We are halfway through the last chapter of 2014, how crazy is that?! Time is moving increasingly faster by the day and my head is bursting with ideas, plans and hopes for the future. So much so that it keeps me up at night and has resulted in a compilation of lists scattered across my desk and notebooks filled to the brim with my ideas sprawled out in chicken scratch (I have nice handwriting and then I have “oh my word, I have to write this down before it slips away handwriting” – the latter isn’t very pretty).
I had the opportunity to talk to Ben Arment last week and the conversation between he, Sarah and I only fueled my fire. What am I waiting for? If you aren’t familiar with Ben or the book Dream Year, I’ll be sharing more later this week or next!
I’m no stranger to goal setting, in fact, it’s how this blog was born back in July of 2013. I’m currently working toward a list of goals and aspirations, but generally speaking, these aren’t as bold as I would like for them to be. I want to dig a little deeper and go where the stakes are a little higher.
Let’s get down to business.
Nicole inspired me to scale back and simplify things as we move into the new year when it comes to my larger, long-term goals. I want to focus on clear, attainable goals with the emphasis on setting myself up for success.
Life in general is strange. On one hand I feel more content and accomplished than ever, while on the other, I’m longing to do more and be more in certain areas of my life. I’m constantly thinking of what’s next and how I can make it happen, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous to put myself out there. Writing these goals down here has proven a rather effective method of keeping myself accountable so I’m sticking to what I know!
Stop spending money mindlessly. Just because we have it, doesn’t mean that we should be spending it. I’ve come to realize that there is a direct correlation between money and going after my dreams. I’m comfortable right now and that’s not necessarily a good thing. For me, comfort = mediocre.
While I don’t get fancy manicures or pick up a daily coffee from Starbucks down the street, I do love to eat out and it’s one of my biggest weaknesses. I recently added up what Pete and I spent on dining out during the month of October and November and let’s just say there is a whole lot of room for improvement. For the month of January, we’re going to stick to eating out only on the weekends and cooking meals at home during the week. I’m ready to kick the bad habit and enjoy dining out in moderation, like a normal person would.
I’ve also been brainstorming other ways we can cut back and after assessing our bank statement I realized I need to chill out on the late cancels for Bar Method – hello, senseless fees. I either need to learn to cancel on time or just get to class, which will help my mind and body, too!
By implementing these things, we will be able to save more than we are now, and hopefully this will allow me to eliminate the fixation I have on money and whether or not we would be “okay” if I were to put myself out there. Keep reading to see what I mean.
…my dreams are big.
Up my blog game and continue to grow my following. I’m beyond excited to be launching a new blog design with White Oak Creative in early January. I can’t think of a better time to start fresh than in a brand new year! There is so much I want to do and share with you all here and having a site that inspires me to write is super important to me.
I also need to come up with a system for recording money coming in and money going out when it comes to the blog. I’m a little nervous for tax season, just because I want to make sure I do everything right. This article on paying blog taxes over at The Well helped tremendously and hopefully you’ll find it to be a valuable resource, too.
Speaking of growing my following – I’m always updating Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & Bloglovin’ and I would love for you to join me there!
Develop a plan to offer my services to the public. I want to be my own boss in some way, shape or form. I have an idea of what this might look like for me, but when you’re talking about something this big, the word might is a red flag. I have a strong interest in social media and the important role it plays for businesses both large and small, but I need to hone my skills and really focus in on what it is I can offer these businesses.
So there you have it. A rather lengthy commitment to myself as we move into a new year, an adventure and a reminder that, there is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one I am capable of living.
I’m taking Nicole up on her Goal Buddy System in hopes that having a network of like-minded people will continue to push me toward these goals. I’m bound and determined to set myself up for success in 2015 and there is no better time to start than now.
What goals are you setting for yourself as we move into 2015?
Image via The Everygirl
Love this! You always have such great, inspiring goals! I’m sure you’ve heard of her, but in case you haven’t, byregina.com is a fabulous resource for your last two goals!
xo, Laura
laurasbestlife.com
Thank you so much for saying that. I haven’t actually! Checking her out now 🙂
Love the blogging goal. I’ve watched your blog grow over time- you are a pro at making connections and it shows!
Thanks so much, Rachel! That means a lot coming from you 🙂
Yay! Between Nicole and you, I really need to write down my goals for the year! I’m so excited to see all the things coming forward with you.
Adam and I didn’t eat out for a month, and our wallets grew and our waists got thin. I felt so much better during the month. After we started eating out again, restaurants and take-out didn’t have the same appeal.
Thank you, Lindsay! I read this stat earlier today, “42% of people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them than those who do not write them down. Telling a friend your goal increases this rate to 78%”….I figure telling more than one person has to raise that even more 😉
I’m hoping we see the same results. It’s out of control!
You are unstoppable! I foresee 2015 being a stupendous year for you!! You go girl!
I’m lucky to have such encouraging people in my life, like you!
This is such a great post Jess – and I can COMPLETELY relate on the comfort thing. To me comfort is mediocre, I always am looking for new ways to push myself and right now I’m too comfortable all around. Great goals for the blog and personally – I think if we ever met in real life we would sure have a lot to talk about! Also, been saving up for blog taxes and SO scared I’m not going about it the right way, thanks for linking to this article!
Thank ya, Rachel! I’m CERTAIN that if we had the chance to meet we would be fast friends! For now, the internet will have to do 😉 I’m always open to emailing back and forth to keep ourselves accountable!
That would be wonderful 🙂
Such great goals! I can’t wait to see the new blog design. I am thinking about doing the same myself!
Twenty-Somethings
There is so much that goes into it (who knew?!) and I can’t wait to show it to you! Thanks for reading Emily 🙂
I hope that you find small steps to take towards these goals! I am always great about setting them but not so great about the follow up. Any tips on how to see things through?
xo rachel
I shared this with someone else, but I just read this stat today, “42% of people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them than those who do not write them down. Telling a friend your goal increases this rate to 78%.” I’ve always said that putting my goals out in the open forces me to stay accountable. I hope this helps you, Rachel! Feel free to share with me what you’re working towards 🙂
So funny–I JUST heard that stat yesterday listening to the Amy Porterfield podcast on goal-setting!
Amazing goals Jess! You truly inspire me 🙂
Thanks miss Meg – you inspire me, too (hello, Wonder-woman)! I’m lucky to have you as my friend 🙂
Great goals! I’m hoping to up my blog game in 2015 too. I can’t wait to see your re-design. Following you on your social sites now 🙂
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
I can’t wait to share it with you, Jen! Thanks so much for always leaving me sweet comments, it means a lot!
I’m with you on the money, I need to get it together and like you said I am getting comfortable and I really need to up my blog game as well.
Girl, you’re game is killin’ it 😉 Can’t wait to see what you do in 2015!
I just love reading all your posts, Jess! I swear sometimes I feel like you post exactly what I’m thinking! Your blog has come so far since I started reading and since I met you back at GBS 2014; I have no doubt that you are well on your way to acheiving these goals! You are so down to earth and motivated I’m excited to watch you and your blog grow! Especially with regards to the blog redesign. I am in desperate need of an overhaul! Cheers to a wonderful year for you, my dear! xo
mysocialemma.com
That means so so much, Emma! I always love your honesty and openness in your posts 🙂 Will you be making your way to KC for next year’s GBS events? Bring on 2015!!
These are great goals Jess!! I can’t wait to watch and see what you do over 2015 because I know its going to be super amazing and awesome!! 🙂 I really like the no-eat out for a month challenge, maybe Eddy and I should try that!
Oy, just realized I spelled Eddy’s name wrong when I wished him happy birthday haha. I can’t wait to see what you do either, and I’m so very thankful we had a chance to meet.
Try it with me and we can keep each other accountable!
I know I am late to the game but these are AWESOME JESS! And I need to copy cat some of your goals – so excited to have a little 2015 buddy. I have a feeling something especially amazing is coming your way – you just kill it! Keep going and I will enjoy watching the success. And with Lindsay, from White Oak Creative, in your corner first rattle out of the bag – you are in good hands my friend. Thanks so much for mentioning me and the goal breakout is incredible. Now lets do this!
You aren’t late…you’re a busy gal! I’m excited that I have people like you to motivate me and keep me inspired. Bring on 2015 – woo!! 🙂
So proud of you, Jess! And I love how you take your readers along with you on the journey; super cool. 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Dawww, you’re too nice 🙂 How does a January brunch with KC Bloggers sound?!
I’m so down! 🙂
Such great goals! I’m working on setting my own for the new year as well.
xo Southern Style
Thank you! It’s so important to share them with people :0
p/s love that red and black dress you’re rocking in one of your latest posts – it’s so festive!
Awesome! You might LOVE the Chalene Johnson free video series 30-Day Push. (www.30daypush.com) I just finished her in-depth course called Smart Success Academy, but it was the PUSH series and book that did exactly that…pushed me towards really jumping in to my own business. It’s all about getting organized and taking the next steps for people who want to move towards entrepreneurship. Let me know if you check out the series!
Hi Mariah! Thanks so much for sharing this with me 🙂 I need all the resources I can get. I will definitely let you know!
So excited for you to get her videos! I think you two are a perfect fit!
I love the blogging goal! I learned my lesson last year, and this year I kept track of blog money coming in and out this year in excel. It definitely makes things easier. and I really need to eat out less too!
xo,
Angela
Don’t we all 😉 I need to get something put into place so that I don’t get myself into a mess!
Can’t wait to see your new blog design!! I definitely have quite a few blogging goals for 2015, too!!
http://baublesandbrunch.com
If you share them, let me know! I would love to read them 🙂
Fantastic goals! Can’t wait to see the new blog design!
Thanks so much!
I love these goals. So attainable, focused, with clear steps. Thanks for the inspiration, J!
We eat out way too much as well. we could be so much better. I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for us.
really inspiring to see how far you’ve come in a year and a half! I never looked back to see when you started and assumed it had been much longer so to echo everyone else, you’re killing it! good luck in the new year – excited to keep following along!
Thanks so much Kate! Having people like you following along makes is so worth it. I hope your holidays are merry & bright 🙂