2017 Personal Year End Review

I know most of us are taking this time to reflect on what worked and didn’t work this year.  While also setting up a master plan for the year ahead. I’ve been through a lot of unexpected changes this year, had several great moments and a few uh-oh’s. Instead of the standard “Best of 2017” outfit post, I wanted to share my personal year-end review; using this template I found on Becoming Who You Are as a guide.

Personal Year End Review

Job and Career – I started a new job in June 2017.  I left a position that was very laid back, only to take on a job that is stressful and chaotic at times. Initially, I loved it but it became overwhelming after the hurricane in September.  There was a period of back-to-back disasters that had me feeling run down. I contemplated moving on but after having a chat with my supervisor and weighing my options I decided to stick it out.  I work with a great group of people that kick-ass every day and I am not ready to give that up yet.

While my 9 to 5 is solid my side hustles, or lack thereof, have been suffering.  I sometimes wish there were three of me to execute all my entrepreneurial ideas. I need to get better at working towards my creative entrepreneur goals. Which includes blogging for profit, creating merchandise/services and hosting/speaking at events.

2018 Goal: Create two additional streams of income

Health and Fitness – I won’t say that I’ve completely fell off but I’m holding on by my pinky when it comes to working out and eating healthy.  I was doing so well prior to starting my new job.  My current job is a further commute and I start at 7:30am versus 8:00am.  Who would have thought that 30 minutes made that much difference but it does!  I have started and stopped so many times since June but haven’t quite gotten back into my groove again.

2018 Goal: weight train consistently, run a (2) 5Ks under 30 minutes, run a 10K, meal prep twice a week, drink water daily, make better food selections when eating out

Romance and Dating – I had an entire series I planned to share this year called “Dating in my 30s” because honestly dating has been some B.S.  I started the year recovering from a really bad dating experience I had at the end of 2016. Instead of just getting myself together I re-connected with what felt familiar and safe, big mistake!  By the time my birthday came around I was dead set on just being alone and working on being great.  That didn’t happen! Guess who’s in a committed relationship??? I still can’t believe it myself.

2018 Goal: Create lots of amazing memories with my beau

Friendships – Is it just me or is creating friendships as an adult almost impossible?! Most of the new friendships/acquaintances I have are due to blogging.  However, outside of that I don’t have a BFF in Miami.  I’ve connected with a few people at my new job but I still don’t have that one girl-friend that I can call up on the weekend to have brunch with.  I am a loner and the absence of a bestie/squad doesn’t bother a much as it use to. However, I would like to connect more with more professional women.  Having those relationships would help me tremendously with my own growth and personal development.

2018 Goal: Network more with like-minded individuals

Fun and Leisure – The first six months of this year was pretty eventful.  I celebrated Kerrisa’s 40th Birthday with her in West Palm Beach.  Had the pleasure of enjoying a three-day Wellness Experience c/o AirBnB.  I co-hosted the Women’s Foundation of Palm Beach “PowHERful Impressions event, yes I am filing this under fun.  Attended my nieces pre-K graduation spend a great weekend with my NYC family in NC. Lastly, I had a great weekend trip to Tampa/Clearwater.

There hasn’t been much time for fun and leisure since June.  As a new hire, I’ve been limited on the time I am allowed to take off.  I am hoping to travel more in 2018 and make more time to enjoy Miami.

2018 Goal: Travel more and have fun!

Home and Physical Environment – Have you guys noticed that almost every area of my life that I have discussed so far has in some way been connected to my new job?  This one is no different. I currently commute about 30 to 45 minutes to work in morning and sometimes 60 minutes back home in the evenings. Ideally, I’d like to live 20 minutes from work which would allow for early morning gym time and possibly cardio sessions in the evenings.  There is nothing worse than having a chaotic day at work and sitting in traffic for an hour before you can begin to relax for the evening. Besides my commute, I am having other issues with my landlord and the management of the building I live in.

2018 Goal: Move closer to my new job

Personal Growth and Development – Completing my graduate degree is high on my list of priorities and has been since I decided I wanted to become a part-time professor.  Unfortunately, there has been no progress made this year with graduate school.  I did make time to search for a few scholarships but I haven’t really dedicated much effort to apply for any.  I am determined to not spend a dime out of pocket or on loans to finish the remainder of my degree if I can help it.

Goal: Apply for scholarships and start classes in Fall 2018

The Next Six Months

Over the next six months, I am going to solely focus on my Health/Fitness, Home/Physical Environment, and Personal Growth/Development.

Creating better health and fitness habits will lay the groundwork for everything else.  I am much happier and more productive when I workout and eat well.  I sleep better, think clearly and have better focus.

Six Month Goals – workout at least four times a week, run at least twice a week, eat clean 80/20, drink water every day, stop drinking Pepsi (I’m addicted).

For now, I will work around my commute issues by staying at my beau’s house during the week which is only five minutes from work.  I joined the LA Fitness close to his house which is not my fave but it’s better than nothing. Now I just need to get up and actually workout consistently in the mornings. I need to make hitting the gym in the morning the normal again.  I will make the necessary plans to move closer to my job.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to find a cheaper apartment or purchase a second house.

Six Month Goals – locate a new apartment, set aside funds for first last and security deposit,  new furniture, and moving expenses.

I have convinced myself that finding scholarships for school is next to impossible. I am changing my mindset about that right now.  It will be challenging and take a lot of work but it won’t be impossible. I am so anxious to start teaching and can already envision myself standing at a whiteboard welcoming students to my class.  I can’t reach that goal until  I complete graduate school.

Six Month Goals – Find and apply for five scholarships a month.

I don’t want to try and overwhelm myself by taking on too many things at once.  Once I have successfully made progress on the goals I listed above into my everyday routine I’ll start working on my entrepreneurial goals.

Have you already started working on your roadmap for 2018? If so, share some of your goals in the comments.