Achieve self-assurance when you actualize your aspirations.

We know when we are doing our best vs. when we are just treading water, trying to keep up. Midway through January is a good time to check in on how you’re tracking against the ambitions you set out to accomplish. Are you maintaining your aim, or do you need to adjust?

For me this year, I decided to go against the typical rigorous goals and instead be a bit kinder to myself. Instead I established key words and sentiments that I wanted to focus on – allowing myself the freedom to enable that clarified focus to power my year. I felt that if I was a bit more flexible – what is meant to be, can be (I’m getting out of my own way). My words and efforts for 2020 that I’m using to guide my year are: Kindness, compassion, love, trust, gratitude, no judgements, value of people and experiences, and a celebration of abundance and opportunities. I’m confident that if I live with this mentality the right people, opportunities, activities, and things will materialize. I didn’t set any other goals (though I do have a desired direction in all categories (mental, physical, financial, friendships, self-actualization, career, etc.), and each morning and evening I’m checking in against those areas of focus. So far, so good.

The biggest area where this seems to be making a difference is through kindness to myself – I used to be very self-critical (I shouldn’t have eaten that, said that, should have woken up earlier, gotten to the gym, finished more of my to-do list) as a driven, type A person it’s so easy to feel like I’m never doing enough. I’m working very hard to break that cycle – to be kind to myself and to trust that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, and that I’m where I’m supposed to be, and that it is enough every day. That active practice of checking in internally – asking myself what I really feel like doing throughout the day, making my to-do list fun instead of draining, and then proceeding with what makes sense has created so much more internal peace. The anxiety (while still there at times) has receded, and I’m actually getting far more done (but at the right times).

For this self-assured attire I’ve paired a bright blue sheath dress with my favorite fun blazer. I love how this blazer provides a cool lining to punch up the power, while still presenting a professional appearance. Navy pumps and a complementary camel colored bag complete the outfit (orange is the color complement to azure – so the camel works well).

Focus on your aspirations to actualize your accomplishments.  

All my best,

Outfit Details: Dress: Theory Blazer: Alice & Olivia Purse: Prada Sunglasses: Louis Vuitton Earrings: Diamond Studs – Gift from Mother Necklace: Pearls Bracelet: David Yurman and Gold Bangle Ring: PERSONAL DESIGN (SUNFLOWER) CREATED BY: RONNY BARNEA – JEWELRY ON 5TH Hose: Natori