Photos by Victoria Jane Photography

I'm a planner, a list-maker, and you're right to assume I make it a priority to sit down and make my list of New Year's Resolutions... or rather my 'Goals of 2017'. Thinking back two years, 2015 was the year of transformation - the year I made big changes in my life, which set my path into motion. 2016 has been all about the aftermath of that transformation - planting the seeds and building out the foundation. Now, this bright & shiny new year - 2017 - is firmly focused ontakingaction. This will be a pivotal year, I can feel it!

I can't believe I still remember this, but a few years ago, I read about lululemon's goal setting worksheet. It still resonates with me today, because it helped me plot out my goals in a way that made them actionable. Photo of my worksheet in progress below:

Here are 5 key takeaways to help you dream big and meet your goals this upcoming year!

1. Write it down.

Go old school and write it down with pen and paper. I love breaking in a brand new notebook at the start of a fresh year. Studies show you process more when you handwrite it versus type it [source]. I make all of my lists on paper, and I do think this is one of the reasons why I am very well-organized. By physically checking something off my list, my tasks feel accomplished one by one.

2. Make it quantifiable.

So, rather than say: Teach more yoga this year. I will rephrase it as: Teach yoga 3-5 times a week. This turns it into a specific, quantifiable action. But, that's not all... read on.

3. Give it a deadline.

Adding on to my last point, you should also give your goal a deadline. So, my final handwritten goal will be: Teach yoga 3-5 times a week by the end of 2017. When you give yourself a deadline, you're more likely to push yourself harder to reach that goal. It's fine if you are halfway through the year and you realize the deadline you gave yourself is a bit of stretch - then re-evaluate. At least you are working towards something with an end date.

4. Share it aloud.

Hold yourself accountable by sharing it aloud with your friends or family. I'm hosting a New Year's Resolution party at my place, so all of my girlfriends can come together and share goals + resolutions aloud. I think verbally expressing your dreams makes it feel that much more real and achievable. It makes you feel like you're on the path to manifesting those dreams, and your friends may even have some input to help you take those first few steps.

5. Keep it visible.

Keep your goals somewhere you won't forget about it. I like to look back on my goals every other week or at least once a month to check in with myself. There are certain goals I need to accomplish earlier in the year in order to achieve the bigger goals later in the year. So, keeping it visible helps me remember what's coming up.

- & ENJOY LIFE -

Just remember, we are all human - we are not superhuman. Push yourself and strive to be better, but also remember to enjoy life and not take it too seriously! At the end of the day, we all just want to love and be loved in return, right? When I feel overwhelmed that's what I remind myself. We are all trying to make money and make a living, but everyone's definition of success is personal, valid, and unique. Big money & a fancy job title does not have to equal success. It might for some - and that's okay. To me, success is love & happiness. Whatever your definition is just be sure to enjoy the journey.

What a year it has been! I am so, so grateful for the whirlwind of incredible experiences 2016 has brought to me, and for all of the amazing people I've connected with through the internet. Thank you all for the endless support and for giving a damn about what I write. There is no better feeling.

Cheers to 2017!!!

Photos by Victoria Jane Photography | @vmorris41

*Note: This post was sponsored by lululemon. All thoughts and opinions are completely (and always will be) my own. Thank you for your continued support, and for allowing me to write authentic content that I strongly believe in ! x Jules