I’m indifferent about new years. They don’t necessarily excite me. I dislike the fact that everyone waits for a certain day in a certain month to attempt to begin the things they’ve been wanting to do; but if it takes waiting around for January 1st to get you going, I’m all for it. Just get going.
Before Christmas, I was moving nonstop. I was trying my best to find a good stopping point at work so that I could come back feeling refreshed and not overwhelmed. I was attempting to find all of my last minute gifts. So last minute that I didn’t wrap them. I get a little over a week off of work for the holidays, so I kept repeating “just make it to Christmas”. Christmas has come and gone and I still haven’t caught a break. I filled my days up with family, meetings, reading and note taking, shoots, and attempts to scratch a few things off of the list of things I’ve been meaning to do but haven’t had the chance to. Needless to say, I’m planning on making the most out of the 3 days left in the year. Here’s what I plan to do –
Unsubscribe from Unwanted Email Lists
Over the past year I’ve obviously been in search of knowledge, ways to connect and opportunities to grow. That includes subscribing to a handful (or a truckload) of websites I may have been able to takeaway from. I’m unsubscribing from every single one that I automatically delete when it falls in my inbox. If it hasn’t proved itself as resourceful yet, it’s probably not.
Detox
Throw things out, including people. Go through your drawers, your closet, your bathroom and fill-up a trash bag of things you don’t use or look for. I had a drawer with 6 iPhone chargers that no longer work in it and 3 bottles of the same hair serum with only a few drops left in them. Why Courtney? Useless stuff needs to go, people too. I’ve left many calls unanswered and many texts unread, out of love for myself. Just like we let useless things take up space because we don’t necessarily want to trash it but it does nothing for us, we let useless people do the same. Clear up your space. Light a candle. Take a bath (I use pink Himalayan sea salt and lavender essential oils). Cleanse your energy.
Write Down Your Vision
When you close your eyes, how do you envision your best year yet happening? Write that down. Do you see yourself walking into a new office building for your dream job? Do you see yourself cuddled up with the man of your dreams? Do you see yourself speaking in front of a group of women? Or hitting fitness goals you couldn’t get to last year? Write that down. You have time to map out the details of who, what and how, but for now the bigger picture is most important and will get you headed in the right direction.
Get Organized
Go through that stack of mail and take care of what needs attention. Scheduled a doctors and dentist appointment. Take the time out to review your spending and get an idea of 2017’s financial goals. Find a planner that you will use consistently the next 12 months. Clean-up your work space and make room for things that fuel you creatively. You can’t get ahead in a mess. Set yourself up to move quickly and efficiently.
Answer These Questions
Because they will help you, believe me. What is my top priority for 2017? What do I need more of in my life? What do I need less of in my life? What is one habit I am willing to let go of that holds me back? What is one new habit I will introduce to make me better? What brings me energy? What or who drains me? How do I want to feel in the New Year? How do I want to make others feel? What is my one “word” for 2017?
Take a Day Off
And I mean one day. I got this from my auntie Oprah. When I’m doing too much (which is too often) it becomes less productive than doing nothing. It’s necessary to sit still and do exactly what you feel like, even if that includes doing nothing. If you plan to hit the ground running in the new year, press the reset button now so that you’re not feeling guilty about it later.
How do you prepare for a new year? I’m interested in knowing what you all really want to do and achieve, so that I can help if possible. Comment below!
Hey Courtney!
Love your steps for decompressing before the new year. You posed some great questions that will guide us readers on a road map of creating a successful 2017. As for me, I am really interested in improving my writing and expanding my horizons as it relates to culture. I love arts and film (and food) so I plan to try different things and tip toe out of that lovely comfort zone.
Of course I am anxious about the blog launch, but looking forward to providing some trill content for my audience. 🙂 That along with living a more healthy lifestyle is priority for me. (I will have to try those Cool Ranch Kale Chips LOL. Being a role model for my children to be the best version of themselves and give back is important as well.
Long term, I would love to create a platform to educate and mentor using my HR background. Providing HR structure for small businesses along with mentoring youth so they have the proper tools to enter the workforce. Besides book skills, do they have the professionalism and what it takes to create the right rapport. Feel me?
Looking forward to all your content in 2017.
-avid reader
Cassidy!
Hi Courtney!
I just want to say thank you for being you and providing us with blog that we can relate to! I have many things that I want to do and accomplish in 2017 but the most important is to start taking chances and say ‘yes’ to opportunities that will benefit my career. I’m learning to understand when God is ‘talking to me’ and placing things in my life. I am currently transitioning from the Finance world to PR/Communications and I have found it hard because I do not have a lot of experience in that industry but I am not letting it discourage me. Funny story, the other day I was having my usual morning talk with the Man upstairs lol and i asked Him to place opportunities in my life that were beneficial and I also thanked Him for everything He’s done for me. That morning I get to work, open my work mail and see a job posting for PR/Communications specialist! I’m applying for the position and praying for the best. If i do not get the job I will not be discouraged but even more motivated!! There’s so much I want to write but I do not want to take up your comments section ha ha…..again thank you for using this platform to promote positivity and great advice!!
Awww Naketa! Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s truly been a blessing to me to be able to connect with all of you. One thing to keep in mind when transitioning is to tap into your transferable skills. You’ve learned things in your current position, that will benefit you in communications – even if you don’t have communications experience. Everything that is supposed to happen will happen in its perfect timing.
I need to save this post, screenshot it or something!
For 2017 I want to drive more traffic to my blog, remain consistent with YouTube channel and walk away from my corporate job! God willing. Happy New Year Courtney
I have faith in you, girl! I was up at 5 a.m. because I’m planning on doing my first YouTube video and am having major anxiety about editing. So yeah… up at 5 a.m. Googling tutorials lol you will accomplish anything you put your mind to. Don’t be discouraged by timelines!
Loved this post! Will definitely be taking these steps this weekend in preparation for 2017…Thanks for a great year of awesome content!
Thanks for reading Jessica! I hope that 2017 is your best year yet. xx
Again loved your post. Detoxing your life is always a good thing. Thanks for sharing! Hope 2017 is good to you!
Thank you so much Shauni! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year. I hope the same for you! Thank you for reading <3
Well to begin, your posts are amazing – succinct and filled with gems in gems!
This year to prepare I split my year into quarters, and made “in my bag 2k and whatever” my motto. Each quarter is dedicated to bringing in my bag – color, style, contents, etc. I’m currently attending law school but my school is having major problems which caused myself and most students to have to transfer – so transfer applications are in order. Outside of school, my main focus is fitness and creating content on IG, blogging, and YouTube. In school, I’ve gained at least 30lbs of weight that doesn’t allow me to wear and do everything comfortablely – so it has to go! Before school I was in men’s luxury streetwear industry and loved it! Thus, I have been itching to add some new dimension to the overall white background, cursive watercolor script that surrounds those platforms. Finally, taking time to reflect is something that I want to spend more time doing- ensuring I use all the time I have wisely through preparing and reflecting on each day.
I want to make sure 2017 puts me in a place to level up from here, by ensuring my the highest intellectual mental fitness, ensuring my body is performing at its highest level for optimal longevity, and that I am financially in a place to create more memories, access and experiences for myself and those I love. Then on to 2018!
Brieanna, thank you so much for the compliments! It makes me so glad to hear that you’re enjoying these posts. Secondly, it sounds to me that you’ve got a great game plan outlined, which is the most important part. I know that it sounds like a lot to do and take on at once, but if you are strategic, you can certainly handle it all. I remember my last semester of college. I was working full-time, taking 18 hours and had a part-time internship. I don’t remember how I did it, I just know that I did. Especially because I wanted to do well so badly. I can’t remember the late nights or early mornings, or even feeling tired. I only remember the feeling of accomplishment. If there’s anything I can help you with this year, don’t hesitate to let me know. You’ll do great things!
Courtney thank you for all your advice and resources! I’ve taken the step ….long overdue but right on time to start my blog! You along with family friends and other bloggers have been essential in helping me realize I CAN DONIT!! Keep up the great work you’re doing an amazing job!!
Congratulations Brooke! There is no perfect time to start, all that matters if that you’ve started. Get it girl 😉