It’s that time of the year again! And as cheesy as it may be, January is one of my favorite months. Not at ALL weather wise – but I love making new goals and re-motivating myself for the year to come (especially after the cookie coma I put myself in during Christmas). I’m going to be honest, I didn’t meet all my 2018 goals I set for myself (which is always a little disappointing) but then again, I believe that if you are achieving all of your goals each year – you’re probably not dreaming big enough! Before I take you into my top 5 goals for 2019, let’s take a look at how I did last year.

1.Travel to at least 10 new places

I didn’t quite make it to 10 because I ended up traveling to a lot of places I had already been, but I would still say I had a very successful travel year with some trips I will never forget.

Where I went: Colorado (Denver, Breckenridge), United Kingdom (London, Bath), Portugal (Lisbon and Sintra), California (San Francisco, Napa, Yosemite, Big Sur), South Carolina (Hilton Head, Charleston), Iceland (south west and Reykjavik), Mexico (Cancun), Ohio (Columbus)

2. Save more $$$ than last year

This I also did not do so well on because of the fluctuations in the market. Thankfully most of what I invest in is long term so it’s normal to have up years and down years.

3. Grow my blog and double my Instagram following

As much as I tried to focus a lot of time on my blog this year, work ended up being crazy and I lost sight of the goals I had wanted to achieve  – but thankfully it’s a new year and I have big plans for what I want to do with it!

4. Commit to having a healthy/happy year

I would consider this goal a success. Yes I had some bad days but for the most part I was better about working out this year (Yaya for Orange Theory) and not letting the little things in life get me down!

4. Read (at least) a book a month

I failed miserably! This is definitely on my list again for next year.

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My 2019 Goals

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1. Save more money than last year

This will forever be at the top of my list. Not that I don’t love working haha but retirement is something that I’ve been fortunate to have been able to start planning for and I will continue to do so – well I guess until I can actually retire (is 30 too young of a target… hahah).

2. Read 20 Books

Since I fail my “read a book a month” goal every-time I add it to my goals, this year I decided I wanted to try something different! I downloaded an app called GoodReads where you can track the books you read throughout the year and rate them.  You can also set a goal for yourself where it keeps track of your progress. I set my goal at 20 books for the year, which I know – is more than the target I didn’t hit the past few years, but i figure if I don’t limit myself within the month I might actually read more. Let’s see how this goes.. 

3. Travel to at least 5 new places

Lowering the number from last year with the hopes of kicking it out of the ball park. I have one trip already planned to Punta Cana and am hoping my sister wins her work trip to Europe so I can tag along!

4. Focus my To-Do list

I LOVE making lists for the things I need to get done, but sometimes I put too many things into one day. I read a blog where they recommended writing down your top three goals of the day and starting with the hardest. By placing more focus on my top priorities for each day,  I’m hoping I will have an ever more productive year!

5. Spend more time bettering myself

I’m not going to lie – since moving to Chicago I have been pretty bad about spending time in my day on things that really matter. My top two things I need to commit to are working out at least 3 times a week (mostly to counteract my love for exploring the Chicago food scene), and spending a little time each day with the Lord. A friend of mine introduced me to The Daily Grace Co. which sells beautiful bible studies that can be done alone or with friends! I ordered a few and will let you know how I like them! Oh and also working in monthly massage… because what would a year of “ME” be without that!

6. Make at least one new recipe a month! 

I love food and I love cooking but I never make time for it. This year I’m going to dedicate at least one day a month to try out a new recipe! 

What are your goals for the new year??? I would love to know!

Also – all my brunch pics are from the Allis at Soho House in Chicago! Such a great spot! 

XOXO,