There is no greater week during the year in my opinion than the very first week of the new year. I love reflecting on the previous year, fresh starts, setting goals and all of the challenges and opportunities a new year presents. It’s a time to look back and think about what I was proud of, what I wasn’t proud of and how I can take all of those jumbled thoughts and put a plan in place down on paper.
Over the past several years, I’ve stopped making resolutions and have started setting goals instead. To me, resolutions felt more like I was focusing on what I wanted to stop where goals make me feel challenged and excited for what I want to DO. I’ve also learned that I suck horribly at resolutions [come February 1st I’ve already forgotten about what it is I resolved to do] where goals seem to stay top of my mind for much longer.
With 2019 rolling into town, I’ve been thinking long and hard about a word that summarizes what I ultimately want to accomplish this year. In doing so, I had to look back at 2018 and really pay attention to what I felt like I struggled with or all of the times I caught myself mentally telling myself “I need to get better at this…” After writing down these things, one word came to mind and it has stuck – REGARD. Regard in the literal verb sense means: consider or think of (someone or something) in a specified way and as a noun: attention to or concern for something.
In being transparent and honest with myself, I have come to know and learn about myself that I struggle with neglecting the things that matter. My health, my closest relationships, work deadlines and the list goes on. I can’t count the number of times I have left texts or emails go unanswered, how many times I could have worked out but didn’t and how often something on my to-do list gets moved from day to day for weeks [or even months]. Is it because I’m “too busy”? Absolutely not, I have a lot of time on my hands. Is it because I don’t have an answer or know how to complete the task? 99.9% of the time, I am properly equipped and able to tend to the task. But is it because I haven’t regarded the relationship, the job or myself with enough respect to get it done? Yes.
It’s easy to find yourself in a selfish state of mind and I’m there. Here’s a quick look at how I plan to stay honest with myself and my goal of having regard in 2019 by asking these questions in a weekly scheduled appointment on my calendar with myself:
- Relationship Regard: Have I answered texts, calls, emails and messages from the week? Did I put Shawn’s schedule and desires first? Is there somebody I need to reach out to or visit?
- Health Regard: Did I do something good for myself physically or mentally this week?
- Work Regard: Did I do what I said I would/committed to this week? Have I shown our community respect this week?
- Spiritual Regard: Did I do something to invest in my relationship with the Lord this week?
Do I know I will fail often? Yes. But do I know that if I can keep this top of mind and ask myself these questions regularly I will be doing better than I am today? That is the goal.
1.State Asymmetrical One Shoulder Top [true to size, wearing in small] // Lace Bralette 
Democracy Skinny Ankle Jeans [true to size] // Lemon Cable-Knit Crew Socks
Speaking of this whole new year, new me thing – Lord & Taylor is in the same mindset right now with their New Year, New You sale which is happening now through January 8th! Take an extra 15% off regular and sale priced items, with code NewYear! If one of your goals for the new year is to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune, shopping this huge sale is a great first start! Some of my favorite brands to shop at Lord & Taylor are Design Lab, Lexi & Abbie, Sam Edelman, and 1.State!
Here’s to making 2019 one of the best years yet….
Lord & Taylor 925 Sterling Silver Classic Hoop Earrings
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
