Shop My Look:
1. Where do you want to be professionally by the end of the year?
At the beginning of every year, I take a look at the growth I had the year before and set a goal for where I want to be by the end of this year. I set a numeric goal that I want to hit and outline how I am going to get there. It is easy to say you want a raise, but it is a lot harder to map out how you are going to achieve it. So, once you have that done, raises don’t seem as scary to ask for! Secondly, I list out the tasks that I want to take on to show more leadership. If you want to be held accountable, show your boss the resolutions you created and ask them to schedule some check-ins with you!
2. Are you helping yourself grow professionally?
This is one of the harder questions because it often includes doing things you really don’t want to do. But, I challenge you to go to the conferences, get the certifications and read the books that seem dreadful. They make you smarter and more equipped! This is one of the things I admire most about Russ. He CONSTANTLY pushes himself further and is always learning. Lastly, don’t be afraid of side hustles. My blog, new endeavors at work, and photography are what help me feel equipped and talented. So, if you aren’t fulfilled at the end of the work day, set some resolutions to grow professionally outside of the office.
3. What hobbies do others have that you wish you could do?
Do you ever seen something and go “wow, I wish I could do that?”. Congrats, you’re human! But seriously, I wish I had 48 hours in every day so that I could have a million different hobbies. This year, my biggest goal is to learn video/video editing and shoot more engagement pictures. It’s hard to find the time of day to get everything done, I know, but set aside an hour or 2 a week that you normally spend on your phone and wallah, talent acquired!
4. Do you constantly tell yourself you’re going to eat healthier?
Same, same, same. However, this was a HUGE, I mean HUGGGGGE goal for me in 2018. I worked really hard to learn what my body likes, doesn’t like, holds on to and reacts with. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with it, but start small. Change your breakfast! Have a healthy smoothie each morning. Or if you want to start bigger have a salad with a protein for lunch. I’ll be sharing more this year and can’t wait to hear what you think works for you too!
5. Do you want to workout more?
Me too! I try to workout 5 days a week and then play volleyball 2 days a week, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Work has been so crazy the past few months that working out started to slow down a little. So, here’s to 2019 and less crazy days (….ha). If I learned anything from working out last year, it was that I was either going to go in the morning or not at all. But beyond that, I learned that even if I am tired, just going makes me feel better. I don’t have to sweat a ton every time and try my hardest, I just need to go!
6. What do you want to do but don’t do because it makes you uncomfortable?
Anything with making friends is my answer. Doing things outside the box at church. Stepping up at work, etc. But I challenged myself last year and got approval to start a company, made more friends than I could’ve dreamed of and built a church community I am extremely thankful for. So, do it! If it makes you uncomfortable, it is probably because it’s daring and rewarding!
7. Do you call your family enough?
I have been so guilty of this, especially in the past couple of months. When I get home from work, I want to make dinner and get settled, but then it is 2 or 3 hours behind family and friends in the south/on the east coast. But, every time I call, I am so excited to talk to them. I am super close with my siblings and my parents so I can’t go too long before feeling guilty. But, more importantly than anything, it means the world to your family, especially your parents to just reach out and give them some time each week.
8. Are you taking enough time off technology?
Oh, I am so guilty of this. I think California has made me a lot better because we are constantly outdoors and being active. But, holy moly, is it hard sometimes to detach yourself. For me, after a day of working in digital marketing, I enjoy not looking at technology for a while, but I end up being on it for other work, blog stuff, shopping, etc. So I remind myself to pick up a book, a paintbrush, go on a run, or anything to get my eyes off the screen. One of my goals this year is to read a book a month, so I’ll keep you updated on how that goes!
9. Are you chasing your significant other?
It’s a funny question, but a really, really, good one. I can speak from experience that is easy to get comfortable in your relationship after a long time. Russ and I have been doing this whole flirting thing since 2013 so we get it, sometimes you are just settled in. But, we’ve made a really big effort to take each other on dates, do fun things, pursue the other, dress up a little bit, and really chase the other person. And, it’s been a blast to be so intentional. Plus, on top of it all, it makes you feel so loved when someone is still pursuing you after years. So, give it a try! Plan a date night, surprise them with dinner, buy them the coat they’ve been wanting, tell them you’re proud of them more, tell them you missed them today, compliment their new haircut a couple extra times, or the muscles they’ve been working on at the gym. They’re little things that all add up quickly.
10. What’s something you really want to buy but can’t justify?
Oooh this is a new favorite of mine. Once I get a big purchase in my head, I want it a lot, like a loooooooot. Ask my mom, she would shake her head in agreement so quickly. For example, I had a new camera lens that I really wanted but just didn’t quite think it was the time to buy it. But, I wanted to get it really bad. I waited until I got paid from a special project and then treated myself. It felt so much more rewarding. So, my challenge to you is to set goals for big purchases and accomplish them in order to buy it. I really want new APL sneakers but I set a goal at the gym in order for me to buy them. I also want a new lens, but I told myself I have to sign a certain amount of blog collaborations in order to buy it. Lastly, (and most scary), I really want a car in LA. But, I told myself I have to make x amount of money before I buy it this year. So, I am working on saving up for that! Set a goal and beat it, it’ll be the best feeling yet.
What are some of your resolutions? Email me at hello@rachellaurenlucy.com or DM me @rachellaurenlucy and tell me what you are trying to achieve this year! What questions do you ask yourself when you set your goals?
Shop My Look:
