Why 2018 scares the s&#t out of me.

So here we are, another year older and another year (a little bit) wiser. I feel like only yesterday I was writing a "new year, new me" blog whilst busily planning for 2017 and now I'm sitting here reflecting on the year that's been and wondering, did I do what I set out to??

A new year is a fresh start for a lot of us, especially if the previous year wasn't everything we hoped it would be. It can be a time to reflect, show gratitude, make lists and find a whole heap of motivation that disappeared somewhere around the time that Christmas puddings hit the shelves of Woolleys. A new year can mean change, positivity and hope but it can also mean worry, stress and anticipation.

And here's why.

2017 was MASSIVE for me. I learnt a lot and I achieved a lot. Yes I had moments of doubt and yes I made a LOT of mistakes but all it all, it was a good year. It was a great year. Now I sit here preparing for 2018 wondering;

1. Can I maintain the same momentum?

2. Can I come up with new ideas for another 12 months?

3. Can I keep everyone (including me!) happy?

Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to the year ahead with many goals in my business and personal life that I'm eager to achieve but this feeling of worry and angst around 2018 has got me thinking. We put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve greatness in all areas of our lives that when we do reach a goal, we don't allow ourselves to enjoy the moment.

So here's what I've decided for 2018.

This year will be about self preservation. I will allow myself to enjoy the wins, big and small and not stress about the future because at the end of the day, I can't control everything no matter how much I'd like to (just ask Maurice haha). A more relaxed me means clearer decision making and better productivity because how much do we really get done when we are stressed and anxious?

For the next 12 months I vow to;

1. Put less pressure on myself,

2. Take each day as it comes and stop worrying about the future,

3. Learn from my mistakes and failures rather than dwelling on them,

4. Work hard and have faith in "what will be, will be."

Goal setting is a great way to start the new year and I'm not saying you shouldn't do it but no matter what your goal for 2018, I hope you can find time to focus on self care. A happier you means a happier family, happier work colleagues or clients and in general, a happier life and if that's what the next 12 months is all about then it's looking pretty good after all.

Here's to a happy and stress-free you in 2018,

Alyssa x