2013 Resolutions Update

- Lifestyle

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Resolutions/goals … I’m not sure what to call them, but back in this post reviewing 2012, I also talked about what I wanted to accomplish this year. Most of my goals are an easy YES I’m doing this or NO I’m not… so it only made sense for me to write this to check in with myself and hold myself accountable.

I started thinking about this in Vegas with my boyfriend. One night before bed he started talking about all of his goals for his job and I was like WHOA buddy, why are you talking about work on our vacation?! But it makes sense… for the first time in weeks he was relaxed enough to look at things in a big picture sense rather than small project to small project. So it got me thinking and I realized that I was doing fairly well with my New Year’s resolutions (goals, whatever) and I wanted to reflect on these as well as look ahead to what I could accomplish in the rest of 2013.

So here is what I wrote back in December:

  1. Stick to a budget. I have worked out a budget for the upcoming months and I want to challenge myself to stick to it as close as possible. It is going to be tough, but I’m determined to do it!
  2. Physical activity every day. I’ve given up on working out every day, because I’ve realized it just isn’t going to happen. But I do aim to work out 3-4 times a week and do some type of physical activity on my days off… walk the dog, take her to the dog park, walk to a restaurant with the bf, walk to the mall, walk to get coffee, swim, play basketball, biking, etc. There is so much to do and I always talk about wanting to do more activities, so this year is the year to go out and do them!
  3. Research my future. If this sounds weird to you, it is okay, it sounds weird to me too! What I mean is figuring out what I want to go back to school for. I love school, going to class and learning new things… it excites me more than anything else (okay maybe amazing shoes excite me just as much) but I can’t wait to get back to class and learn some new skills! I have some ideas and would like to meet up with some professors, friends and peers to learn more about what I might want to go back to do.
  4. Network. Thanks to the blog I have been able to network with lots of people (love all you fellow MN bloggers, can’t wait to meet up again!) with similar interests and I love it! I want to continue to network, network, network and build more fun relationships over the next year! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!
  5. Dream Big. Because a dreamer just has to keep dreaming and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I recommend you do it too :)

Let’s review:

  1. Stick to a budget. I have been working through all of my expenses in an attempt to budget each month in order to save more money by spending less on unnecessary things. The Everygirl is a great place to find finance resources and tips and I have been using the Everygirl’s Handbook on How to Budget to keep close track of my expenses each month. I have done very well with my clothing budget the past couple months (see here and here) and hope to stick to that. I have had some expenses come up that I wasn’t planning on (needing a new couch ASAP, car repairs) and a few extras (updating my car tabs) that have made it a bit more difficult to put as much in my savings as I’d like, but so is life.  I have been learning from the first two months of this year and realizing it is doable… it literally is as simple as saying no to things I used to easily say yes to.
  2. Physical activity everyday. This was my way of saying “get back in shape” but I didn’t want to commit to a certain number of times to work out each week and not stick to it. Makes me sound lazy or that I’m half committing to this goal right? Well I am a perfectionist and I hold myself to each and every standard I set for myself, so to not reach that goal each week would drive me absolutely crazy. Physical activity everyday gives me a bit more flexibility… like taking the dog for a long walk or taking a walk over lunch. I have done well with this and I’m starting to wish I would have weighed myself before to see the progress. I don’t know that I’ve actually lost that much weight because I know I have also been toning and gaining some muscle, but it has always been about being healthy– not being a certain weight. I don’t care if I weigh 300 lbs… if I look fit and toned, feel good and am living healthy, that’s what I want!  I started doing the 30 day shred with Jillian Michaels (not with the intention of going for the full 30 days, but knowing I could fit 20 minute workouts into my days and getting a good jump start back into shape/working out) thanks to a birthday gift from my sister. I feel that my endurance has improved, I am a bit more toned and I have been eating healthier too, so overall just feeling more energized!
  3. Research my future. I started out really well with this, met up with a friend to discuss. I could be doing more though. I have a feeling I’m on the right track but I don’t want to make a mistake, you know? Going back to school is a big commitment and I just want to be sure it makes sense and is the right path for me.
  4. Network. I definitely need to improve on this goal. I didn’t even make it to an event at MN Fashion Week in February, which would have been a great place to network with others interested in fashion. I will just need to look into more events in the area and see what I can attend.
  5. Dream Big. Still “dreaming big”… always keeps you going during those little rough patches in life!
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48 Comments

  • Reply
    Rachelle
    March 14, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    great goals to have Rach, mine are definitely similar.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

  • Reply
    two birds
    March 14, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    i think just having these goals is impressive. i might have some in my head, but i think i would be more apt to do them if i wrote them down. that seems more definitive. you’re foing a great job…and if planning another blogger meet-up would help you keep your goals, i’d be happy to help! =)

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      I WOULD love another meet up! But I’m sure it is SO much work to plan! 🙂 Let me know and I would love to help plan another one!

  • Reply
    anngelik
    March 14, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    I love your resolutions! I need to work more on budgeting, but its so hard. Dreaming big I also have to do because sometimes my dreams don’t scare me! But I will work hard 🙂

    -Vogue&Heels
    vogueandheels.com

  • Reply
    Alyssa
    March 14, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    I think the fact that you’re working towards set goals is impressive in itself….you’re such a rockstar! I need to do something like this to keep me on track–resolutions can be so much pressure!

  • Reply
    Amy
    March 14, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    It looks like you are making some great progress. These are some pretty lofty goals and you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. It’s only March 🙂

    xo Amy

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks Amy! And it is true… it is only March. I just really didn’t put any effort towards my goals last year and I didn’t want to have a repeat year of that! But I do feel good about the progress I’ve made.

  • Reply
    Bethie the Boo
    March 14, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I’m ALWAYS down for another blogger meetup, just saying 😉

    I need to work on budgeting too and I have never heard of the Everygirl – I am going to look into that!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 10:04 AM

      Beth, ME TOO! Let’s do it 🙂 I know it can be a lot of work to plan and work for everyone’s schedules but I’d love to see everyone again!

      Also, the handbook has such a cute design it makes me want to budget. And it has been helping! Not perfect at it, but one step at a time!

  • Reply
    Emily
    March 14, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Love that quote! And love your focus on this. So driven!
    Isn’t That Charming.

  • Reply
    annie
    March 14, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    Such awesome goals Rachel…looks like you’ve done great so far 🙂

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

  • Reply
    Ashley
    March 14, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    You’re rocking your resolutions, girl! Budgeting is a skill I’ve tried to improve- it takes some effort, but is worth it!

    Hope you have a good weekend!

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

  • Reply
    Rachel
    March 14, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Working out everyday is impossible for most of us- so don’t be so hard about that part! I try to do it a few times a week, even if its just basic bicep curls while watching last week’s “Girls” episode (seriously, it’s happened before). You’re doing great, you go girl!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 14, 2013 at 12:33 PM

      Thanks Rachel! And yes, I don’t mean to be so hard on myself, but I literally sucked at working out last year. Just mad at myself for getting so lazy/sluggish! It takes a lot of dedication, so I’m just going to keep going!

  • Reply
    Jackie
    March 14, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    This is so smart to go back and look at your goals for the year again. I didn’t really make official resolutions because I know I would have broken them by now.

    I’m with you on the networking – especially with other bloggers. We love this online community and want to be a bigger part of it. We should do a link up post!

    xo Jackie
    http://www.FoodWineFashion.com

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM

      Jackie, I love this idea! We should do it for sure! It would be great. I feel like I have met a lot of people online, but it is such a big community I feel like it is hard to keep up!

  • Reply
    Ginny
    March 14, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    I love how you put your goals out there. The budget thing was hard for me prior to marriage, them my hubby really made me accountable, now big stuff like my Coach purses is only for Christmas/birthdays.
    Ginny
    mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 14, 2013 at 12:34 PM

      Ginny, Budgeting has been a hard thing for me too. Right out of college I found a pretty affordable apartment, but really hated the location, but this gave me more money to spend elsewhere. Then I moved to a much nicer place with all the amenities, but rent also shot up. I didn’t make room in my budget for this expense, so I was breaking even all too often rather than saving or investing my money elsewhere. It has been hard, but it feels good to save. And it is nice to treat myself or be treated on special events/holidays!

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    March 14, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    Wonderful post…I like your blog.^^
    Lovely greets Nessa

  • Reply
    Ashleigh
    March 14, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    I never made a resolution, but I’m inspired by yours. Unexpected bills do come up, so don’t feel too badly about those. From what you’ve posted, you’ve kicked your budget’s booty! I am going to try and budget as well. Now that I’m wearing all of this black, I don’t need new clothes as often so I can save a bit more and buy things I really love vs. just need to replace. Thank you for the continued inspiration! You’re the best.

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 10:06 AM

      Ashleigh, yes… unexpected bills come up… ALL THE TIME and I get mad, but there’s nothing I can do about it. It just means I have to be better about expenses like shopping so that I can easily take care of these other expenses AND still save money. And I’m glad I have been able to inspire you!

  • Reply
    Christy
    March 14, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    These are great resolutions. I feel like I make resolutions every year, and for the first few weeks I’m pretty good about trying to accomplish them.. then I forget and I end up making the same resolutions the next year. Blogging about it is an excellent idea! Maybe I should do that too… that way I’ll have it on file somewhere 🙂 As for your future… don’t worry about it… eventually life kind of figures it out for you. But if you need ideas on what to go back to school for, I would suggest medicine! We could always use more doctors.

    Have a great one!
    Christy
    Sunny with a side of…

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 10:11 AM

      Christy… you definitely should blog about it 🙂 It helped and honestly this was a pretty selfish post. Now that I’ve talked about it ON THE INTERNET its like I have to keep going and working on it! And funny that you mention medicine… the friend I mentioned that I met up with is in Med School and I have been back and forth on Med School for a few years. I took all the necessary classes in undergrad so I could apply if/when I wanted to! Thank you for your comment!

  • Reply
    Maya
    March 14, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Dang lady! You’re actually doing pretty good – I’m impressed. I’m still working through my goals too – it’s good to have it in the back of my mind all the time 🙂

    xx,
    Maya

  • Reply
    Megan
    March 15, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    Great goals, and great progress! Keep at it 🙂

  • Reply
    Julie, from prosecco to plaid
    March 15, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Great goals! Totally my goals, as well! Thanks for sharing…it’s motivational!! xo, Julie

  • Reply
    Emily @ More Than Just Dessert
    March 15, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    LOVE your goals! I also need to work on my networking!!

  • Reply
    Always Maylee
    March 15, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    These are such great goals and you’re doing so well!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  • Reply
    Heather
    March 15, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Nice work on your resolutions! I’m proud!!!! Can’t wait to hear about your decision to go back to school – so many exciting things ahead for you! And if you ever want to go to an event, you know I’ll be your plus 1 😉

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

    • Reply
      Rachel
      March 15, 2013 at 1:12 PM

      Thanks Heather! Yes, I am feeling better about life keeping up with these goals! And yay for always being my plus 1! 🙂 Got to look into some events here soon!

  • Reply
    Leigh
    March 15, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Great resolutions and I love that quote! Have a great weekend!

  • Reply
    Betina
    March 15, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    It is so inspiring to read your resolution–it makes me reevaluate mine too. Keep it up!

    Xoxo,
    Betina
    The Boyfriend Project

  • Reply
    Denisa
    March 16, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    That post is perfect. I like that resoutions. Have a nice weekend.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

  • Reply
    milex
    March 16, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    You are a dream.

  • Reply
    Diana Marks
    March 16, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    Great goals and I am glad you are trying hard to stick to them!

    LA By Diana Live Magazine

  • Reply
    respect the shoes
    March 16, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    It’s a nice thing to revisit our goals and trying to hold ourselves accountable. I did the Shred for 28 days straight a few months ago and though it def toned me up, I was actually getting bigger! I think I was building muscle under my fat, boo.

  • Reply
    Tasia of Ruffles & Sequins
    March 17, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Oh resolutions. I’m terrible at keeping them, so I changed my perspective of them to just make better habits and keep them. My iPhone 5 is keeping my super organized, and I got a budget system that works really well down. I’m glad to get those things sorted – now for the rest of my life ;P

  • Reply
    AJ
    March 17, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    Good for you, girly! I like your goals and congrats on sticking with them so far.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    lauren @ la petite fashionista
    March 17, 2013 at 8:53 PM

    we’re only a few months into 2013- i have no doubt with the focus that you have on your goals that you will accomplish them all 🙂

  • Reply
    ola munia
    March 18, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    love this post!

    xo
    ola
    http://www.stylesbyola.com

  • Reply
    Giovanna
    March 18, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    Great goals girl! I like how you’re doing a check to make sure you’re keeping up with them! Mine were a bit general! But so far I think I’m doing pretty well on them! I definitely need to network more tho! May snag that one from you! lol

    xx
    Giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

  • Reply
    ROXTHEFOX
    March 18, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    I nearly forgot about mine, and trust me, I had a lot at the beginning of the year. Mine were pretty similar, and if I was to do a check on how my progress is coming, I’d fail on all accounts. Sigh, why must life catch up?

    http://WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

  • Reply
    Rena
    March 19, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Really good idea to make a review – otherwise intents doesn´t make any sense and I believe there is the danger not to be honest to himself/herself! Appreciate your honesty <3

    xx
    Rena
    http://dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de/

  • Reply
    Rena
    March 19, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Really good idea to make a review – otherwise intents doesn´t make any sense and I believe there is the danger not to be honest to himself/herself! Appreciate your honesty <3

    xx
    Rena
    http://dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de/

  • Reply
    Brittany
    March 19, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    I love that you are going over your goals in March! Seriously, most people forget them come February!

    xoBrittany
    brittanykytecreated.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Kacie's Kloset
    March 19, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    Sounds like you’ve done pretty good when it comes to your resolutions!

    http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
    http://www.daisyraeboutique.com

  • Reply
    Nicoleta
    March 20, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Such an awesome post, love.

    Wish you a wonderful day!

    Lots of love,

    Nicole

    http://www.nicoleta.me

  • Reply
    Ellie: Where Fashion Meets Fitness
    September 4, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    […] with volunteering and work or just the mere fact I got lazy. This year, I have been paying for it. Starting in January, one of my goals was to make working out and eating healthy a priority. While I’m still not […]

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