I’ve taken 10 days away from work to reflect on 2017 and connect with my family. It’s something I imagine I’ll always schedule in to my business. The last few weeks of the year should always be spent with yourself and whomever you else you choose.
As an entrepreneur, I’m not designed to wait around for the New Year to work toward new goals. Resolutions feel a bit shallow or lazy to me – like you aren’t ready to commit the rest of the year. When you own a business, it is imperative to reflect and adapt throughout the year. It is what will fuel your business.
So as the year concludes, I wanted to take time to reflect on 2017 as a whole – both professionally and personally. Anuschka Rees (author of The Curated Closet) put together an amazing list of 50 questions to help guide that reflection. I thought by sharing my responses here with you guys, I could most accurately reflect on 2017 and be accountable for the New Year.
As we chatted about on Instagram – I want you guys to do this with me. I want us cheering each other on, learning from each others’ experiences, and guiding each other on the way.
You can view her full post here and download her workbook!
fulfilling, emotional + prosperous
I think this year I’m most thankful for my husband. I put him through a lot this year (working remotely around the world for nearly 3 months of the year, endless late nights, a stressful + sudden move, + financial uncertainties to name a few)
As I reflect on 2017, I realize I discovered that I didn’t need permission from anyone to live my life the way that makes me the most happy. I learned that success isn’t a monetary number and that is totally okay.
We bought a freaking house!
We were approved for our loan. After falling through once, the final okay was the most overwhelming combination of joy +relief I’ve ever felt.
Barcelona. My sister and I took a sisters trip to five cities around Spain. Barcelona was the most magical combination of whimsical history and modern innovation I’ve ever seen.
My ability to take action. When I reflect on 2017, I realize there were few ideas I didn’t at least try.
Lexi Parker of Revel Union Studio. Lexi never let me give up. She picked up slack where I couldn’t. She pushed me to be a better designer. She helped me stay calm when I was at my breaking point. Lexi helped me laugh harder than I ever have. She showed me what unconditional friendship is.
Visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona before it was completed.
Business
If a project doesn’t feel right during the on-boarding process, don’t take it.
Thinking I had to work at my desk 9-5, even though my brain can’t focus from 2-5pm each day. When I did a mid-year reflect, I realized I needed to switch my schedule to the way my brain works best. Now I work 8am-2pm, then 8-11pm.
I spent more time with my family this year than any year in the past. With nearly 3 months spent in San Francisco, multiple family visits to Austin and a three week trip to Spain with my sister, we are closer than ever.
“You inspired me to quit my job and start my business.”
Daily Slack chats with my Creative Clique girls + face masks
Interior design
I’ve been REALLY good about drinking tons of water. I also donate one item for every new item purchased.
Stop hosting workshops.
I stopped eating meat.
My Creative Clique (more details on what this means VERY soon)
Bliss. And that’s amazing.
I saved 30% of my income.
Our first Thanksgiving in our new home.
Minimalizing our lifestyle.
My fear of not getting things done in time. I can always make more time by rearranging priorities.
My Spain trip with my sister.
Quinn had my favorite vintage chair repaired for me after a guest had broken it.
As I reflect on 2017, I realize my focus evolved from proving myself (whatever that even means) to building up other people’s businesses.
Project timelines. I hadn’t set up a strategic system for my client projects until early this year. It’s changed my business and allowed for much better client results.
Literally any moment spent with Lexi.
I’d have established a mid-day exercise routine.
Booking every month of 2017 with client work.
Alamo Drafthouse date nights
The Identité Collective is a full service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help small businesses elevate their digital presence to become industry experts. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.
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