Write It Down, Make It Happen 2014 Edition
by habituallychic
01 . 01 . 14
While 2013 wasn’t the worst year ever, it certainly was not my favorite. I felt out of sorts and adrift for most of it. I also feel like I didn’t really accomplish anything of note. As one of my wise friends pointed out, some years are about planting the seeds to be harvested later. It’s better to contemplate what you want to do than jump into doing something you don’t want to do.
A new moon falls on the first day of 2014 which is auspicious timing for setting our intentions for the coming year and the goals we want to accomplish. I have a good feeling about 2014 and my Aries mojo is back and itching to make things happen.
Many long time readers will remember that I prefer to the focus on the positive things that I want to manifest in the New Year instead of the negative habits I wish to break. The book Write It Down, Make It Happen: Knowing What You Want And Getting It
is my inspiration. What’s interesting is that when I went back to see what I wrote last year, I realized I didn’t make a list or write a post for 2013. Maybe that was part of the problem of why I didn’t feel like I reached any goals in 2013!
is my inspiration. What’s interesting is that when I went back to see what I wrote last year, I realized I didn’t make a list or write a post for 2013. Maybe that was part of the problem of why I didn’t feel like I reached any goals in 2013!- I will live in Paris in 2014. My goal is to rent an apartment for at least three months this summer. What a better way to work on my French and finally see all the museums I’ve been missing. You can only live in France for three months without a Visa so I might apply for one just in case. My passport expires this November so I guess I should get the renewed as soon as possible too. If any of you have any apartment rental recommendations or helpful hints, please let me know. I’ve lived in New York for 12 years and I think it’s time for a change of scenery to shake things up.
- I will travel more in 2014. I’m starting this off next week with a trip and a possible press trip soon. But my first goal for the year is one that will really help many of my other goals. It would be so much easier to use Paris as a hub to travel via the Euro Star and Easy Jet and cross more countries off my must visit list. As I wrote in 2012, I’d love to turn some of these trips into to travel articles and photo essays as well.
- I will start my second book in 2014. I’m really thankful that so many of you bought my first book and have been asking for a second and I think I’m finally ready to make this happen. I can’t give anything away but living in Paris would definitely help with this goal.
- I will blog better in 2014. As I mentioned, I feel like I lost my mojo in 2013. It’s been frustrating to see some sites not just use all my old photos but copy the format and verbiage of my posts. I vow to blog better in 2014 to bring you new subjects and stories and more original photography, in addition to the compilation posts you love so much. I also want to bring back the fun I used to have blogging.
- I will be showered and dressed earlier in 2014. I usually get up and get straight on the computer each day. That means that sometimes I’m still in my pajamas when the UPS man arrives or just out of the shower in my robe and wet hair at noon. Part of what I love best about working for myself is that I don’t have to be on a set daily schedule but maybe this is one thing I do need to put on a schedule. I’m sure the UPS man would appreciate it too!
- I will get better at returning emails in 2014. This has been on the list before and it’s here again. I spend so much of my day unsubscribing and filtering unwanted emails to delete that I sometimes don’t deal with the important emails. I need to work smarter and prioritize my inbox in 2014. Please note that if you sign me up for an unwanted newsletter, you will automatically be banned from the blog.
- I will subscribe to the less is more approach in 2014. Although it sounds like it on twitter, I really don’t shop that much. Since the same people don’t see me everyday, I can get by with less clothing of better quality. But my closet is still stuffed with unworn clothing that I plan to clean out once and for all. I’d rather spend my on experiences and travel this year than material possessions.
- I will finally start driving again in 2014. I have a license and have driven but not in a really, really long time. Driving at all in New York City is a bit intimidating so I’m going to find a place outside the city to practice again. But maybe first I should study the driving manual.
- I will workout more and eat even healthier in 2014. For the most part, I eat pretty healthy. I don’t eat any processed food but I do drink Diet Coke and eat sugar. I also fell off the Pilates wagon early in 2013 so I’d like to get back on track 2014. No more excuses!
- I will be happier in 2014. I hope that all of the above will lead to a happier new year but I have a feeling that 2014 really is going to be a great year!
I wrote the following in my 2012 Write it Down Make it Happen post and I don’t think I could say it any better this year.
I am very lucky that so many wonderful people in the worlds of design, fashion and art read my blog. So many have found their true passion in life and have their dream jobs which is the theme of my book. But the person I think about most when I write my blog is that person who doesn’t have their dream job, the person who is sitting in a cubicle miserable and reading blogs as an escape. I never ask my readers to do anything for me but if you are one of these people, please take one step toward your happy life in 2013. Maybe you could take a class, find a mentor, volunteer, read a self-help book, anything. Do something that can get you closer to your dream job and dream life.
Life is short. The world is big. Get out there and enjoy it!
XOXO,
HC
32 Comments
I love this! Happy New Year and God bless you on all of these desires for 2014.
Don’t be so hard on yourself! It is a joy to read your blog and “live” through your experiences. Keep it up!
Heather,I’ve been meaning to comment for so long about how much I enjoy your site. Over the years, through some “non-dream” jobs, Habitually Chic has always inspired me. And now that I have a blog, I know just how hard you work to make this such a fun space. Thank you and all best for 2014!
These are great goals…I wish I could live in Paris for the Summer. Sounds Amazing!
Love your blog!
I have used Havens in Paris to rent apartments. Highly recommend! Or, are you keeping your apt in NYC? Why not use home exchange? Friends did this last summer to go to Paris in the summer. The best part, it’s free!
Good luck!
Beautiful transparency in your discussion. Best to you in 2014!
_Savannah Grace
http://www.grace-made.com
Wonderful idea to rent a place in Paris. I think everybody should spend some time there at one point in their lives.
Lovely post, heartfelt and genuine. Best of luck to you in 2014. As for places in Paris, if you want a simple and lots of options, Airbnb is the way to go. If you want to really treat yourself then try: http://www.lareserve-paris.com/fr/accueil/
Bonne chance!
Starting the year off with a one-to three-day juice cleanse helps me clear my head and reevaluate how I live life day-to-day. As they say,
“out with the old, in the with the new!”
I always appreciate your new year’s resolutions because I like to take a similar approach. Keep it positive. Focus on adding enriching experiences to your life and not about starving yourself to meet a weight loss goal.
Also, people sign you up for newsletters without your knowledge? How intrusive!
Jessica Thor-Miller
(Modern Traditionalist)
Heather I read you every morning and always enjoy what you have to say! Thank you for posting your goals for 2014, it has given me the push I need to write down mine. All the best, Christine
I am the person you describe in your last paragraph..I am so thankful for the life that I live but I’m still struggling about finding my dream job..However, I have a happy personal life and that’s the most important of all..It’s always a pleasure reading your blog!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
You are such and inspiration!! Good luck with your goals.
I could steal this post and put it on my blog…if I had kept up my blog, that is! One of my goals this year is to get my blog going again..I just can’t seem to figure out how to “present” myself without being random..hmmm–I could also use the rest of your goals as mine for 2014…except for the driving! Happy 2014, I know it will be a great year!
Hi Heather, In regards to living in Paris I would seriously consider a flat swap. As you live in New York and presumably in Manhattan – you could get a like for like living arrangement. That way there is no wasting time in trying to get all the amenities in. It doesn’t work out as well if cities and rental values aren’t comparable if if they are as in your case – then you get a comfortable flat in a great location otherwise you will be paying over the odds for a short term rental while leaving your home empty. Happy new year!
Happy New Year and great resolutions!
We’ve rented apartments from ‘a la carte’ rentals our past 3 trips (and bob has for years). great apartments in good locations -all stylish
http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com/
Heather, loved your New Year”s post, this applies to me as well in my design business, I feel like I just floated through 2013, floated just enough to keep my head above water and survive but 2014 is going to be awesome. We used Haven In Paris to rent an apartment in the St. Germaine area of Paris and it was awesome, they are amazing to work with and take care of everything. Good luck on all your goals.
Hi Heather, you have the most exciting plans for the new year.
This is probably your best bet in Paris accommodation for extended stay:
http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com/upgrades_discounts_tips.html
All the very best to you.
Natalie
http://jewelyettofind.blogspot.ca/
Hi Heather, I acted upon your suggestion a few years ago and bought “Write It Down; Make It Happen”–have been following the process ever since. It works and it is a way for me to go back to see what I’ve accomplished…. Thank you!!
Have a super 2014–but, really, how could Habitually Chic get any better?
xoxo Mary
I didn’t write my goals last year either, and that was a big mistake. For whatever reason, writing goals down always increases the chances of achieving them. The last time I wrote my goals and published them on the blog was 2010, and wouldn’t you know it…I accomplished every single goal on that list (some took longer to complete than others).
I’ve already been thinking about this year’s goals for the past few weeks and there are so many thoughts rolling around in my head. It’s time to focus and start writing. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Hi Heather,
Happy New Year. Having read your blog for years I must tell you that yours is my favorite and the first I go to. I am often struck by how in sympathy I am with your taste and your values. So it is not surprising that we will BOTH be in Paris this year. I have rented a flat in the Marais for February, March and April, partly to be there off-season and partly to escape the Canadian winter. This is my second time: I did 6 months in 2009. To do that I had to go through the visa process which was really arduous and I don’t recommend it. The apt. exchange idea is a very good one. Parisians are gaga over NYC and it should not be hard to get an exchange. As you anticipate, one of the great joys is all those small museums you dont get to in a short trip. As well, take a membership at the Louvre. It will become your personal club in Paris and it is so fun to drop by for 45 minutes just to see that one gallery you are in the mood for. I know you would also adore the auction house, Drouot. What drama! I became addicted. More to say, but this is getting too long. Bon voyage. One day I hope to do all the things you do- the book, the blog and so on.
Heather, thank you for your new year’s post. You definitely motivated me to take charge and solidify (and write down!) my 2014 goals. I find that I am happiest and most inspired when practicing Pilates consistently. Enjoy getting back on the wagon!
Having read your blog from the beginning and the fact that we are almost birthday-buddies (I’m the 19th, you are the 18th), I noticed that you did not seem to be your usual chipper self – and neither was I. 2013 was beyond awful! First, I was in a bad car accident, then my husband had a heart attack and follow-up surgery and, for the finale, my MIL was in CCU and hospice for 2.5 months ending in her very peaceful death in September. It was a very interesting time and one factor was that our marriage was tested in all kinds of ways and we have come out of all this stronger (21 years and counting)! And it sounds as though you have come through your tough time with bells on! I am trying to take this miserable year and use it as yet another “learning experience.”
GO FOR IT! Go to Paris and enjoy it for as long as you can and then keep returning. Our world full of technology now makes it possible to work almost anywhere and you can blog just as easily in Paris as you can in NYC…please don’t miss the opportunity! I am planning a trip to London and hope to be able to return for longer stays over the years – and I’m 61! Take the opportunity while you are young…and make sure you don’t miss a chance in this world!
SuSu
Good luck with all of your dreams. I also believe in writing things down. It hasn’t looked like you lost your mojo to us!
xo
Sharon
You could try http://www.apartmentaparts.com
I have used this website in the past to book short-stay apartments in Rome, Vienna, and Madrid. Happy travels!
You are living my dream life! If you don’t mind my suggesting, I’d love to read a post of how you planned and prepared for a summer in Paris. I would love to travel and write about my adventures as an actual career, so any stepping stones or words of advice are welcome. Your blog is so lovely and I see a lot of my own tastes and interests in what you post! 🙂
I Like It!! xxSP
I will be in Paris too! I obtained a long stay student visa which I am going to use to attend language class while I’m there and explore the city. If you ever need help with that whole process, feel free to email me at contact@misssophisticate.com. It would also be fun to meet up and take a break from all the french speaking and converse in English together. I’ve heard you become desperate to speak English after awhile of being totally lost in translation and misunderstood…hehe!
xo
– Beeta
Heather, I love this post. Happy New Year! Lisa
It will be difficult to go sugar free with all the wonderful sweets in Paris 😉
Dear Heather,
Thank you very much for what you did in this blog. I love it. I have my dream job and dream life but sometimes I want to escape too (it happens). And you blog really helps me to feel myself better.
Best wishes in 2014!