How in the world is 2017 almost over?! While I have loved 2017, I REALLY love a fresh start! Lord knows I am all about new beginnings. I am excited about a new year because I know that I have the power to make it my best year yet. I have always been afraid to make new year’s resolutions out of fear of not following through, but this year…it’s different.
I am learning the power of life’s process. In other words, I want to be intentional and take responsibility for my actions…good and bad. This year, I am feeling super inspired and motivated to make 2018 my best year yet and this is how I am preparing!
Clean it out
If you want to remove a little weight from your shoulders, start with removing things you no longer need in your life. Ladies, you know that shirt from 10 years ago that you keep shoving to the back of your closet? Yes, that one- throw it out. You obviously do not need it. Clean our your car, your computer’s hard drive, your phone, and that storage closet that gives you anxiety each time you pass by. I have spent the past two weeks doing this, and it really does make you feel good!
Goal Plan
Forget the new year’s resolutions. Create goals. Chase and I recently sat down and wrote our “soul cravings” (one of mine is adventure…go figure), based our goals off those, and now I am working on actions steps for each goal. These action steps are practical steps to complete the goal and keep it from becoming too ambiguous. I have a bad habit of setting a million unrealistic goals and then getting frustrated with myself when I don’t meet them. Shoutout to my in-laws for getting me this Self Journal. If you are interested, this daily workbook walks you through tackling 3 goals over a 13-week time period. I’m really excited to try it out!
Reflect
I fully believe that self-awareness is the key to self-growth. Reflecting on this past year makes me squirm a little just because there were things I said, did, and even thought about doing that I would really love to forget. Facing the parts I’m not so fond of, and the ones I am proud of is important for me to grow. This allows me to either correct what I messed up, or improve and expand upon the things I did well. I’ve also been thinking about the people I met, what they taught me, and asking myself if I made a positive impact on their life. What did 2017 teach me? What am I grateful for? How can I improve? What am I proud of? Asking yourself a few self-reflective questions can go a long way.
Plan to try something new
“If you could do on one thing with the guarantee that you would not fail, what would you do? Now, go do it.” I heard this quote in a movie and it has really stuck with me. Many times, the fear of failure keeps us from trying new things. That is such a shame because I’ve found that trying new things expands the boundaries of my life and provides greater margin to really get out there and live it! Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Start a business? Maybe you have a fear of striking conversation with a stranger but always wanted to, whatever it may be, big or small, try something new and do it!
Hashtag Your Year (Find Your Mantra)
Author and entrepreneur, Jess Connelly, recently shared that she comes up with a hashtag for each year. Jess says she bases it on what she perceives God is doing in her life and what she is asking Him for. She shared that her hashtag for 2017 was #theyearwefunforit because she needed a reminder to keep pushing, running, and pursuing the things she was going after. I love this idea and am totally using it! After writing down your goals and coming up with whatever it is you would like to try in 2018, you may find yourself a good mantra to theme your year with. Once you find it, write it down, speak it out, and believe it to come to fruition in the new year.
Is anyone else out there excited for 2018? What are you doing to get ready for your best year yet?
Anonymous says
I love all your posts. I am grateful that I met you on 2017. You are a bright light in this world. Thank you for sharing your ideas and inspiration. Happy 2018 to you! 💕
Sunnie Cotton says
Thank you so much for reading them. It’s so good to hear that your writing is read! Happy New Year!
Jenifer says
Love! Love! Love! Of course this resonates with me! I’m so thankful for your blog! I never miss a post, and you’ve become one of three bloggers who I consistently follow and begin my day with (usually by watching instastories.) Thank you for being incredibly honest, passionately adventurous, and undeniably adorable! I love you, your hubby, and your handsome fur baby! Keep the good stuff coming!
Sunnie Cotton says
Jenifer, you don’t know how honored I feel for you to count me as one of the bloggers you follow!!! LIKE WHOA!!! Thank you for always being YOU and knowing just what I need to hear when I need to hear it. I love YOU, Jenifer!
Roxanne Watts says
I am asking God to take away All my resentments….good for Spirit growth, mental outlook and physical health.
Sunnie Cotton says
Love it!