Looking to 2018

I do not usually buy into the “New Years Resolution” hype, but there’s something about the turn of a new year that drives you to consider your goals and to set new plans for growth. Disclaimer: This is a pretty transparent blog entry and since you’re most likely here to get to know me, I mind as well let you into my life a little. I plan on using this post to go on record about my plans to overcome my shortcomings and to perhaps let any other business owners/freelancers know that you are most certainly not alone within the growing pangs of business. Feel free to keep me accountable, ladies and gents.

Overcoming fear:
When facing something new – whether it be taking on a “big name” client or making a larger-than-usual proposal – the amount of anxiety I tend to deal with is astounding. Suddenly, I don’t feel as confident in my abilities and I go through my portfolio trying to talk myself out of the deal. For most of 2017, I am sure I’ve stated what I was afraid of more than I did about how I planned on overcoming those fears. I accept that one can never be completely ready for any and everything, and there’s a lot that I don’t know that only experience can teach. What I do know for sure now is that I have grown both personally and professionally and the more I baby-step out of my comfort zone, the more I recognize that fear is a lie and an excuse to remain complacent.

Credentials:
In 2018, I’m looking for certifications and trainings anywhere I can find (add afford) them. I have been self-taught for quite a while, yet being in web development boot camp has allowed me to pick up on complex concepts much faster due to being in an environment of accountability, collaboration, and support. Learning on my own hasn’t been bad at all, but now I feel much more confident about owning my skill set and am ready to gain even more knowledge.

Public speaking:
In 2017, I spent 6 months leading worship in front of a few hundred each Sunday Morning at my local assembly. This was a frightening situation for me, but I didn’t have much of a choice other than to face it. It didn’t always go incredibly well and I still have ways to grow with how to be engaging in front of a crowd, but I’ve learned more about who I am and where to start in this area because of that experience.

Networking: As hinted upon earlier, I love to write. In fact, I’ll write most high school graduates under a table! I spend most of my day creating and communicating behind a computer, so when it comes to going outdoors for things outside of my weekly responsibilities, I need to be peeled out of my office chair. Trust me, I do so mentally kicking and screaming. I do realize that meeting new people is essential to discovering new opportunities. I make a commitment to getting at least a weekly dose of sun-prescribed Vitamin-D with some cool new people!

Collaboration: Speaking of cool people, I know that my previous goals make me look like a person who doesn’t even like people, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!  I love people! Especially other creative-types. I’m looking to diversify my body of work by adding a view different perspectives. And now that I have learned the GitHub workflow, I’m looking forward to joining up with a few programmers to make some interesting things. Have Ideas? Reach out!

Self Care: Last year, in spite of not really being the type to go outside, I did manage to do some boxing. I’m looking to make that a regular part of my workout regimen with my fitness and defense trainer, Andre White but that’s the easy thing to do when it comes to self-care. The most difficult will be my desire to stay up until 2 am every morning. Sleep is going to be essential to me not getting burned out and critical in improving upon the aforementioned goals. This will go hand-in-hand with eating better and drinking more water. Besides, I have a goal of waist-length hair and anything that will help me get there is clutch.

What are some goals you have planned for 2018?

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