NYE Resolutions Check In

As we are closing out the first month of 2017, I wanted to check in on my New Years Resolution progress to hold myself accountable. This year, I tried to make one goal for different areas of my life. I always focus on making sure my goals are measurable and attainable.

1. Faith // Go to church at least once a month 

Last year I made a similar goal, but as terrible as it sounds my weekends were always so unpredictable that I failed pretty miserably. I revised my goal to only at least once a month to prevent overcommitting if things come up on the weekends. Last Sunday I went to Buckhead Church with my friend Jackie and her mom and had an awesome service by Andy Stanley!

2. Knowledge // Read at least 4 new books this year

I absolutely love to read, but I can get in a rut of not making time for it. This year I have made it a priority and am trying to go to bed a little earlier than normal to allow 20-30 minutes of quiet reading time to wrap up the day. Earlier this month, I finished reading my first book of the year, "Truly Madly Guilty". Next up is Emily Giffin's (one of my all time favorite authors) newest book, "First Comes Love."

3. Habits // Call a close family member/friend every 2 weeks

It is so easy to get busy and forget to call and catch up with extended family members or close friends. I have set a reminder in my phone each week to call a loved one. Since I have a pretty regular schedule every Wednesday, I set the reminder to go off during a time I am usually in my car driving around town. It's amazing how just one quick phone call can make someone's day (and especially mine)!

4. Lifestyle // Try a new restaurant once a month

One thing that I love about living in Atlanta is all the amazing restaurants! It can get easy to stick to our tried and true favorites when going out to dinner, so I wanted to make a goal to branch out and try new places! One of the new restaurants I visited this month was The Optimist. Known for their amazing seafood, they have an awesome bar and atmosphere that is perfect for a date night or dinner with the fam! Not to mention it is owned by one of my favorite Atlantan restaurateur's, Ford Fry.

5. Health // Be consistent with a skincare regimen

It's never too early (or I guess late in my case!) to start a skincare regimen. While I am still researching and experimenting with exactly which products I want to consistently use, I have regularly started using a night cream and plan to book my absolute favorite facial at Exhale Spa next month. Here are some products I am looking forward to try. 

R-L: Drunk Elephant Eye Serum // Ole Henriksen Truth Serum // Dermalogica Cleanser // First Aid Beauty Moisturizer

6. Work // Work smarter, not harder (bring less work home)

It is SO easy for me to get in a routine of bringing my graded papers, plans, etc. home after a days work and continue my work on the couch. However, this month I have focused on getting things done at the end of the day before I leave and keeping more of my work at school. This allows my mind to be more present on other important things and have more time for myself when I'm off the clock. One month in and I have noticed less stress and more excitement about having plans on the weekdays!

Here's to 11 more months towards a better me! :)