"Without dreams and goals, there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here." –Mark Twain
First...CREATE A YEARLY BRAND - For you. You are your own brand.
I have been living by this principle for 7 years now. I know, I know; let me break this down. As I say goodbye to each year, I declare a "word to inspire by" for the coming year—a theme for my branding, which miraculously aids and mirrors into my every decision for that year. So that's my first step. My word for 2021 is REFLECTION. These were my inspirations years prior:
- 2020 - Vision - (20/20 Vision. Get it?)
- 2019 - Beginnings
- 2018 - Escapades
- 2017 - Glitter
- 2016 - Miracles
- 2015 - Sunshine
- 2014 - Love
Once I have my word, I theme myself out! Yup, I create a signature look for the year, colors and all. I LOVE THIS and have much fun with it. I used to do it all on my own, but I have since found this amazing "Instant Brand Blueprint " by this beautiful gal, Tasha DaCosta for less than $30! Check it out at Lady Boss Studio. Here, I get inspired by a signature look, colors and more defining words to guide my year. For example, in my Sunshine year, bright yellow hues dominated, while in my year of Glitter, Rose Gold and words like "bright" and "shine" set the stage. This is what my 2021 looks like: full of life, true to my core, and well-executed:
Second...GET SOCIALLY ORGANIZED.
Update your social media and post relevant content—both personal and professional, reflecting your new brand. When you have the above blueprint, the inspiration just flows. Set a schedule that you know you can stick to. If not automate! This is my favorite FREE automation app. LATER! Otherwise, you can think of it this way: when posting on a particular day, be true to that day's theme—and post accordingly. You would be surprised to learn how your following loves your consistency, clean platform, and branding...and don't forget your hashtags...
- Monday - #MotivationMonday
- Tuesday - #TuesdayTrivia
- Wednesday - #WanderWednesday
- Thursday - #ThankfulThursday
- Friday - #FridayFunday
- Saturday - #ShoutoutSaturday
- Sunday - #SundayDecorum
These are just my examples. You get to design your own! But, to put in perspective, say you want to reflect on "truly" on a Tuesday, you may write a post that asks, "The average person truly blinks how many times a day?" and end with motivation like, "keep your eyes open and on the prize - YOU GOT THIS!"
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Third...MINIMIZE YOUR PROJECTS TO QUARTERLY.
So much more measurable and easier chunks to celebrate. I do not know about you, but that "checking off boxes thing," exhilarates the heck out of me. So, instead of setting yearly goals, focus on smaller projects, one quarter at a time. As for me, I am going to only set my attainable goal to work on, from January to March. When I accomplish that, I will then formulate my next attainable goal to work on from April to June. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that everything can change in an instant. So, I do not know about you, but not much enthused to set an entire year's goals right now.
More importantly, design a timeline into smaller sections. First monthly, then weekly. So much succinct to reassess and adjust as you go along. Ready, set, go!
Fourth...SET A NEW TRADITION.
The word legacy was very symbolic for me as 2020 ended. Somehow, it meant so much more, as I witnessed so many dynamics change in so many families, including my own. I found it to be so meaningful to experience and embrace traditions, so I am convinced this is the year, fitting to not just continue to celebrate traditions of the past, but, be responsible for at least one new one. Whether it is an ugly sweater cookie decorating contest or sending out "Happy 1/2 of the Year" cards to everyone with a nice "Reflection." Live Fully. Live Truly. Live Well.
Fifth...SAVE SMALL $ TO GET TO LARGER $$.
In the spirit of a little financial literacy, below is a very doable and neat idea I found about 4 years ago. How much money do you think you will have by Christmas by saving small? By saving the amount equal to the week number —WEEKLY? Here is what it looks like:
- Week 1 - $1
- Week 2 - $2
- Week 23 - $23
- Week 46 - $46
- and so on...
The answer is $1,378. Impressive, right? OK, have fun with it and start the youngins early! They will love it too.
"Happy New Year!"