I know some people are not into the idea of setting resolutions or goals in January, but I LOVE to dream big! I mean, why not, right?! I may not achieve all of these things (though I have every intention to try!), but I think the biggest goal we can set for ourselves is just to keep growing as people and setting lofty goals helps me do just that. 🙂 Here’s what’s on my agenda this year:
Blogging
- Go to a blogger conference. Any that you all suggest? I’m totally clueless!
- Volunteer with Bloggers Giving Back. Ideally, I’d love to do at least five volunteer projects throughout the year (hopefully more!!) and would LOVE to throw a big event, put on by bloggers, to raise money for an organization. Our first planning meeting is January 18th (are you coming??) and I can’t wait!
- Possibly start other blogs. Because Crazy Blog Lady is totally the new Crazy Cat Lady. I love how versatile The Nectar Collective is, but my need for organization makes me squirm a little when I write a post on something seemingly unrelated to the usual content of this blog. So why not just make more blogs? haha. 🙂 I’ve got a couple in my head that I am really excited about! Right now it’s just about finding time to put them together!
- Double my blogging income. Blogging is ridonkulously fun and enough work to constitute a full-time job, but it’s not easy to make a living from blogging (IMO). I’m lucky to make any money at all from this ol’ sport, but I really want to put myself out there more this year, especially now that I’ve been blogging for 11 months (!!) and try my best to earn more of a living from this space.
- Get creative with the Creative Collective. I honestly wasn’t sure if this idea would be very popular, but the response I’ve gotten from you all has been SO AMAZING! It’s got me even more pumped to be creative in 2014 and especially to break out of my normal routines. When I worked at my teaching job, pre-blog days, I had nights free and loved doing craft projects in my spare time. Now my spare time just collides with business and blogging time and it’s hard to find that dividing line. I really want to do every project listed (and hopefully more!) to really get my groove back and separate business from life. 🙂
Business
- Create a foolproof flow and process for my business. I feel like I’ve gotten a much MUCH better grasp on running my business since quitting my day job at the end of October last year and have figured out things that work and help my business thrive. But I still have a ways to go and sometimes it feels like I’m just treading water. Just as it did with blogging, I know that with time will come more confidence and knowledge — I can’t wait to get there! 🙂
- Become more of a “go-to name” for design. You know those designers that everyone knows of? That have design blogs that lead the artistic world and who are bettering the industry? Well I’m not one of them. Not even close, really. That’s fine with me, since I only started doing this full time in October, but as I start getting a stronger grasp on running this ship, I want to grow and be able to help more people.
- Make at least $50,000 before taxes. Making 50k won’t make me a sugar mama, it’ll just mean that I can start saving for retirement, live in a nicer apartment, travel, and buy nicer things for where I live. It also means that I need to work harder and grow as a business woman and person — a nice tradeoff, don’tcha think?
- Launch special projects #1 and #2. I know, right? Aren’t I annoying? I have two BIG projects I’ve been wanting to do and don’t want to reveal them just yet (not really sure why that is…nervous, scared, procrastinating?). But I really (!!) hope I can launch at least one this year…we’ll see. 🙂
- Buy a new computer. My laptop is from 2010 and still works fine, but since I use my computer all the freakin’ time for work, I think it’s about time for an upgrade.
Life
- Take Monja to his classes until he reaches level 4 (the highest) of both obedience and agility training. He is currently at level 2 and 1, respectively, and doing so well! I think I look forward to his classes as much as he does haha. It’s fun bonding time. 🙂
- Consider getting Monja a sibling (but not until #1 is accomplished). The thought of having two furball children makes me want to squeal and I know Monja would be thrilled. Maybe at the end of the year we can make it happen! My roommate JUST got a Goldendoodle puppy, so he’s got a playmate for 2014 already. 🙂 She’s adorable!
- Read at least ten books. I started reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell a couple days ago and it reminded me how much I LOVE to read and how necessary it is to keep your mind moving.
- Travel to at least three states I’ve never been to. Particularly, I’d love to go to Austin, Chicago, Boston (I’ve been here though!), Seattle, and New Orleans. Omaha is a close 6th. 🙂 After doing my fair share of international travel these past two years, I’d really love to experience more of the states.
- Let go of people that don’t bring me joy or make time for our relationship.
- Come to terms with life in the US. Re-settling after living abroad has been way more difficult than I expected or than it was when I first arrived. It’s hard dealing with expectations of how my life here was before I left and realizing how much things have changed, from relationships with friends and family to American culture in general. I want to work hard to feel comfortable and happy here again.
- Start taking self defense classes. I am fiercely independent, so it bothers me that I have to feel afraid while walking Monja at night. I just bought pepper spray, but what I really want to be able to do if someone ever tried to hurt me is kick their ass myself. 0:)
- Work on ideas for a book. I wrote down my dreams at the beginning of 2013 and put them in a jar. I looked at them recently and to my surprise, I managed to accomplish almost all of them! But one that I made no progress on whatsoever was writing a book. I’d love to give this more thought in 2014 and at least have some ideas drafted up.
- Open an IRA account. I know, how boring right? But after starting my own business, being responsible just feels so good. Like, heroin good. I’ve never done heroin, but I’m sure starting an IRA account is the same feeling, no? By the way, I already did my taxes. I know, I’m insane.
- Try yoga. I loathe exercising, but I actually think I’d kind of like yoga classes. We’ll see!
- Go Skydiving. This has been on my wish list for years. I even had a ticket to go before I left for Japan, but the weather didn’t work out and I had to cancel. I feel like 2014 is going to be a freeing year for me and I can’t imagine an activity that will solidify that feeling any better. 🙂
I might be missing some things, but this seems like a pretty good list. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend friends and an amazing 2014! WE GOT THIS!
These are AWESOME goals, girl! I’ve seen a lot of hate on New Year’s resolutions, too, but I actually love them. I feel like you should have a direction in mind for who you want to be and setting goals gives you the framework to accomplish more (a very American mindset — always have to be improving and getting ahead, right? :))
Wishing you all the best in 2014! Oh, and definitely give yoga a try, I adore it (but I’m also a workout fiend so I’m not sure you should listen to my opinion haha).
Such wonderful goals! That is so smart that you broke them down the way you did.
-Alyssa
http://www.pinchoflyss.blogspot.com
I want to go to a blogging conference so bad this Summer. We might have to collaborate on which ones to go too, cause I also need all that help! I went sky diving. You have to do it. & if you revisit the Boston area, I would suggest sky diving on the cape. You can see EVERYTHING.
xo. Kailagh
I think Life goals #5 & #6 go together- I remember when I went through that. It’s hard when a country has changed you, and the people you come back to just don’t get it. I wonder if there is a community in your area of people who have lived abroad that you could connect with. Even now, years later, my experience abroad has helped me forge connections that would otherwise not have happened. Just a thought (because as a fellow INFJ, I can understand how it feels, and I want you to feel happy with your relationships post-Japan!).
I love that you featured two of the sweetest bloggers in blogland. Both of these ladies deserve extra attention. 🙂
These are such great goals for both your work and personal life. I’m sure I’ve said this before but you’re such an inspiration for following your dreams. I thimk you’ve done an amazing job making the switch between an English teacher and running your own business. Here’s to an awesome year!
I think doing taxes early is a very good idea. My boyfriend is a CPA and does mainly taxes and advises everyone to do their taxes way way before the deadline. I also don’t think it’s such a crazy idea to open up an IRA account. I’ve processed IRA’s for clients that were in their mid twenties. It is such a good investment and definitely something that will benefit you in the long run.
I love all of these goals and they aren’t your typical new year goals either. I am sure you will complete your goals and feel even more accomplished come this time next year.
PS. Here’s a blogging conference happening at Cedar Point in OH this September. http://www.bloggyconference.com/
dear,
i have been SO impressed lately.
can hardly believe how youre taking off like a rocket, making your ideas come true.
i will participate in as many undertakings as i can, you often inspire me so much.
because of your videos i have a huge crush on you and am officially one of the many who wish you were around the corner so we could have coffee and exchange ideas regularly. 😉
i wish you ALL the best, from the bottom of my heart, for your business and blog and personal life.
excited for 2014 on TNC. 🙂
love,
luka
You really have a lot of goals to accomplish. Good luck with all of them!
When you come to Seattle I would love to meet you. Maybe we could do a Bloggers meetup when you come out 🙂
I have similar goals for my design business this year as I will be taking the leap you have already taken come August 2014, it’s such a scary prospect but I have a good feeling about this. So I can only imagine how even more fantastically you will do!!
As for your blog, I am wishing you all the luck with your new blogs ;).
I always love the posts when we get more of a peek into your life and this one definitely satisfied my craving, haha! I think that these goals are fantastic and it will be great to read along as you accomplish them.
Two things that stood out to me as I was reading (kinda random things, too, given the goals listed): I just read Blink over the Winter Holiday and I really enjoyed it so much! And also: yes, reverse culture shock is tricky in that it doesn’t appear right away. And it manifests itself weirdly, in ways that you wouldn’t have expected. Anyway, hope that you can feel more at home and connected to your new location as time goes on!
Great goals dear! I certainly have a goal of reconnecting with you this year! And I wish I was in Cali so I could get involved with Bloggers Giving Back! ::Heartache:::
this lovely little day
I joined your ‘Bloggers Giving Back’ event. I think it is a fabulous idea, and I have worked with several non-profits around Southern California. I’m hoping I can help ya’ll a little. Can’t wait!
Love how open and candid your goals are! And I love seeing what your hopes and dreams are. Also go crazy, crazy blog lady. I’ve been tempted to do more too but I think I should attempt to manage one before breeding new ones 😉
oh I love your goals, my friend. I love that your little (dog) one is doing agility!! seriously the coolest pup around.
and thank you for your kind words 🙂 I get back to southern CA on the 13th so we can totally be friends IRL 🙂
A book??? That sounds like a great idea!
Try reading making sense of cent .com for how to make money blogging advice.
I’ve thought about doing agility training with my dog. Apparently cavaliers do really well with it and I think it would be a lot of fun. I agree that training classes provide a great time for bonding! I always enjoyed them. 🙂
I’m a non-exercise kind of girl myself but I do enjoy yoga..it’s just hard for me to keep motivated to go on a regular schedule (it’s one my goals this year). I recommend you try different studios and styles as some may be more to your liking than others..it’s surprising how different some classes can be. Also #4 I did a little write-up on my trip to Austin http://wp.me/p47aVP-1d …though I’m sure you will find excellent advice from fellow bloggers who actually live there 🙂 Best of luck reaching your goals in the new year!!
Great goals! Very inspiring. I’m a new follower, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know you through your posts!
I love seeing all your goals. They are so amazing!! good Luck.
I love your life resolutions! It’s definitely been hard for me to let go of relationships that no longer bring me joy, but it’s so, so worth it because it frees up my time to do things that DO make me happy.
I really enjoyed reading your list! I have yoga on my list as well because I hate exercising, haha!
You have some nicely laid out goals, nice work! My goals are all subjective, as in, they basically exist in my head for a moment and then they’re gone.. only to return when I have zero energy to implement them into action.. I think that’s called procrastination but I could be wrong. My main focus this year is to get organized, so I have found an online organizer (I dont like wasting paper) so I can put things into perspective – I’m a slow turtle in this rat race called Life. I really want to go to the SITS Girls Bloggy Boot camp but I’m an adult with responsibilities and a kid and bills and more bills – and trust me, these people really want my money so it’s hard to drop $250 for a tix right now. If you find something more affordable and in the Eastern Side of the US let me know 😉 Have a great one and best of luck achieving all your goals! -Iva
You could knock out the blogging conference and visiting one of the places on your list by going to the Texas Style Council (I think that’s what’s it’s called). From my understanding, its a really big conference and it’s not just for fashion bloggers or exclusively Texas bloggers, even though the title kind of makes it sound like it.
Also, I went skydiving the weekend before I graduated from college. It’s indescribable! 🙂
Good luck, lady! Go Mel, Go!
Wow! What amazing goals, Melyssa- I really admire all of the ambition you have!
I’d love to be a “go-to” name for designing, a girl can dream right? haha
Reading 10 books this year is on my list as well! Someone told me that if you set aside 20min a day I could reach it in no time..and if you hate to exercise then I think you would love yoga..I hate normal exercising too but yoga is so peaceful and relaxing.
I’m still in the corporate world, but one of my biggest mistakes I made was not starting my 403b retirement which is kinda of what I’m assuming your gunning for with your IRA. I waited until I was with the company for 5 years to start. I put in 4%, they put in 8%. The amount of free money I lost those first five years sickens me…. SO!!! I’m glad you opened an IRA and are on that long term course already, cause I started after you!
Melyssa! Great to hear you’re pushing harder than ever, you’re such an inspiration to me. And are you still looking for a computer? I am looking to sell my iMac!
These are some great and HUGE goals, but huge goals can be such an amazing thing! Maybe starting additional blogs wouldn’t be as overwhelming (on time if nothing else) if you got a couple collaborators who would supplement your posts on similar topics. That way you don’t have to be constantly pushing out content for so many sites yet nothing gets neglected?
What if you started a online book club for the books you want to be reading? You could introduce the book at the beginning of the month and then do a recap of your thoughts with a link up on the first of the next month accompanied by the introduction of the next book. Stuff like that is motivating to me, personally at least. 🙂
I think you would like yoga. I do love the hot yoga which can be pretty intense but gives you a great workout. If you want something more flowing and relaxing try hatha yoga first.
Hi Mel! I enjoyed reading your blog. Writing business plans should be the first thing to do, and I am glad it’s on top of your list. It is important to lay down your goals in writing so you can review them at a later time, and when your business is already operational, you can always revise it. The purpose of it after all is to help you decide and cultivate the key points that will make your business prosper. Iris
I’ve had your post open on my laptop for a few days now. I really like it. Great food for thought for my own organisation / plans. Thanks for sharing.
Amber at Adventures of a Rainbow Mama x
Glad to hear that, Amber! Thanks for reading. 🙂