So I’m going to come right out and say it…last year was really fucking hard. In this past year, I started a blog, planned a completely DIY wedding and honeymoon, had a wedding and honeymoon, lead a team of awesome women, and got a promotion. While last year was amazing it was one of the most mentally draining just taking on so many projects in one year. While I’m happy with all that 2023 gave me, I am ready to say goodbye and embrace 2024.

With that being said, I want to put into the world the goals I will be working on for this upcoming year. I think that this year will set the stage for so many of the goals I hope to achieve moving forward.

1. Mastering My Finances:
   Money plays a significant role in our lives and can greatly impact our overall well-being. It is my goal for this year to really take control of my finances and work towards being debt free. Now, I don’t know that I’ll be truly debt free within the year, but I do think that I can make a large dent in it that will set me up for success. To achieve financial success, I have started by creating a budget to track my income and expenses. I am prioritizing saving and investing for the future. I am currently resisting the temptation to buy things that are unnecessary for me and working to save money in the process. By taking control of my finances, I feel I can reduce stress and create a solid foundation for my lifestyle goals.
2. Training for a Marathon:
   Running a Marathon has been a goal of mine for a while and I am working to make it happen this year. To prepare for this challenge, it’s essential to create a training plan that gradually increases your mileage and incorporates strength training exercises. I have researched running plans from Marathon Handbook and am in the midst of training. Given that I’m an active runner, I think this is a realistic goal and I’m excited to continue on.
3. Managing Stress:
   Stress is an inevitable part of life, but managing it effectively is crucial for your overall well-being. Given how stressful a year lats year was for me I am committed to finding ways to reduce my overall stress levels. I would like to prioritize self-care activities like taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and developing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By managing stress, you can enhance your productivity, mental clarity, and overall happiness.
4. Committing to Pilates:
   Pilates is a fantastic form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Committing to a Pilates routine at least five times a week can have numerous benefits, including improved posture, increased muscle tone, and enhanced mind-body connection. One of my goals this year is to get as healthy as possible and commit to a marathon. When doing this research, I realized that cross training helps overall performance when it comes to long distance running. I believe that by setting aside dedicated time for Pilates this will not only improve my physical health but also boost my overall energy and well-being.
5. Cultivating a Reading Habit:
   Reading is a gateway to knowledge, personal growth, and relaxation. I am setting a goal to read at least two books a month. I believe that this habit will also help to contribute to lowering overall stress levels.

Achieving a balanced lifestyle is a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and self-care. Remember, small steps and consistent efforts can lead to significant transformations. Embrace the process, celebrate your milestones, and enjoy the rewards of a well-rounded lifestyle. Comment below if you have any tips or recommendations to help me with my goals. Comment below to let me know what your goals are this year. Together, we can make it happen.