17 Lessons I Learned in 2017

1. Ask for help as soon as you need it.

Don’t wait until you’re swamped, drowning and need to be rescued. Be proactive about asking for help. There were so many times this year where I could have mentioned to someone that I was a bit overwhelmed with obligations in one area of life or another. Save the headache and your sanity and as for help early on.

2. Write it down or it doesn’t exist.

Whether it be digitally or on pen and paper, you have to put something down in writing for it to exist. Agreements, goals, grocery lists or your progress in any area should be documented in some way, shape or form. I’m excited to find new ways to write things down in 2018.

3. Healing is an on going process.

When you’re in the middle of hurting, all you want to do is feel better and never hurt again. I experienced a lot of hurt in 2016 and so much healing in 2017. Through that, I’ve learned that healing is on going. Day by day, you’ll realize new parts of you are okay again; are better than they were before. It’s an amazing thing.

4. Time really does heal all wounds.

Remember that time you thought you’d never make it through? Well here you are, making it. And we’ll continue to make it. Commit to your healing and give yourself grace.

5. If your heart truly isn’t in it, don’t do it.

Here’s to committing to projects we truly love in 2018. I struggled with saying no to projects that my heart wasn’t in, but I knew I could be helpful in and earn extra income through. In the end, it wasn’t worth it and I could have used that time to push other projects forward.

6. Don’t complain about not having what you did not ask for.

Ask not. have not. Simple as that.

7. A set back could be leading you away from your comfort zone.

I completely believe that some of my biggest disappointments of this year have been a blessing in disguise. Some things that seem like they’d be so perfect in the moment will actually just deter us from our bigger picture and purpose.

8. Share your mistakes.

There is so much to be gained from sharing your failures with others. It helps you grow and it helps those you share with. It’s a part of documenting your processes (see lesson #2).

9. It’s okay to edit yourself along the way.

When you share parts of your life online, making edits to who you are can feel like a betrayal to your audience. Even if you aren’t as public with your life and work, we all have people who are watching and rooting for us who we’d hate to let down. In the end, you have to live for yourself and you’re allowed to make edits, major and minor, along the way. Just make sure you’re the editor.

10. Learning should always be a priority.

I’ve learned so much this year! From technical skills to learning more about myself, I really committed to taking in more good knowledge. Always be learning.

11. Move your body however feels best to you.

I struggled with my nearly non-existent relationship to the gym this year. I’ve come to learn that getting active is something I need and want to do, but I have to do it in my own way, not the way that others would deem good enough.

12. People should always be a priority.

I made a point to prioritize my people this year. Whether that meant staying up late to Facetime a friend or going to happy hour when I needed to come home and write, I did it. I’ve stayed up late, woken up hungover and made it work. I have zero regrets.

13. Keep track of the things you accomplish and revisit those “wins.”

At the end of each week, write down something you’ve accomplished big or small. At the end of the year, you’ll have a list of 52 reasons why you’re more than able to kill it in the New Year.

14. Self promotion doesn’t have to make you feel icky.

I’m slowly getting comfortable with sharing my work with friends and family. I’m (even more slowly) getting used to people recognizing me in coffee shops and events who read the blog. I’m proud of this space, proud of what I’ve built and sharing my success with others is okay.

15. If you can’t talk about money, you won’t make any.

Know your worth and your rates and state them as facts, not suggestions.

16. You’re worth more than you think you are.

Money wise, love wise, potential wise. We are so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Show yourself some love.

17. Take your makeup off and wash your face at the end of the night, regardless of how tired you are.

Byfar my biggest lesson this year. Your skin and pillowcases will thank you.

In the comments, I’d love for you to share something you learned this year that you’ll be bringing into 2018 with you!