I mentioned in my last post that I was going to work on reflecting on 2016 and take some time to come up with goals for 2017.  Well, I haven’t completed my list of goals yet as I often make a list for myself, my family, my blog, and my job.  Today, I’m sharing with you a few of the goals that I think you might want to read about in part I of this series.

Goal #1:  Workout

In the latter part of 2016, I realized that I stopped working out and stopped eating healthy. It was inadvertent really.  I just got so busy with life and prioritized other things, and not my health.  So in 2017, I decided to reprioritize it!  Everyday, I’m doing 20 pushups, at least 30 squats, a 1-minute plank, and if able either a 20 walk/run at maximum inclination on my treadmill or the 7-minute workout app.  So far so good!!  I managed to get in a quick workout today, amidst cleaning, working, mothering, wife-ing, hosting, etc.  It was fast, painful, but oh so rewarding!  The one thing that has always been my saving grace while walking/running on the treadmill is this SureShelf.  If you don’t have one, I highly recommend it!!  Found here.

2.  If able, do things immediately.  

One of my greatest flaws, I think, is that I tend to over-think and over-analyze things.  2017 is hopefully going to be the year of action.  Don’t over think.  Just do.  Today, for example, I was tasked with doing something that I had to send to someone, and while my immediate thought was “I’ll do it later tonight”, my second thought was “well, what if I just knock it out quickly??”  So I did.  Admittedly, it wasn’t as detailed or perfect as I would have wanted it to be, BUT, it was done.  And honestly, if I had left it for “later” I might have botched the job anyway trying to hurry and get it out to meet the deadline, so this might be a better approach over all!  Here’s me working while hubby is snapping pictures of my not-so-chic-and-definitely-not-fashionable Sunday morning work wear.  Clearly I’m focused and getting down to business, lol! Below is me is taking a work break and working on some blog stuff.  Because that too is a priority for 2017!  Yay, that means more blog posts!  Hopefully. 🙂  Btw, the lap desk below is amazing for those of us who like to work on the couch or while sitting on the floor.  Keeps your computer from over-heating!!  Find one like mine here.  Similar mug found here.

3.  Have more fun!

Hubby says that I am in 24-7 work and mom mode.  It’s hard for me to shut off my type-A-ness and let loose a bit.  So, this year, I’m taking more opportunities to have fun and include things in life that will enable me to do so!  One thing I did NOT plan on, but that promises to make me include more “fun” in my life in 2017, is the fact that nutrition expert extraordinaire and founder of The Nutritious Bite is my new next door neighbor!!  I CANNOT explain how excited I am about this!! I shared the story on Instagram and Facebook, so make sure to pop on over there to read about what happened.  IT IS WILD!!!  Here we are – in our pj’s – the day we found out we were next door neighbors!!  The second photo is of me in full-winter wear after my neighbors invited me to go out for a fall in the wintery weather we had a couple days ago.  Yay for getting out and about with friends!

4.  Save the planet!

More and more we hear about the polar caps melting, strange weather patterns, and a variety of other oddities that scientists are attributing to global warming.  Believe it or not, humans are contributing to global warming in a major way.  Although not a major impact, using my platform on social media for good is one way I think I can help.  Starting at home with recycling, trying to reduce waste, is one way I plan to try to help, and of course, sharing that on social media as a reminder to others.  So remember, recycle, reuse, reduce!

5.  Practice more self care.

I have been SO bad at this.  OMG.  But, 2017 will hopefully be different.  I have a stressful week ahead this week with the start of the spring semester, two brand new courses I’m teaching, and loads of other academic responsibilities.  BUT, one way I plan to de-stress is to do more things that put my mind at ease!  Pretty, frivolous are good at helping me achieve that!  So this week I’m trying out new make up and a pair of new shoes!  Yay for fashion and beauty products!

The shoes are the Etta style from JCrew, found on eBay.  Similar ones can be found here, here, and here.  Rodial products can be found here.

So, what are some of your goals for 2017??  Would love to have you share some with me in the comments section below!  I definitely need some inspiration!!  Otherwise, hope everyone is having an amazing start to the new year!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!