It’s that time of year again, when everyone and their mother seems to be making New Year’s resolutions or planning on ways to make themselves and their lives better. This tradition has been going on for nearly 4000 years since the ancient Babylonians wrote down what they called their New Year “resolves”: little reminders of how to live and think more peacefully among their fellow mankind.
            I think there’s something cleansing and motivational about going into a New Year. A time when the past can really feel like the past, old grievances can be let go, and inspiration is had by people to transform their lives, break bad habits, build more (hopefully healthier) habits, and ultimately get that much closer to becoming the people we always wanted to be.
            I do it every year. Some years more successfully than others. So, I know how hard it can be to accomplish said goals and transform ourselves and our lives like we dream of. But I’m getting closer and at least a little bit better every year around the sun- and so can you!
            So, here are some tips- things I’ve observed or read and liked from others- to help you set goals that actually STICK and FINALLY build and live a life you can be proud of. Because as we can almost all agree, a New Year can make you feel like a New You is possible, and that hope and drive is what keeps the world progressively spinning.
 
Tip 1: Decide who you are and what you REALLY want out of life.

• At your core, deep down inside, what do you really want to see for yourself and your future? Don’t focus on the past, your mistakes or superficial things like money. If you could do and be ANYTHING in the world what would it be? Even if you never plan to go for it, I think it’s important to be honest with yourself and let yourself dream a little. As adults, I think we’ve had it programmed out of us to be “realistic” and not rock the boat too much in our lives. But I also think allowing ourselves to think and imagine for bigger is healthy and beneficial too. It gives you a chance to GROW and build your life into something beautiful- or you know, just anything.

 
Tip 2:   Think about some REALISTIC things you’d like to see happen for yourself in this next coming year.

• Maybe you want a new, better paying job, so you can finally move out of your tiny apartment? Maybe you want to finish writing that book, produce your bucket list music album, travel to Europe, start a family, pay off your debt, or go back to college so you can FINALLY have a career you don’t dread going to everyday? Whatever it is, no matter how small (even if it’s just so you can de-clutter said tiny apartment so you can finally relax and have people over without feeling embarrassed) WRITE IT DOWN and then start thinking about little ways to make it happen.

 
Tip 3: Think about the little things you can start doing TODAY to get closer to being and living as the person you want in the future.

• Should you start setting an alarm and get up an hour earlier to work on whatever creative project, cleaning task, workout, or study time you keep putting off? Hell, even just fifteen minutes earlier every day to work on something productive will be better than nothing. Because usually when we get that little dopamine rush from feeling even semi-productive it motivates us to do more.

Tip 4: Write it down.

•             Write all your goals and potential resolutions down on a piece of paper (or at least on your computer or notes app of your phone) and read it every day. Small and larger goals. Things that you can do in one day, one week, a month, 3 months, 6 months and year. Respectively. Breaking things down into smaller, less intimidating chunks makes them more realistic and feels way less overwhelming. Like, maybe you really want to lose 30 pounds this year but you work an office job where you sit all day, or you work late and don’t eat dinner until 9 o’clock everyday which you know is terrible for your metabolism. Set a smaller goal. Can you eat a snack earlier in the day so you won’t feel compelled to eat such a big dinner? Or maybe you can start walking in place while you brush your teeth and do other random tasks around the house? Most importantly, don’t be so hard on yourself and allow yourself to make SMALLER more achievable goals.  

 
Tip 5: Break some old habits.

•            If you want to build new, healthier, more productive habits then you’re probably gonna have to be willing to give up (or at least modify) some bad ones. Like for me, I’m a writer trying to finish multiple books, build my entrepreneurial brand “Femmespire Media”, lose weight, and get to at LEAST an intermediate level of conversational French so I can finally live my dream of going to France and not feel like the “ignorant/rude” American. It’s a tall order I know, and one that I chip away at little by little every year. But it’s taking me waaaaay longer than it needs to, because if I’m honest with myself, I have a lot of bad habits to break. I drink too much alcohol that leaves me hung-over and groggy on my days off from my day job when I’m supposed to be hustling on my dream-life goals..and..well, honestly that’s the biggie for me in the last few years. But it could all be much easier for me to accomplish if I just cut back on my alcohol consumption like I tell other people to. Limit the number of drinks, limit the days or times I have a drink, or ideally give it up completely. I’m just being honest here.
•             What is it for you? What bad habits have you developed that have held you back for too long that you could modify or give up completely? I could make an entire book on this topic- and maybe someday I will- but for now it’s just a little food for thought. I will elaborate on this in a later post I’m sure.

 
Tip 6: Tell someone.

•            I read a bunch of posts by other people who said it’s important to let other people know of your resolutions and goals. Maybe it’s to help hold you accountable so you actually STICK TO IT for fear of being looked down on and like a failure if you DON'T do it? Maybe it’s to help you find like-minded souls so you can have a support system to help you stay motivated on the days you want to quit or feel like you can’t do it? Whatever the reason is for you, do it. Tell someone you trust (or don’t trust, if you really want that fire under your butt to keep you from giving up). Tell them your goals, what you dream, and how you hope to get there- and be willing to accept the support and encouragement because trust me, there are many days when you will need it.

 
          If you haven’t noticed by the outrageous number of people who seem to make resolutions of some kind every year, setting New Year’s resolutions and goals for your life is honestly kind of easy if you have any self-awareness at all. The problem, however, becomes MAINTAINING it and seeing it to completion when you’re tired, discouraged, the scale isn’t budging and you feel like a fool for even trying.
          But don’t listen to those negative voices in your head that have caused you to give up on your dreams- or worse- have convinced you not to even try to go for them at all to begin with. With a New Year- as well as every new day that you wake up for- there is a chance to BEGIN AGAIN and become a better version of yourself.
 
          So, don’t give up. Believe in yourself. Write goals down. Share them with someone who gets you. Be patient with yourself, and be OK with setting smaller, more obtainable goals. This New Year just gives you another chance to become a “new” and “better” version of you that you always imagined. Baby steps, an honest view of yourself, and a willingness to at least TRY to better yourself little by little is all it takes.
 
          New Year’s or not. You can do it, I believe in you. It’s better late than never to at least try.  

Contributed by Tiffany Grand
www.tiffanygrandmedia.com

           As a journalist, entrepreneur and woman who has struggled to “get it together” in her professional life, I catch myself being almost constantly on the lookout for stories of amazing and inspiring women to encourage me and others like me on our journeys to career and entrepreneurial success.  I look for stories of women who found that success later in life, who overcame obstacles, and accomplished their goals and dreams (despite any naysayers). Stories of women who were bold enough to live as their authentic selves, fight for what they want and for the well-being of others, or who turned their lives around after facing great obstacles, internal struggles and personal defeats.  
          Because I have struggled and fought through that stuff every day since I got out of college and need the encouragement- just like many others I’m sure. But so many stories I find (even if encouraging in themselves) are usually about men. And although I do love men (most days) I think the world supports and builds them up enough. Sorry, guys! That’s why I want to read more inspiring, redemptive, empowering stories about women.
          So, here’s the first column on some of the women who I think are the most inspiring and influential in business and in life. There are soo many more to brag on, but this is a great woman to start with.
 
           Arianna Huffington
 
            Arianna Huffington was born in Greece in 1950 and had a passion for writing from a young age. After moving to the United States in 1980, she quickly established herself as a prominent author and journalist. She gained recognition for her insightful and thought-provoking columns, which tackled a wide range of social and political issues. Arianna's ability to connect with readers through her writing played a pivotal role in her eventual ascent to becoming a businesswoman.
            In 2005, at 55 years old, Arianna Huffington co-founded The Huffington Post, a groundbreaking online news platform. Through this platform, she revolutionized the way news and information were consumed. The Huffington Post quickly became a trusted source of news, bringing together expert contributors and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. Arianna's vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the success of this globally recognized media outlet.
            As if co-founding and leading The Huffington Post was not enough, Arianna Huffington continued to take on new challenges and inspire others along the way. In 2016, she launched Thrive Global, a company focused on well-being and productivity. Through Thrive Global, Arianna aims to redefine success by prioritizing self-care and creating a culture that promotes personal growth and balance in the workplace. This venture demonstrates Arianna's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
            Arianna Huffington's entrepreneurial journey and unwavering determination have inspired countless women in business. She has shattered glass ceilings and set an example for aspiring female entrepreneurs and leaders. Arianna's success serves as a reminder that gender should never limit one's aspirations or potential. Her advocacy for work-life balance and well-being has sparked important conversations and brought about positive changes in workplace culture. Women in business can look up to Arianna as a role model and draw inspiration from her incredible achievements.
            Today, in addition to running Thrive Global, Arianna is the host of multiple podcasts and has published 15 books, including:

• On Becoming Fearless…in Love, Work, and Life (2007)
• Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder (2014)
• The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time (2016)

 
            As a fellow author, journalist and social-entrepreneur with many passions that have been put off for too long- Arianna Huffington is an inspiration to me. Her life and written work is a reminder that it’s never too late to build an amazing career and how to thrive in love, work and life.

Contributed by Tiffany Grand

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           Follow us here and on social media @femmespiremedia for our next “Inspiring Women in Business” Column.
 
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           Have a suggestion for a Woman who has inspired you that you would like us to feature here or in another column. Message us at [email protected]

          Are you an aspiring entrepreneur who dreams big and refuses to settle for anything less than a fulfilling family life and a successful career? Well, guess what? You can have it all! In this article, we will explore the possibilities and provide some much-needed encouragement for those who aspire to balance their family responsibilities with their entrepreneurial dreams. It's time to embrace your inner bad-ass bitch and make your dreams a reality!
 
Dream big, don't settle:
 
          As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of building a business and forget about your personal dreams and aspirations. However, it's important to remember that you have the power to create the life you want, both professionally and personally. Don't settle for anything less than what you truly desire. Dream big and refuse to let anyone or anything stand in your way.
 
Balancing family and career – it's possible:
 
          Achieving a balance between family and career can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. With careful planning, prioritization, and a supportive network, you can successfully manage both aspects of your life. It's all about finding the right balance and being intentional about how you allocate your time and energy.
 
Embracing your inner bad-ass bitch:
 
          To truly have it all, you need to embrace your inner bad-ass bitch. This means having the confidence to go after what you want, regardless of what others may think or say. It means being unapologetic about your ambitions and not allowing anyone to diminish your dreams. Remember, you have the power to create the life you want – so embrace your inner bad-ass and go after it!
 
Building a supportive network:
 
            One of the key components of balancing family and career is having a strong support system in place. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your goals. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs who are juggling similar responsibilities and learn from each other's experiences. Having a supportive network will not only provide you with valuable insights but also a sense of camaraderie and encouragement.
 
Time management is key:
 
          Time management is crucial when it comes to balancing family and career. Prioritize your responsibilities, set realistic goals, and create a schedule that allows you to allocate time for both your family and your business. Be intentional with your time and avoid unnecessary distractions. Remember, it's about quality over quantity – focus on being fully present in the moment, whether you're spending time with your family or working on your business.
 
Learning to delegate:
 
          As an entrepreneur, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that you have to do everything yourself. However, learning to delegate tasks and responsibilities is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Trust your team and empower them to take on certain aspects of your business. By doing so, you not only free up your time but also allow your team members to grow and develop their skills.
 
Overcoming guilt and embracing self-care:
 
          It's common for entrepreneurs to experience guilt when they prioritize their careers over their family or vice versa. However, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is crucial for both your personal and professional success. Make self-care a priority and give yourself permission to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself so you can show up fully for your family and your business.
 
Conclusion:
 
          Yes, you can have it all. As an entrepreneur, you have the power to create a life that encompasses both a fulfilling family and a successful career. Dream big and refuse to settle for anything less. Embrace your inner bad-ass bitch, build a supportive network, prioritize time management, learn to delegate, overcome guilt, and embrace self-care. Your dreams are within reach – go after them with determination and passion. You've got this!

Contributed by Amanda Lainey