Year in Review 2019

Hello! It’s January 21, 2020. A year and two days ago, I formally published the site you’re now reading, where I revealed a blog featuring a mighty list of 19 goals, a list of services including free coaching sessions and options for 19 people, a handful of testimonials… and one ambitious yet optimistic kid on the front-end (me) and another excited but nervous kid on the back-end (my brother). In the 367 days since first publishing, I have not nailed every one of my 19 goals. I did not coach 19 people via website referral. And I still have not updated my testimonials page. But I have done a lot in 2019.

And I’m excited for 2020. You’ve probably read a lot of annual reviews by now. It’s no longer the second day of January. It’s not even the second week. So why am I writing now? In 2020, I’m now focused on 10 values-based goals for the year, leading to my favorite type A phrase: 10 out of 10. I think I waited to publish because life happens, and I needed to give myself time off to really think about how my life and life philosophies have shifted in the year. Certainly, the still-creeping perfectionist in me won the day, repeatedly, and having this in a “done” column matters more than the “to do” in my endless list. It’s probably some combination of all of these.

So, without pouring over each goal for 2019, here’s my annual review for 2019, based on my life’s values. If you’re curious about what I wanted to accomplish in 2019, read my 19 goals for 2019 blog post here. My goal for this annual review is to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m adjusting in 2020. That’s where the learning, changing, and therefore progress comes in.

Creative Goals

When I first started blogging, I did not consider WordPress a top skill. Though I’ve helped many organizations re-brand, such as updating website layouts, implementing SEO, and writing copy and content, WordPress still intimidated me. It’s a blank canvas, just like a lined notebook. But as I learned about templates, that some are clean in look and free, I grew less wary, and even started creating an outline for most posts. 3 main points. 2 paragraphs per point.

But my goal wasn’t simply to publish. It was to blog weekly. I initially let this goal go after the server went kaput-ski. Then one week off led to another. I had to let this goal go, not just because of tech issues, but because I realized my writing was getting too formulaic, instead of heartful or insightful. I philosophize freely here. And I learned there’s no shame in NOT SHARING, or waiting to share until I’m ready. So, even though I didn’t even hit 50 posts in 2019, I am applying what I’ve learned. By considering the deeper implications (values) of physical tasks (goals), the work of producing feels worthwhile. I’d rather write 1 quality peace, rich with new advice, humor, and understanding, then some half-considered, pop-inspired post.

I want to be honest. Looking back, so many of my blog posts read like guides. There’s a time and a place for advice. But is anyone listening? Is the advice for me first, then the presumed issues of my readers? So this is something I’m adjusting in 2020: label guide-based posts clearly, create a completely differently look for guides, or even have guides be available on a different platform or webpage, perhaps by purchase or download. That way, my readers can learn through practical application by writing and reflecting, not simply reading, if they so choose.

Exploring Goals

Ah, these exploring goals were fun to write. And, when practiced, they were fun to do. The reality though? At the time of writing this annual review, I have only had my driver’s license for less than 2 years (I passed the test after college graduation). I didn’t succeed in every goal but wanted to use 2019 as a way of understanding self and social navigation. So many of my friends live within a few hours of me, and the car provided new-found freedom.

But I did make so many re-connections, and setting my own schedule outside of work helped a lot. My long-lost pen pal is now one of my best friends, and we’re trekking to Chicago and Ohio in the next few months. A good friend of mine, Andrea of Field Day Nature, constantly inspires me to have big and little adventures, and we just went hiking this weekend. My boyfriend and I constantly try new food-beverage combinations, concert venues, and coffee shoppes.

My exploring goals in 2020 include escaping my four walls but embracing them after I return. Seem contradictory? It’s not. I want to adjust my 2019 goals by planning more trips with friends and letting my home become second homes for friends (even for just a day!) as they explore new places, too. I’ve hosted friends before the blog, and it is a wonderful feeling to share a space with someone when boundaries are known, and goals are shared.

Learning Goals

I love learning, but I can see a huge discrepancy of what I wanted to learn (like physical products, such as beer-making) and what I actually learned (mental philosophies that often result in physical change, like essentialism and minimalism working hand-in-hand) in 2019. I learned I love to habit-stack, and have been doing that before I knew there was an “official” term for it. You can thank James Clear for that. Habit-stacking has allowed me to use my time efficiently. I’m constantly reminded why I value good work: it’s meaningful if it impacts self and others, but the work hopefully makes life easier. Life is hard.

I also realized I had to un-learn certain identities or at least not weigh them so heavily if I missed a goal. I did not read and review 36 books in 2019. When I truly considered blogging about the books, I had to be careful and not quote. I couldn’t take pictures either. But they were fun to write because I’ve associated myself with the “reader” identity my entire life. And so I am adjusting in 2020 by not participating in Goodreads’ self-challenge.

And for those other learning goals? I always want to be learning, but my knowledge isn’t always acquired from the typical classroom. Sure, I’d like to get back to the dance floor. Improv still intrigues me. So does slam. But just being open to all sources of knowledge, right now through podcasts and an occasional book, is more important than paying to play. So I still have general learning goals. And 1 specific, (so far) successful learning goal: creating a more plants-based diet.

Moving Goals

Ah, finally some positives of what went well in 2019! Just kidding, last year was intense but still very much habits-based. One thing that worked very well was not only regular gym visits but also tracking each of my work-outs. Maybe it’s that machines are easy to track. So are reps. So is mile-time.

But why were these goals seemingly easier than others? Besides not competing in a race, I was motivated by my developments, and not showing up to the gym (or my calendar to track my miles) became harder than showing up. The environment was specific and conducive to my growth, as an individual who values physical and mental strength. No one taught me how to properly create a gym habit. It’s a self-driven goal and reinforced lesson, for and by myself.

So now that I associate with “gym rat” as an identity, that’s not going away any time soon. Therefore, my updates for 2020 are to keep moving and to learn when to stop moving. When the people, places, or ideas are not conducive to my goals, values, or life in general, I move on. This leaves room for inevitable change.

Serving Goals

Just like my moving goals, this category is really important to me because a legacy can be formed by touching the lives of others! I did in fact volunteer at the pantry almost every month or at least served the organization in some capacity every few weeks, such as website maintenance or social media. This became a huge part of the year. I have to realize how to say, “no” to the pantry once and a while. At the same time, I see a big need for helping the homeless with sustainability, and I want to link resources and people together. But that’s just one organization.

I also volunteered at my favorite local radio station, a nonprofit focused on building community through story and music, for my birthday. I also started doing more volunteer work for my alma mater. The quantity of volunteer hours doesn’t matter to me, as much as the long-term effects.

With that in mind, in 2020, I hope to make connections and gain clients who are service-minded and creative like me. The world is more inclusive when talents and time are used for everyone’s benefits. And that’s my ultimate value-based goal for 2020: using my energy to live healthily, serve happily, think critically, and work diligently. Thanks for reading, and please let me know what you think! Are you making new goals for the year by removing, adding, or adjusting habits? Share with a comment.