1. Build a Longer Attention Span by Reading More Books

I used to read a few books a week. Once, when I moved from one apartment to another, I had large boxes filled to the brim with hard cover books that I’d read. Once I got a kindle, I started buying less physical books and switched to digital copies. The other thing that changed when I switched to digital books was that I felt empowered to quit a book when I realized that I wasn’t enjoying it. When I bought a hard cover book or borrowed one from the library, I felt obligated to finish it. Now, maybe because the investment feels lower, if I am reading and think it sucks, I have no problem moving on to the next one in my reading list.

How I’ll Do It

I’ll switch from my audible account to a Kindle unlimited account. This way I can access as many books as I want. I also have a ton of books already downloaded that I can start with. Do you have any book recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments. 

2. Build a Healthier Bank Account

In 2019, I was working for myself and used my savings to live. I’ve been working as a consultant for a few years now and feel like this is the year to plant seeds for a future harvest. After spending a couple of years building my credit back and paying off bills, now is the time.

How I’ll Do It

Buy No Clothes, Shoes or Accessories

I decided to do a no-buy challenge until June 2023. I love shopping. I need to stop though, because there is nothing left on my wishlist. All of my closets are overflowing. I plan on saving money by NOT shopping each week for the first half of the year. I’m giving myself 6 months to wear what I have and if I see gaps in my wardrobe, I’ll add them to a list and purchase them in June at the outlets.

Save Weekly Spare Change

I created a weekly chart of amounts to save each week of 2024 from $2 to $104. So, each week, I’ll pick an amount on the list to save and transfer it to my interest account that I don’t use.

3. Build a Thriving Business

One thing that is clear to me is that I need to build a business to not only supplement (and eventually replace) my work income but provide an outlet to showcase my expertise and get paid well.

I’m an expert in my field. But jobs really try me when it comes being allowed to just do what they say I’m being paid to do. It’s a combination of racism and sexism that makes them feel entitled to challenge my expertise. So, I need to build a foundation for my future self to thrive at work and not be reliant upon the ego and whims of insecure people.

I’ll wait to share what kind of venture it’ll be. Just know, it’s going to be awesome!

4. Garner Respect as a Stylist

I’ve been styling since I graduated from college. I’m the person that everyone goes to for advice about what to wear and I love it. The only thing is that I’ve been too humble about it.

I am going to stop playing myself small.

This year on the blog, I’ll be sharing posts about how to determine your style, the difference between style and fashion and where my style comes from.

I just know that the more transparent I am, the more respect and acknowledgement I’ll get for my skills.

5. Build Consistent Content Creation Habits

Be Consistent. Be Be Consistent. That’s the cheer every content creator has in the back of their mind.There’s not much to say here. Just do it!

I’ll make a note to check in at the end of March to share my progress. You all are going to be my accountability partners. Let’s go into 2023 full speed ahead!

Happy New Year!!

Lynnell