Write It Down, Make It Happen 2012 Edition

If you are a long time reader, then you will know my love of the book Write It Down, Make It Happen.  Instead of making New Year's resolutions that just get broken a few weeks later, why not outline your goals for the year. I just went back and reread my New Year, New Goals post from January 2, 2011.  Number 3 was, "I will have my book proposal picked up in 2011." It's a pretty amazing feeling to be in the middle of that process and to know it will be published in late October or early November 2012.  Proof that sometimes, writing it down can actually make it happen.  

1. I will continue to travel more in 2012. This goal was on last year's list and when I started to tell people that I wanted to write more travel stories, I was offered them.  I couldn't even image when I wrote that goal that I would be invited on an amazing trip to Morocco.  This year, I already have January trips to Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Anguilla scheduled which is starting the year off on the right foot. I also have been chatting with friends about a possible trip to Mexico City in April.  I'd also really like to turn some of my trips into opportunities for travel magazine articles. 
2. I will go on an African Safari in 2012. I am making this a goal separate from travel because it is a major goal that I have for this year.  It's always been a dream to travel on safari since seeing Out of Africa.  I originally wanted it to be where I went on my honeymoon but since that doesn't seem to be happening, I'm just going to go by myself or with friends, preferably on a press trip. Safaris are expensive you know. I already have my safari ensembles picked out at Beretta. 
3. I will sell at least 50,000 copies of my book "Creativity at Work."  This goal technically will begin in 2012 and continue into 2013.  I was already told that this goal is a bit crazy which of course will drive me to make it happen even more.  If you tell an Aries something is impossible, we'll figure out a way to make it possible. If each of my daily blog readers bought one copy, I would make this goal.  If half bought two copies, I would again reach my goal. We've already been laying out the design and I really think you're going to like it if I do say so myself so hopefully everyone will buy a copy. I'm already looking forward to my book tour and parties. 
4. I will consult on a hotel project in 2012. My various trips in 2011 had me staying in many different hotels. I feel like a lot of commercial projects in general are designed by men.  Tall men who don't take into consideration that a petite woman or shorter people might be using their spaces.  There were a few tubs I could barely climb in and out of as well as one room so dark I could barely see in it.  Men also don't think about putting a standing makeup mirror in the room so a woman can put her makeup on out in the room while her traveling companion takes a shower and gets ready in the bathroom. And what's up with just five hangers in the closet?  That doesn't even cover one day's outfits for me. 
5. I will advance my photography skills in 2012. I feel like I barely know what my Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera is capable of doing.  There are functions that remind me of math class which was never my strongest subject so I am determined to take a photography class this year.  I also don't feel like I know enough about lighting and post production.  I am actually considering spending time this summer assisting some professional photographers.  You are never too old to learn or try something new.
6. I will eat healthy and make time for exercise in 2012. One of the hardest challenges for me is working from home which deals with a few items on my list for 2012.  It's easy to spend all day working in front of the computer. I've already started to eat healthy and drink Green Love juice from Organic Avenue everyday and look and feel better .  I plan to get back on track with yoga and Physique 57 as well.  My warm weather trips in January are really helping keep me on track so far but I want to keep up with this goal for the entire year.
7. I will try to get better at returning emails in 2012. This is my goal every year and I never seem to get a handle on it.  I receive a crazy amount of junk emails everyday which doesn't help. I've been trying to unsubscribe or create delete filters but my inbox always seems to be full.  I am going to try to keep to the 24 hours rule in 2012 but sometimes I just want to enjoy my life and not always be worried about returning emails.  
8. I will get up earlier in 2012. I don't sleep in until noon but I also don't get up as early as I should.  This could help with number 6 by giving me more time to return emails.  We'll see how it goes. 
9. I will not feel guilty about seeking inspiration during the middle of the day 2012.  I paid my dues.  I worked for other people in offices where I was chained to my desk all day.  Part of me thinks I should be on a schedule but as a creative person, I find a schedule stifling. If I want to go to a museum exhibition during the middle of the day for inspiration or even just get a manicure, by golly I'm gonna do it.  This can only really happen if I get better at goal #7 and have all my work done but  not sitting at my desk all day also helps with goal #6. I just want to enjoy my life as much as possible. 
10. I will be really happy in 2012! I can already tell this is going to be a great year!

I am very lucky that so many wonderful people in the worlds of design, fashion and art read my blog.  So many have found their true passion in life and have their dream jobs which is the theme of my book.  But the person I think about most when I write my blog is that person who doesn't have their dream job.  The person who is sitting in a cubicle miserable and reading blogs as an escape.  I never ask my readers to do anything for me but if you are one of these people, please take one step toward your happy life in 2012.  Maybe you could take a class, find a mentor, volunteer, read a self-help book, anything.  Do something that can get you closer to your dream job and dream life.  

Life is short.  The world is big.  Get out there and enjoy it!

Photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

10 Secrets to Success

My friend Martha posted this list of 10 Secrets to Success on her tumblr last week.  Her father left it on her dresser for her when she came home for the holidays. As we prepare for the New Year, I think it's an excellent list to get us off on the right foot and turns dreams into reality.  For a printable version, click here. 

New Year, New Goals!

I usually write up my goals for the new year on New Year's Day but this year I decided to take some time to myself yesterday.  If you're a long time reader, then you know that I don't make resolutions.  Instead, I take my cue from Write It Down, Make It Happen, and write down what I want to happen in the new year.  I didn't accomplish everything I wrote down last year but I knew that 2010 was going to be a year of planting seeds that would eventually bloom in 2011.  I already have so many things planned that I'm very excited for January, usually not my favorite month due to the weather.  So instead of focusing on negative resolutions that we all inevitably break, I like to focus on the positive.  Here's to a great new year for all of us!

1. I will continue to build my business and blog in 2011.  This was first on my list last year and will always an ongoing process.  I'm so grateful to all the sponsors who have signed on and allowed me to spend time on blogging, all the clients who hired me to design their homes, all my loyal readers, and all the wonderful people I met last year.  I can't wait to see what happens this year!
2. I will travel more in 2011!  This is always on my list too but I hope to take more time to get away this year.  I already have a trip to Miami and a cruise scheduled for the beginning of February so I feel like I'm starting out on the right foot. 
3. I will have my book proposal picked up in 2011.  I already met with a publisher and have been contacted by many others.  I have decided to work with a collaborator since I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm excited to finally present my ideas. 
4. I will contribute to ELLE DECOR in 2011.  I've already been asked to write for the website and have pitched an amazing house of a friend for the magazine so I can't wait to get started on this task.  ELLE DECOR has the most similar aesthetic to my blog and I've always wanted to contribute and am beyond excited to be working with them!
5. I will design another bachelor pad in 2011.  I really enjoy designing for men and would love to pick up another male client. I interviewed for one but the owner ended up being transferred for work.  If anyone knows of anyone who needs help, please send them my way!
6. I will date more in 2011!  I used to joke that my not having a boyfriend was not for a lack of trying.  Well, I couldn't really say that last year since all I did was focus on work.  I will definitely be making time for my personal life and if anyone knows anyone for this goal, feel free to let me know! Bonus points if they have all their own hair and an accent!
7. I will take a class in 2011.  This one is always on my list and I have yet to take French lessons or learn more about antiques.  I'll see if I can finally check this off my list in 2011.
8. I will schedule more Sunday brunches in 2011.  This seems like a silly goal but sometimes it's more fun to make time to relax with friends on a Sunday than to schedule a dinner or a lunch during the work week. 
9. I will wear more color in 2011.  I used to wear more color but somehow along the way, my winter closet has become a sea of grey with a little plum thrown in as an accent.  Not very exciting.  Maybe I should buy a red dress to help with goal #6. 
10. I will be really happy in 2011! I can already tell this is going to be a great year!

Even though this is a little late, I'm going to leave you with the same quote from Edith Lovejoy Pierce that I left you with last year. "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day!" Happy New Year!

Attitude of Gratitude

The best part of Thanksgiving is that it has traditionally been a non-commercial holiday.  Well, until stores decided to open this year but I digress.  Thanksgiving is a day when you don't have to do anything but spend time eating and watching the parade and football with those we care about.  It is always nice to take a moment though to think about all that you have to be thankful for this year.  I am always thankful for my fabulous friends and family and wonderful readers.  I've received so many wonderful emails lately and it is always nice to know that all the hard work that goes into the blog is appreciated by others. 

The last chapter of the book Write It Down, Make It Happen is entitled Giving Thanks.  "When you remember to say thanks, when you live your life in a spirit of gratefulness, life will present you with even more things for which to be grateful."  Just a little something to think about on this day of Thanksgiving. 

Photo from Martha Stewart

New Year, New You!

If you fall asleep in the bathtub on New Year's Eve, this is probably how you will feel in the morning! As we begin this New Year, I am reminded of a quote from Anne of Green Gables, "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet." But in this case, we have a whole year and more excitedly a whole decade with no mistakes in it yet! It is a great time to think about the bad habits we want to leave in 2009 and what we would like to accomplish in 2010! For some of you, that mean after your head stops throbbing but it's never too late!

I wrote about Write It Down, Make It Happen in my New Year’s Day post two years ago and I think it's worth talking about again. I often make lists of the things that I want to do and I think they definitely help me achieve my goals and keep myself on track. This book is filled with the inspirational stories that we can all use to motivate ourselves. Instead of focusing on the negative New Year's resolutions, it is definitely more fun to focus on the positive things you want to accomplish in 2010.

1. I will continue to build my business and blog in 2010. I have a lot of great things in the works for 2010 and I can't wait to share them with you. I've worked really hard for the past two years and it's nice to finally see some rewards coming!
2. I will find a business manager in 2010! I will find someone to help me with the aspects of my business that are better left to an expert! If I was interested in business, I would have majored in it instead of art history. I know where my strengths lie and this is not one of them!
3. I will either move to a bigger apartment or get an office in 2010. I have fabric samples overtaking my apartment on a daily basis so it would be nice to more space for them! I have discussed sharing an office with a few other designers so that is another fun option. Working alone is hard for all of us and it would be nice to be able to bounce ideas off another person or just commiserate.
4. I will figure out how to have someone help me in 2010. I have a lot of people offering to work for me but as some of you can relate, it's hard to let go and hard to figure out what to delegate when you have been doing all the work yourself. I don't think I could ever let someone else help me with my blog but it would be nice to have someone around to return fabric samples or write up purchase orders! Of course, this would be a lot easier with the office!
5. I will travel more in 2010! I felt really guilty taking time off in 2009 since I was the one doing everything. If I have help and someone to mid the store, so to speak, while I'm gone, it would be easier to get away. Travel is so inspiring and motivating and I really need to make it a priority!
6. I will make money from my blog in 2010! Contrary to popular belief, I don't make a lot of money off my blog but that is going to change in 2010! I'm making it a top priority!
7. I will volunteer more in 2010! I support a lot of charities but I don't often have time to volunteer in person. It is my goal this year to follow through on my plan to create a Habitually Chic Cares volunteer day where my readers and I can make a difference for a local organization!
8. I will take a class in 2010! I keep saying that I am going to take a French class so I can improve my skills and finally become fluent and I hope I can make that happen this year!
9. I will not sweat the small stuff in 2010! Nuff said!
10. I will be really happy in 2010! I can already tell this is going to be a great year!

As my friends can attest, I am a big proponent of the power of positive thinking and on that note, I leave you with the following quote from Edith Lovejoy Pierce, "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day!

Top Image by Pamela Hanson