, but I have reached out to a few counselors and I am hoping to get this schedule by the end of January.
Podcasts– I listen to what seems like a lot of podcasts but they each are released on different days so it’s nice to hear different ones each day. I feel like it is the easiest way to gain more knowledge or just be entertained while you go about your busy day. My current list of podcasts that I listen to are:
- The Skinny Confidential- Lifestyle, health, wellness, business
- The Morning Toast- Entertainment
- U Up? – Dating & relationship advice, entertainment
- The Influencer Podcast- blogging business advice
- The Petty Party Podcast- entertainment
Podcasts I am adding to my list are:
- Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard- entertainment, he interviews some amazing celebrities
- The Ed Mylett Show- life strategy, business, empowerment
Books– I’m going to be honest I am slow when it comes to reading books but I get audible as well as hard copy. Here is a list of books I am hoping to finish by the end of the year!
- The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
- Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
- Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza
- Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
- Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson (I have been reading this forever)
Career Growth
Influencer Business Program– The Visual Aspect is what I invest a lot of my time and energy. I finally signed up for a program that will hopefully transform my blog to a business. I’m also a few days into this and it’s been great so far. If you are a blogger and you’re wanting to grow your brand I highly recommend buying Brittany Hennessy’s book, Influencer, click on that link and order today. It will help you tremendously!! I believe the Influencer Business Plan is a course that will be happening in the Spring and Fall so keep an eye out. This is the course to end all blogging/influencer courses.
Whew! That kind of seems like a lot I’ve got them written down and out of my head. Like I said in the beginning, this year is all about what I can add to my life so I can Level Up in each of those areas. Believe I know this can be a challenging time for some of you starting off the year. It was for me too but remember to give yourself time to feel those emotions. But don’t allow yourself to wallow in self-pity and create the narrative for the rest of the week, month, or year.
Whether you have a word of the year or maybe 2-3 goals you want to focus on, Write Them Down! Writing them down makes all the difference by I think like 42% or something (don’t quote me haha). That’s a 42% chance that you will more likely achieve those goals and not forget about them. Okay I am down word vomiting everywhere. If you have a word for your year or a goal you’d like to share, comment below and let me know!
