A Vulnerable Look into my 2020 Goals & Resolutions

Miranda Schroeder

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There are a lot of opinionated people when it comes to New Year Resolutions. You either love them or hate them. I happen to fall into the love category.

However, I do think it’s silly to just throw some resolutions onto a piece of paper. It’s important to look back, reflect and assess where you are before deciding your next steps for the new year.

I like to set goals that are achievable and attainable. For example, if you haven’t worked out in 3 years, setting a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym 5 days a week is completely unrealistic. Start with two days a week and work your way up to five over the course of the year. Start where YOU are.

So, that is what I am doing as we begin 2020. I’m looking at where I am, what resources I have & setting goals that are realistic within those constraints. I used my printable personal & business planning template to frame up exactly how I hope 2020 to unfold.

Reflections on the Past Year

One thing I discovered about myself is that I am capable of letting go. Letting go of anxiety, perfection, stress, and control. I’m proud of myself for being terrified of my goals and dreams, but chasing them anyways.

I know myself more now because I have experimented, put myself and my work out there, and tried and failed. Every action has been a lesson and is propelling me towards what I REALLY want to do for a living.

Things I let go:

Things that made me happy:

I was transformed this year by hypnotherapy. It was a complete game changer for me. I was able to cut ties with emotions that were holding me back and keeping me in a cycle of stress & overwhelm.

Work felt really out of balance for most of the past year. I had my hands in WAY too many projects. Between my day job, marketing business, vintage shop and the blog, I couldn’t keep my head on straight.

I’m cutting back big time this year! No more vintage shop (online or in-store), less marketing clients, and a tunnel vision focus on the blog.

My Word for the Year: Unstoppable

I’m not letting anything get in the way of my passions this year. Right now, it feels like everything else comes before the blog. Not this year! This is the year to make REAL money from my blog. When I set out to do something, this word is a constant reminder to take all the “no” and push until I get a “yes.”

Creating my Vision

Words that describe the person I want to be:

To become this person, I need to keep showing up online and in life. Even when it’s hard. Be a light to others. Provide hope and inspiration. Prioritize my dreams even when I’m tired. Be loyal to my husband, family and friends. Focus on and dedicate time to my priorities. Say no to the rest. No turning back on my blogging dreams this year.

5 Things I Will Do to Make an Impact

  1. Community – Get more involved with a local organization.
  2. Family – Show up! Even if it means a 8+ hour car ride or a long flight. Just be there.
  3. Friends – Call and text more. Plan parties & events for getting together.
  4. Work – Keep speaking out about my personal struggles and hardships in hopes of making others feel less alone.
  5. World – Continue to recycle and reduce our waste generation

Creating my Vision

Habits to Cultivate:

Habits to Quit:

Struggles to Overcome:

Things to do This Year

Books to Read:

Places to Visit:

20 Things I Would Like to Do This Year:

  1. Move in the spring!
  2. Sell our house
  3. Pay off ALL credit card debt
  4. Travel to a beach
  5. Quit my day job
  6. Blog full-time
  7. Think about having kids
  8. Take a trip with friends
  9. Host a party
  10. Get a dog
  11. Stay in shape
  12. Make new friends
  13. Grow my email list
  14. Hit 50K followers on Instagram
  15. Attend a blog conference
  16. Save 20k
  17. Pay off my 2 smallest student loans
  18. Go visit my grandma
  19. Make 100k revenue

Setting My Goals

Here’s a a goal so big that I’m not even sure it’s possible:

My big scary goal is to quit my job, stop taking marketing clients and blog full-time. I want to make more than my day-job salary with my blog.

This will be the year that I… finally quit my day job.

Spiritual Goals

Start reading the Bible and doing daily devotionals. Go to church on Sundays. Start giving an amount that feels sacrificial in the offering.

Relationship Goals

Keep my marriage feeling fun and fresh. Remove the stress of money and debt. Travel together & get lots of quality time.

Family Goals

Start thinking more about having children. Get to a place where we are excited at the possibility!

Physical Goals

Keep going to CrossFit at LEAST 3 days a week. Drink more water! Get massages on a regular basis.

Business/Work Goals

Make the blog my number one priority! Maintain productivity at my day job. Depend less on marketing clients for revenue.

Financial Goals

Credit: Pay off our Chase card by end of February. Pay off our Citi card by July. Pay off Upstart loan by the end of the year. Sell our house & use the money wisely. Save 20k by the end of the year. Make 100k in revenue.

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Final thoughts, I am so proud of myself. I have grown SO much and in so many ways over the past year. I am excited for the motivation and excitement that the new year brings. It’s going to be a busy year full of adventure in life and business. I’m ready for it!

Download these Writing Prompts

Want to go through this exercise yourself? I highly encourage you to download the template and write out your responses!

Download it Now
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Photography: Sweet Lemon Drop Photography // Ripped Jeans: Target // Black Top: Express // Black Boots: JustFab // Hair Extensions: Salon West