It’s a brand new year! 2015. This is my favorite time of the year for self-discovery and growth and a time I look forward to because it resets all my goals. I’ve always taken the first week of January to really dig deep into what I want from myself and my life in the new year, and I do my best to shake off any disappointments from the previous year, giving myself a brand-new start.
This time of year is full of optimism and hope. It’s a chance to forget the past and start fresh. It’s a chance to look at your #LifePlan and decide what’s working and what’s not. A chance to set new goals, refine old ones and recommit to your dream, and the journey you are on to achieve it.
I started off this annual process by reflecting on 2014. By all accounts it was one of the best years of my life in so many ways. Not only did I realize my ultimate dream of signing a book deal with Skyhorse Publishing, I also secured a top agent, was on Steve Harvey, took my whole family on an east coast vacation, got a “day” job (my corporate job) that I truly love, ran a marathon and flew on a private jet. I mean come on!! And those were just the highlights! It was an epic year by all accounts. (Check out all the pictures on Instagram)
But how did I create such an exciting year full of some of the most over the top manifestations to date? I started off the first week of January last year setting up my plan.
This time last year, I hadn’t written in almost a year. I was inches away from giving up on my dream to become a published writer, and began questioning my dream entirely, thinking that maybe I was foolish and unrealistic and that I should just be happy as is and live a “normal” life. I was so close, you have no idea.
The thing that saved me was my need to follow my own traditions, and one I’ve always held close, is setting goals for the new year. So even though I wasn’t sure if there was any hope I could make it happen, I once again laid out my plan. Then I went to work. I worked almost every day until two or three in the morning on pushing past barriers that stood in my way. I created a new website, created a coaching plan, sent off my TV show ideas, marketed my story and hustled my ass off night and day. And looking back, all the amazing things that happened last year were the result of spending January and February busting my ass with seemingly few results at the time. But all that work, set the foundation for the success that I attracted. That success wasn’t accidental, it was pre-planned and expected eventually.
With that in mind, I’ve worked extra hard this week getting read for 2015. I know this year holds many exciting changes, but I also know that it will likely be my last year in “preparation mode.” It will be the last year I struggle as an unknown, and I know that it will likely be the last year before my life changes in a very major way. I’ve been working toward that end for four solid years now, and now year I am on the eve of everything changing. I don’t want to take anything for granted in 2015. I want to love all the moments that come my way.
This year I turn 40. It’s a big deal. Believe it or not, I’m excited to embrace it. I feel 30, but with the wisdom, grace and confidence that 40 has taught me that 30 never did. How can you be mad at that?
It’s crazy to think that this week next year, in 2016 I will be celebrating the publishing of my book #HustleBelieveReceive in New York at a red carpet event with everyone who’s featured in the book. Envisioning that moment is what will get me through all the tough times that will also come this year. It’s what will keep me pushing forward on nights when I want to quit. That moment is the one I am working for. The moment when I will have officially realized my dream. I know it will be here in a blink of an eye.
What is your moment? What are you working for and looking forward to in 2015? Are you living the life you always imagined or dreamed of? If not why? What’s stopping you? Lack of money never stopped me. Lack of experience, or education, or being a single mom, never stopped me. Nothing can stop you if you want it bad enough. Nothing.
Start today! Make 2015 your BITCH!
If you need a little help reaching your goals this year, I am offering a one time “New Year New You” special. One month of unlimited coaching for half the regular price. Check it out here.
Author | Life Coach | Motivational Speaker and single mama. I'm a chick on a mission to prove anything is possible for ANYONE. My story featured in the New York Times, Steve Harvey Show and NBC.
Happy new year Sarsh!