The New Year is upon us, and I’m super excited for 2018. I’m done with new year resolutions. I know the changes I need to make, and I’ve already started. No need to wait for the new year! This year has been a defining year in many ways. I’ve made some huge achievements, as well as experiencing some really low moments. Through it all, I give thanks to God, because he is and has always been forever faithful.
In today’s post, I thought I would share some of the things I’ve learnt or have been reminded of this year. 17 to be precise. I hope by the end of this post you get to know me a bit better and take something away from this for the new year! 2018 holds a lot of personal expectation for me, so I’m doing all I can to make it meaningful. In addition, investing my time in all the necessary areas of my life. This includes work, friendships and relationships and blogging! So Happy New Year!! Let’s get into the post!
New Year, New Me? – Personal Development
No. 1 -New Years Resolutions never work!!
Every year I make New Years Resolutions, and never stick to them. I think it’s better to identify what you need to change, and just change! Plan what you need to achieve, and get started. There’s no need to wait for the clock to hit midnight!
NO. 2 – I’m Constantly Working to Challenge Myself
I’m in direct competition with myself daily. I need to be better than I was yesterday. I need to push myself harder and exercise some discipline which I lack in areas. Like the gym!
No. 3 – I’m not the same person I was last year or since 2014
2014 was a monumental year for me, and my life has never been the same. January 2014 was when my dad passed away after battling cancer for 6 months. A disease I don’t wish on my worst enemy. During those 6 months, my life and everything I was living for just paused. What I liked and enjoyed doing back then, I now hate. What I hated doing, I now like. The things I was never confident to do – like putting myself out there, promoting me as a brand, I now do! Sis, listen life is to short! Let all your baggage, and your fears go. Do not die with regrets.
No. 4 – Invest you Time Wisely
Time is so important, it’s treated as a commodity. Time coupled with your skills is what people pay for (your job). So, assess where you spend most of your time, and who with. I’ve learnt to cut the time wastes. While you wasted procrastinating starting that makeup brand you dream of, someone just got up and done it. 💅🏾 Once time is gone, it’s gone.
What I’ve Learnt about Blogging
No. 5 – Digital Doping
Or Insta-Fraud, Botting etc. The boom of the blogging industry has caused increased pressure to grow a social following, especially on Instagram. It can be hard growing a natural following, but it’s totally worth it when it pays off. I grew from big brands re-posting pictures such as ASOS, Office and so on. Furthermore (speaking as a digital professional), we know when your followers are fake, or from bots. It’s not a good look, and brands can’t trust you.
No. 6 – Blogger Friendships
Controversial topic, but let’s discuss. I know people say bloggers with a higher following are up themselves. Don’t want to associate with influencers who are ‘small’. However, I’ve found this to be the opposite interestingly. I’ve discovered that many friendships are ‘opportunity’ driven. Some people I don’t hear from again if I don’t have that PR’s contact details. I have few people I call friends in the industry, who always support and motivate me. So thank you to those ladies! I guess it’s the same dynamics of ‘friendships’ in a traditional work environment.
No. 7 – My Style Revival
During 2017 I discovered that I was having a style identity crisis. I forgot how I loved to dress, and found myself wearing a uniform day-to-day. Mainly because of work. I’m going back to basics of Style and the Sass! A depiction of how fluid my style was from tailored, girly looks, to gold, fur, colour and statement shoes and accessories. However, this needs to translate into my photography and on my blog.
No. 8 – Accountable by Influence
I wrote about this in my post some time back Accountable by Influence. The post was inspired by the realisation of how much people are influenced by bloggers and influencers. People who you would least expect! And how mindful we should be by the content we put out. Go have a read!
What I’ve about Learnt about Friendships
No. 9 – People Treat You, How they Perceive You
“You’re always enjoying Tash!”, “I see you fine dining on Snap Chat!” – Okay, if I may keep it trill in this post, I’m over these comments. The reality is, I rarely snap/ Instagram Stories. But it’s funny how the one time you do in a week people pick up on it. Start acting brand new, and change. When you’re going through stuff, jumping on Snap Chat doesn’t cross my mind. We should all know by now that people show you what they want on social. Let me know your thoughts on this!
No. 10 – Surround Yourself With Like Minded Individuals
This often happens naturally. That’s life! You will find your close friends become the people you pray with, plan with and share similar interests. Surround yourself with people who share your values, and encourage and elevate you!
N0. 11 – Watch Out for the Ones you Least Expect
The people I least expected were there for me and showed me incredible support! Meanwhile, individuals who were my ‘friends’ did the opposite! Treasure those you least expect!
No. 12 – Just Like Abraham, Know When it’s Time to Withdraw from Lot
I know today has been a bible study! Lot was more trouble than he helped Abraham, and Abraham had to leave him and his family in order to be blessed. In other words, drop the people who add no value.
What I Learnt about Life
No. 13 – Never Stop Learning
Add to your skills, and strive for your goals. Knowlege is an unbeatable gift!
No. 14 – Comparison is the Theif of Joy
As I said previously, focus on becoming the best version of you. Compete with the person you was 365 days ago, last week and yesterday. Your goals and ambitions are unique to you. Don’t look at others and their achievements with envy, rather let those success inspire you. Remeber success is subjective!
No.15 – Never Let Sight Block Your Vision
Remeber when God took Abraham outside and asked him to count all the stars in the sky, to see if he could number them? (Genesis 15:5). Then God said, “So shall your descendants be”. At this point, Abraham had no children, and his wife was barren. However, Abraham simply trusts Gods promise. My point is, your current situation may be far from what you want to achieve. But don’t let this stop you from chasing your dreams, and fulfilling what you are destined to be! Remeber God’s promise was fulfilled!
No. 16 – Gratitude & Positivity
Being grateful for every day, and saying thank you to everyone for everything. Something I will be doing more in the new year.
No. 17 – Buy the Damn Handbag!
Last and not least, and on a lighter note, I’ve learnt this year to just buy the thing you want. “Why would you spend that amount of money on a handbag?” – I mean why do you spend that amount of money on camera equipment when your camera is working fine, or that new wig? Or those weekly orders from Boohoo, to dash those clothes out every few months? People spend money on what they want. Finished!
Absolutely loved this Tasha. I wish you a beautiful year.
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Author
Aww, thank you, Jess. may 2018 be your best yet!! Xx
You’ve got it right, “Once time is gone, it’s gone”. Thank you for sharing Tasha! ❤️
Author
Yup haha! Thank you for stopping by love ❤️:) xx