Inspired in 2013

I'm not sure about you, but I'm typically not one to make new years resolutions, as when they come to mind I think of the first month of each year when the gym is packed with newbies looking to get healthy for the new year and the following month when they have cleared out and gone back to their non-gym-going ways.  It depresses me in a way, to see people with such motivation in the beginning let it fade and revert back to old habits.  So when a friend of mine asked if I was making a new years resolution this year, I immediately responded, "No".  "Why not?", they asked, obviously hearing the cynicism in my voice.  "I just don't make them", I replied, in my typical over-sharing avoidance conversation style.  This friend proceeded to tell me about each resolution they had made over the past few years and how they followed through with each, sounding so genuinely happy and proud of what they had accomplished, and excited to make this year's resolution.  I guess I had never heard the other side, the few that actually stick with it and keep their resolutions. It was refreshing to hear that people with motivation and determination were around me, I had just been making assumptions (which I try so hard not to do!).  And thus, I was inspired.  So, for 2013 I am making a few resolutions and putting them out there for the world to see, so hopefully I can inspire someone, like this friend has inspired me, to work towards and achieve your goals.

Resolution #1: Give Back
Every year I find myself wanting to do something to give back to society.  Whether we realize it or not, each of us is blessed in so many ways - personally, I have all my limbs and am not physically restricted, I have no mental disabilities, I have a roof over my head, a job, a car, food to eat each day, etc.  It is so easy to take each of these things for granted, and forget about those who have not had the same opportunities, or been as fortunate.  Each year there seems to be an excuse that gets in the way of me actually volunteering and giving back ("I'm too busy", "I don't have time"), but guess what?  Excuses can be made for everything, and I'm not making excuses any more.This year, I am vowing to dedicate a minimum of 1 day a month towards volunteer/charity work, and am truly looking forward to it.

Resolution #2: Get Out Of My Comfort Zone
I've been slowly reading the book, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, over the past year, in an effort to make myself the happiest I can possibly be, and have learned a lot.  Research presented in this book reveals that challenge and novelty are two key elements of happiness. Rubin says, "This is one of the many paradoxes of happiness: we seek to control our lives, but the unfamiliar and unexpected are important sources of happiness...The brain is stimulated by surprise, and successfully dealing with an unexpected situation gives a powerful sense of satisfaction.  If you do new things - visit a museum for the first time, learn a new game, travel to a new place, meet new people - you're more apt to feel happy than people who stick to more familiar activities."  So, in an effort to be my best, and happiest self, this year I am going to say yes more, take more risks, try new things, and explore all the different things this beautiful world has to offer.

Resolution #3: Dedicate Everything to My Business
A couple months ago I left my job at Dillard's as an Assistant Buyer to start my own personal shopping and styling business.  It was a tough decision, but something I thought would personally fulfill me, and a place in the market where I feel that I can bring value.  I've been working towards opening ever since I left Dillard's, but it has proven to be a lot of work, and taken more time than I had expected.  That being said, even though it is tough and requires a lot from me, I want to put everything into my business this year.  Personal styling is something I am so passionate about and if I don't give this my all, I know I'll regret it.  This is the year for me to give everything I've got, no matter how scared or overwhelmed I may be.

So here's to 2013, a new year full of opportunities!  

I'd love to hear if anyone else has been inspired like me and hear about your resolutions - leave me a comment!