7 Lessons from 2018 That I’m Bringing With Me Into 2019

Fear is a liar. The worst WILL happen, but never when you plan for it. Might as well stare fear right in the face and dive in head first. The worst happens when you least expect it. In the meantime, live fearlessly.

Do more things that make you forget about your phone.

Plan for more fun, and plan for less plans. As an extremely schedule-driven, regimented person, I often forget to pencil in downtime. I really don’t need to be productive every day of the year. Sometimes, resting, unplugging, laughing, and letting go can be the most productive things you can do.

Slow down. I’m constantly mid-adventure, planning my next one. Take a breath, take it one step at a time. Enjoy the ride.

Your home is worth investing in. Invest the time to make it a peaceful, happy space. Organize it, purge it of stuff you don’t want or need. Make it cozy. Make it yours.

Speaking of investments- make sure you’re spending *most of* your time/money/energy on things that have a high ROI. Netflix binge? Low energy ROI. Listening to podcasts while organizing the coat closet? Higher ROI. Ruminating over things that bother me? No ROI. Brainstorming plans for a productive year? High ROI. Spending money on manicures? Medium ROI. Spending money on my education through books and courses? Huge ROI. Explaining yourself to someone who is committed to misunderstanding you? Zero ROI. Walking away from people who don’t value your worth? Infinite ROI.

Never apologize for having high standards and demanding more of the people in your circle. Whatever you keep in your presence is your standard. Weed out what no longer serves you to make room for what does.