How to Pick Your New Year’s Resolutions

It is a new year which means a fresh start and clean slate. Like many of you, I have given my 2014 goals a lot of thought. But with New Year’s resolutions comes uncertainty and doubt. What should they be? Are they realistic? Is it even worth trying? 

I recently tried an enlightening process that helped me choose my New Year’s resolutions. I recapped my entire 2013. Before we choose the changes we want to see in the future, we need to take a look at the past right? This exercise made me realize how much I accomplished and how lucky I really am.

Why is this helpful? Because we so easily forget the good and tend to focus on the bad. You also find a boost of inspiration in yourself. 

Everyone goes through a phase where you feel like you are in a rut; nothing is new; you haven’t accomplished anything and everyone is doing all these amazing things except for you. Well I challenge you to recap your 2013 too – the good, the bad and the ugly. You will be amazed at everything you did and the changes that happened in just 365 days. It also brings to light the doors that were opened because of the bad experiences. We just don’t realize it because they are gradual and happen over a long period of time. 

To inspire you, I have listed a few of my peaks and valleys from last year and how they molded my goals for this year. 

• Tied the Knot – I cannot even begin to put getting married into words but easily the best thing that has ever happened to me. 

• 2014 Goal: spend more time with my husband. With blogging and work comes events, openings and extra curricular activities that are hard to say no to. I cannot continue attending an event every single day of the week and still have energy for quality time at home.

• My Grandfather’s Passing – the first person close to me that has passed away. One of the worst things I have experienced. However I realized how short life is, how little time we have and I need to focus on what I love. It was a huge catalyst behind the new social club, Garnish & Glam, I founded along with two of my friends.
• 2014 Goal: Garnish & Glam is only one month old. There remains several unknowns and tons of work to do. I want to keep at it and stay true to helping and inspiring other women.

• Cedar and Rush Blog – I started this blog in April which has introduced me to so many amazing and inspirational people. It has also opened doors to some new opportunities.
• 2014 Goal: Continue to meet new people and build the new relationships and friends I developed. 
• 2014 Goal: I want to start a regular schedule on my blog posts (same days of the week) and develop fresh content.

• My Hair – I finally found a hairstylist I love! Huge accomplishment, right ladies?

• 2014 Goal: Longer, healthier hair. I am on a long term plan my hair stylist implemented. I will continue to not wash my hair everyday, stay away from heating tools, use protective products and trim regularly.

• New Ventures – I have a few new opportunities in the works for this year that I cannot wait to share with you. Still finalizing the details so stay tuned!
• 2014 Goal: Drop the reality TV, going out and sleeping in and invest my time into new opportunities. 

• Travel – I went to Barbados, NYC, LA, Vegas, Nashville and Telluride this year. SO amazing!

{me and my husband in Telluride}

• 2014 Goal: Keep traveling. As much as I want a pair of those red soled shoes or a designer purse, I have realized it is experiences that make people happy long term and more interesting. So I will continue to invest my money in learning, traveling and bonding with people versus material possesions. 

So what are your goals for 2014? Did you decide to make any changes this year? What are you looking forward to?

Do tell!