Hello New Year!
I took a few weeks off to spend a more meaningful holiday season with my family and I have a gazillion ideas of where I want to go this year and I’m excited about them all. I’ve done some planning and goal setting, but I really haven’t nailed down all of what I want to do. I have a day set aside next week JUST to plan.
Here’s what I do know: I want to be a better wife, a better mother and a better friend. I want to grow this blog. I want to makeover several rooms in my home. I want to take two amazing vacations. I want to pray more, read more, fast more. I want to be a better me. I want to fulfill God’s purpose for me. I want to dream big and accomplish big things.
Super tall order.
How to Accomplish MORE in 2018
I don’t know what your game plan is, but here’s what I’m doing to make it happen.
1. Buy a planner and write all the things down!
I searched high and low for the perfect planner to combine my personal life, ministry work and blogging all in one. Ugh. It was so hard. I finally ran across this one called the Organized Life Planner and so far it’s great! I bought the printable version because I didn’t want to wait for shipping and sent it to Office Depot for printing in black and white. I think you’ll like it if you want to have everything in one place.
2. Set goals that scare you
When I say set big goals, I mean BIG goals. Ones that people will look at you crazy when you tell them what you’re thinking.
I can accomplish big things. I just haven’t. It kinda sucks that I haven’t but hey, I have to keep it real with myself. I mean, me and Joanna Gaines are the same age. She has a flourishing business, a TV show, a product line and a freaking following the size of the US. The only difference between she and I is that she pushed harder, worked smarter and dreamed bigger.
Well, I don’t want a national show or even a fraction of her following, but I don’t want any (more) regrets at the end of my life.
Setting big goals will cause me to reach higher than I have ever imagined; work harder than I ever wanted to but do more than anyone ever thought possible.
3. Say Goodbye to Fear
I’m sure at some point in Jo Jo’s career she was scared. But unlike me, she got over it and pushed on. You’ll need a hefty dose of courage to reach those scary goals. Courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared, it means you’re willing to put your feelings aside to reach beyond what others won’t do and get the job done.
4. Get a mentor
You don’t know what you don’t know. A mentor will help you navigate territory you’ve never traversed. I’m pushing 40 and I still need a lot of guidance. I’m not ashamed to admit it and embrace it wholeheartedly.
The school of hard knocks does not have to be your teacher. Looking back, I wish I had allowed more people to speak into my life and provide direction. Not doing so caused me to lose some major battles. Not anymore. This year, I’m determined to listen closely to all mentors—in my walk with Christ and my business.
5. Become a mentor
Even though you don’t know everything, what you do know is valuable to someone else. My battle scars and victories are a vault of gold for a younger woman. Oh what my 39 year-old-self would love to say to my 20-year-old self if she would listen! Find someone who’ll listen and teach, teach, teach!
How will this help you accomplish more? Teachers can always learn from their students. Younger or less experienced people have energy, talent, and ideas that will fuel your desire to keep pushing. Sometimes their naivety can draw out ideas that you can lend experience to and married they can become awesome.
6. Get Accountability
Don’t padlock your planner and keep your dreams between you and your calendar. While you can’t share your dreams with everyone; you MUST share them with someone you trust to hold your feet to the fire when you want to quit. Because you will want to quit.
While you can’t share your dreams with everyone; you MUST share them with someone you trust to hold your feet to the fire when you want to quit. Because you will want to quit.I have a friend who texts me periodically to see how many hours a day I’m praying, when’s the last time I fasted and how much scripture I’ve been reading. Yep. All up in my business. But I’m thankful for her because laziness and carnality can sneak up quickly. When I’m off, her texts send just enough conviction to get me back on track.
You need accountability to reach those crazy scary goals.
What’s More for My Design Rules in 2018?
When I started goal setting for 2018, I realized that I’ve put a lot of dreams on the back burner. For instance, it took me way too long to start this little blog of mine. Like 7 years too long. I love connecting with you, I love creating and I love sharing my heart. Why did I wait so long?
Not this year.
I wrote a post on How to Overcome Envy last year and of all the posts I wrote, it’s one of my favorites because it’s raw reality. I was convinced that no one would read it, but it resonated with so many people. So 2018 will be more real life, raw Kenyatta. The person who can see the struggle and is willing to bare her soul, share the many wins and the MANY losses along the way. I kinda did that here, but meh, not really.
I revealed a little more of it in my Christmas home tour, but I vow in 2018 to show you the real story of me and my little ole house. I can design. Without question I have talent. But my home doesn’t actually reflect what I really can accomplish because I neglected it for so long. I’m going to show the good bad and the even the embarrassing ugly. This year’s list of projects will include a few interior design challenges in my home AND in my friend’s homes. It’s going DOWN and I cannot wait!
This blog is about home décor, but my principles and rules are really what drive me. That will translate into more posts on those rules and how they apply to real life. Not just decorating. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of DIY projects, makeovers and how-tos as well. But ohhh I want so much more.
This year I’m setting my eyes on doing more. I want to make more money, spend more time with my family. Be more in tune with God. Take more risks, laying it all on the line. I’m all in. I want MORE.
You with me?
And to celebrate the beginning of the new year, I’m giving you free some eye candy for all your devices.
Download a free wallpaper calendar for your devices:
Phone // Tablet // Computer
Tiauna says
Looking forward to all you’re willing to share this year!
So you’ve inspired me to dream BIG and girl I realized I don’t even know where to start!! LOL
I have a few plans of my own for this year and like you, I’m excited about them! I’m going to be better!! Thanks for the practical tools and suggestions on how to get started. With that being said, I did adopt a mentor in December but have yet to really connect with her. So that will be my focus going forward. We have to get more engaged. Thanks for the push.
Love the girlfriend-to-girlfriend feel of all your posts and thanks for the cute wallpaper!
Kenyatta Harris says
I can’t wait to see what you’re dreaming up! Way to go on finding a mentor. I still need to find a mentee who would actually like a mentor. I’m so glad you enjoy my posts! It makes a huge difference when people say so!
Natasha D says
Enjoyed this post!!! Thank you. P.S. My home is always open if you need a new place to design…lol
Kenyatta Harris says
Thanks Natasha, I appreciate the feedback. and you’ll have to join the club. I knew that line might get me in trouble. lol
Jazmin Crowe says
Thank you for sharing this… its like I just read my own thoughts… this is inspiring especially coupled with bishop’s message… ??? I’m with you!
Kenyatta Harris says
Thank you Jazmin. I can hardly contain my excitement about this year. And even more I’m unafraid to fail! Which is quite a feat for my perfectionist self!
Brittany says
This is great advice! I especially identify with buying a planner, setting goals that scare you, and letting go of fear, because after I did those three things my life has improved so much and I’ve been able to accomplish things I never even thought possible. Sending positive vibes your way for 2018!
Kenyatta Harris says
Glad you can relate Brittany. I’ll be posting my monthly progress to help me stay focused!
Cheryl says
Love this post – really inspirational and makes me feel like I can take on the world if I really set my mind to it. I’m trying to be more organised and focused for 2018 as well – I tried bullet journaling but it’s just not working for me – I’m still yet to find the right planner! Subscribed to your mailing list after reading your post – looking forward to more much needed motivation 🙂
Kenyatta Harris says
Hi Cheryl, honestly I think we’re all capable of doing so much more than we do. We just have to be intentional and put in the effort. Thanks for joining my list of friends! Let’s take on the world together!
Tara Adams says
Your blog inspire me to keep pushing & not give up on mine this time around. I love this post. I haven’t found a mentor but I’m still looking. I’ve joined several blog groups & I’m learning a lot. My site is not where I envisioned it to be but I’m determine to push through this year. I left my fears of rejection & not being good enough in 2017. I definitely want more this year. It’s looking promising so far. I have a lot of big plans that’s actually frightening to me but I plan to work hard to achieve what I want, and accept nothing less.
Kenyatta Harris says
Hey Tara, so glad I can motivate you. You can be successful at this blog thing. Just put in the work and MAKE it happen! I’m by no means an expert but am open to answer any questions you have.
Marie Valery says
I love this post….I’m inspired to do, dream and learn MORE! I cannot allow my fears to hinder me from reaching my full potential. As Cristy Wright says, I just have to “do it scared!” Thanks for being open and honest. I Know you will accomplish great things in this year?
Kenyatta Harris says
MORE! yes. Fear has been a big issue for me and I’m just over it. Done!
I’m looking forward to taking some art classes…hint hint.
Sha Janelle says
okay I’m absolutely obsessed with that planner and such a good idea to print the pages at home! I’m totally going to try that!
Kenyatta Harris says
Isn’t it great? I can’t believe how much I love this thing! It has a space for everything I need.
Helene says
I am not afraid of dreaming big! I am just afraid of starting when the odds are against me. Then, as you wrote, I try to find a mentor and this, most of the times, can really work for me. Love reading this post, inspirational and motivating!
Kenyatta Harris says
I’m glad I can motivate you! Some people struggle to find mentors because they have no idea where to start. So glad you’ve been able to do so successfully.
Kyleigh says
I love your writing style! I recently bought a planner and started mapping out some of my larger goals – seeing all the little steps you have to take to get to the bigger thing is kind of intimidating. Thanks for inspiring me to push aside my fears and get stuff done this year!
Kenyatta Harris says
Kyleigh, what a great compliment! thank you so much. It is incredibly intimidating, but the reward is so great.
Arlisha Myrie says
Amazing Read!! And it goes so well with what I’ve been saying for myself… “I am pregnant with EXPECTANCY, which was conceived with PURPOSE, and this is the year I will give birth to my DESTINY!”
I took a serious leap of faith this year, but with God, I know I will be able to achieve every goal I’ve set out for myself. Your words have resonated so much with me and I really appreciate your willingness to share them with us. Today, I signed up for your mailing list (I thought I was already on it ?). I will do what I can to help promote your blog!! Keep pushing and believing, Kenyatta, because with God… you can do ALL things!!! – A. W. Myrie. Author of the Second Chances Series
Kenyatta Harris says
Hey Arlisha,
So glad you enjoyed this I cannot wait to see what you produced this year. Thanks for joining my list. I’ll support you in every way!
Jennifer says
I love set goals that scare you! And accountability is always key. Great post. Lovely read!
Ola says
I really enjoyed this post Kenyatta. I especially like how you mentioned the need to find a mentor and to also BE one for someone else. We all have something valuable to contribute.
Kenyatta Harris says
Thanks Ola, a mentor can really make a difference IF we allow them to.