Wow, ok so let’s talk for a second about that last bit of 2019…I’m not gonna lie, it utterly wiped me out. The election was depressing – I don’t feel like many people bounced back from that in time for a full-blown Christmas cheer and Happy New Year… Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the day with my family and had fun at the gigs I played but I did also feel utterly drained and ended up sick for roughly a month. My body went into full-on shutdown mode.
I generally know that by December I’ll be on the edge of burn out so I try not to schedule too many outside commitments during Jan and accept that I’m mainly going to be recovering from the year and hibernating from life. I’ve got to say though, it’s been really tough to kick my brain back into gear this time. I had all these goal setting plans for the 1st after getting in at a reasonable hour the night before. But alas, a week-long migraine followed by a virus resulted in me only now actually feeling human enough to really think…but that’s ok.
As much as I can I try to be flexible in expectations of myself, so I’ve agreed with my overachieving brain that the new year REALLY starts now! I’ve got some exciting things in the pipeline that I’m hoping and praying are coming into fruition. Got my eyes’s on prizes and goal setting for the different quarters – Q1 is pure prep!
So if you’re like me and you haven’t managed to nail down the SMART goals yet, let alone start sticking to them, below is a handy guide my girl Esme sent me who’s also a life coach at Esme Filsinger if you want a bit of extra support – I’m going to be working with her this year.
I’m forever banging on abou the Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon which is incredibly beneficial as a freelancer. I started reading when I first went solo and have it on hand to dip in and out of whenever I need to get some perspective on a situation or need a bit of encouragement not to lose my nerve!
Another book I’m really enjoying working through whilst I nail down my goals and get a plan in place is Slay In Your Lane: The Journal by Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uvibinené. It’s a genius continuation from their original masterpiece – beautiful illustrations which make you excited to turn the next page and challenging, in a good way. I’ve found myself stumped for answers often, needing a moment to go away and think about things, ask opinions from loved ones and ultimately find a deeper understanding of myself by the end of it.
How’s everyone else doing with their start to the year? All hints and tips and books for my reading list gratefully received!
