A new year can be so daunting, right? We see so many people setting goals, planning big things for their businesses, working hard and making resolutions. At the beginning of my business, a new year was always such a tough time for me, because I felt like I could never get ahead. I felt like, no matter what I did, my goals weren’t big enough and my work wasn’t as important and my resolutions weren’t as impressive. But, as my business has grown these last four years and I’ve experienced more of these seasons, I’ve learned a lot about myself and about contentment.

Contentment is defined as “a state of happiness and satisfaction”. And, you know what I’ve realized? Contentment looks dramatically different for everyone. But I’ve also learned that contentment isn’t what LOOKS good. It’s what FEELS good. A beautiful Instagram feed, perfectly curated portfolio, gorgeous head shots and once-in-a-lifetime traveling experiences may make someone LOOK like they are living in a season of contentment, but I’ve learned first hand that what life looks like isn’t always a reality. Don’t get me wrong, those are all great things and things that should be shared! But I have personally walked through seasons of life where I was able to make my life LOOK beautiful and desirable and content, but the reality of my life was stress, anxiety, sadness and very little sleep. So I want you to walk through this season of a new year feeling encouraged and knowing that, if you feel like you are struggling, you are not alone. And don’t ever let your daily scroll on social media make you feel “less” or unworthy. You don’t know the reality of the behind-the-scenes.

But, even more than that, I have learned a lot about grace, unwavering love and the amazing God that we serve. My favorite verse that I reference over and over is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you” said the Lord “plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”. Not only has God perfectly and individually created us for a specific purpose in this life, but that purpose is for GOOD. It is to prosper us and to bring us joy and contentment. His plan for our life is far greater than the things that we could ever plan for ourselves, and we know that He does not make mistakes. YOU are not a mistake. The things you love, the talents you have, the things that you feel called to do and the goals you feel called to set this year are not a mistake. The business owners you follow on Instagram may be setting goals about traveling the world, shooting elaborate weddings, writing books and making huge changes. And maybe that makes you feel “less” because your goal is as simple as taking one day off each week for your family. Please know, friend, that the goals you are setting and the changes you are making are EXACTLY where you should be. You are doing just fine right where you are, and God knows exactly what He is doing with you. You are so much more than enough exactly where you are.

With all of that being said, I want to share my top three personal goals and top three business goals for 2017. I have loved sharing my goals each year (here is 2014 and 2015-apparently I skipped last year!?) and it is so fun to go back and read the goals I set for myself each year. This year, I’ve used my Power Sheets to help me set real, good goals for this year. I’ve learned that my goals need to be practical and attainable, and I’m so excited to share my top 3:

BUSINESS:

1. Revamp email marketing + serve my mailing list WELL. (Wanna join?)
2. Continue to pursue being an educator: hosting workshops, launching webinars, speaking at conferences and mentoring one-on-one.
3. CURATE a life that I love: remove anything from my life that is taking up time, energy and money that does not set my heart on fire (my word for this year is CURATE!)

PERSONAL:

1. Read the full Bible in 365 days (the Bible app is helping me with this!)
2. Read at least 2 books each month (Magnolia by Chip and Joanna Gaines + Make it Happen by Lara Casey are this month’s reads!)
3. Find a passion outside of my business (currently loving make up and hoping to get back into music!)

I’ll be cheering you on as you set goals + rock it out this year! I believe in you! XOXO!

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