New Year, New Goals

The gyms are full, organic food is flying off the shelves, and big goals have been set; this could only mean one thing... it's a new year! Welcome to the next decade! In 2019, I slacked off quite a bit when it came to LIV in Style, however, in this new year I plan to be more active. I have set some major goals for myself in 2020, one of them being to grow my blog further. I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has stuck around and continued to read my posts, it means the world to me! I can't wait to leap into this new decade with you all, and keep LIVing in Style.

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As we all know, it is tradition to set goals for yourself in the new year, and to make little promises or resolutions to yourself to achieve as the year goes on. There is no wrong way to do this, but there is a way to make this whole goal setting thing a little more satisfying in the end.

Cheat the system

Crossing an item off a hefty list of to-do's always feels good, so why not add goals you know you will achieve to that list? For example, this year I intend to apply to business school at my university. Whether I get in is uncertain, however, what I do know is I will apply. By adding this task to my 2020 laundry list I already have something I know I can cross off.

Now it's your turn, think about something you have planned in the new year (a deadline, event, big test, etc.) and write it on your personal list. When the inevitable event passes you have something to cross off, and one of your goals will be completed.

Make it quantitative

If the goal you have in mind is a little lofty, put a number to it. Instead of saying "I will work out more," change it to "I will work out 3 times a week." By doing this you are transforming a vague goal into a more meaningful one. This method also works for things you want to try to do less. A common goal many people try to achieve is increased productivity. If you are anything like me and love to watch Netflix and YouTube, try to set a goal limiting your screen-time. For instance, reserve your favorite series bingeing for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights or set time limits during the week on your phone usage. This is a sure way to increase your productivity in 2020.

Don't forget to dream

New Year’s resolutions wouldn't be the same without the larger goals we set for ourselves. What's amazing about 2020 is that it's the start of a new decade. Set that goal you've been yearning to speak into existence and tackle it! For myself, it's been a dream of mine to start my own business. In the next ten years I hope to achieve this massive goal by working on it little by little, starting with progress in 2020, and hopefully seeing something I can be proud of in 2030.

Big goals with loose outlines are also fun to set. Contrary to "Make it quantitative" setting goals without a template can be very powerful. This could be an effort to be more kind to strangers, to be more spontaneous, to allow yourself to make mistakes, to stop and smell the flowers, to let loose, and anything else you've wanted to set in motion in the new year. These goals are harder to keep in check, but they always find a way to linger in the back of your mind and might change your day for the better.

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I'm no psychic but... I've got a very good feeling about this year. I wish all of you health and happiness in this new year, and encourage you to welcome new opportunities with open arms, and to always LIV in Style.

Well as it turns out, I unintentionally wore the same shirt two years in a row. Can you guess which one is 2020 and which is 2019? (Hint: 2020 has way better editing and a more sophisticated background)