Can we all agree that February gets a bad rap? Mostly because it’s a shorter month and we’re all itching for it to hurry up and leave so we can get to the good stuff, like spring! To add insult to injury, I acted like it didn’t even exist when it came to updating my goals for the year. Shame on me.
Let’s not waste any time digging in, you’ve got places to be and people to see – I’m sure!
I pulled my current goals from two posts, one that I wrote back at the beginning of January and the other from mid-December. Reading back through them ended up being really therapeutic for me. You may not be able to hear it, but there was a slight hesitation in my voice and it was clear that I had the comfort blanket of a full-time salary pulled up tightly around my face. In a way, I was playing it safe. It wasn’t until the carpet had been ripped out from underneath me that I really began to see progress in areas where I should have already been focusing. It was another bold reminder that this is what I wanted. Opportunity.
Here’s what I set out to do:
Stop spending money mindlessly.
Gone are the days of late cancel fees at Bar Method. There was no excuse for allowing them to happen before and there is really no excuse now that I don’t have a full time job. We’ve still been eating out and enjoying ourselves occasionally, but we’ve been trying to save it for the weekends when we are more likely to be with friends.
Up my blog game and continue to grow + double my social media following.
With a significant amount of extra time on my hands, I’ve been diving in to various ways that I can expand this blog and grow in all areas. The feedback I got from the blog reader survey has really helped me define what I want to do and where I want to go. It’s just a matter of putting plans into motion.
Develop a plan to offer my services to the public.
I’m going to need to take a rain-check on this one, however, I can assure you that this has been a top priority as of late. I’ve got to earn an income somehow.
Run a half marathon in under 2 hours.
I fit in 4.5 miles on Monday, another 3 yesterday and I’m planning to get back out there today. It’s crunch time, the weather has been gorgeous and I’m saving money by not running at the gym #winning. I feel extremely under-prepared when it comes to breaking the two hour mark, considering how training has gone up until this point.
Work my way into the splits.
I think a progress pic is in order – what do you say? I’m not really sure how else to track this as the year goes by and hell, maybe it will take more than a year, who knows, but I need something for comparison purposes.
These past few weeks have been spent trying to define what my new normal looks like (for now). I no longer have a commute, unless you count the five steps from our bed to my desk and I’m slowly figuring out what works for me as far as getting stuff done. For instance, 9:30am Bar Method classes aren’t my thing. It feels like I just get into the groove of working on something and then it’s time to leave. By the time I’m back home it’s so close to lunch that I get sidetracked by food (typical). I think I either need to work out first thing when I get up and then head to my desk or save it for the late afternoon/evening – my old tried and true method.
I downloaded Quickbooks yesterday and I went to my bank last week and set up a separate account for the blog and any freelance work that I might be doing. It’s important to me that I’m doing everything right so that tax time isn’t a complete nightmare next year. Am I supposed to have a TIN (or EIN, because hey, let’s make it uber confusing for the newbie)? Is what I’ve got going on here a sole proprietorship? I have so many questions. If you have any recommendations for accountants in the Kansas City, MO area, send them my way! And shout out to my friend Jetter down in Miami. She’s been instrumental in making sure my head doesn’t pop off my body from information overload and she understands my need to figure out how to do this “thing” on my own.
In other news, my kitchen and living room are spotless and I plan to tackle our bedroom/closet area next.
I’m allowing myself to work slow and figure everything out one (baby) step at a time.
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?
Photo via The Everygirl – Amanda has some killer interior design skills
Yay! Jess, I am so, so proud of you and the spirit you have captured during this period! You inspire me everyday!
http://www.theadoredlife.com
You are doing so awesome!! I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking the time to figure out your next steps so that you can explore all sorts of possibilities. This is definitely the perfect time to do it. Way to go, girl!!!
Thanks miss Kari!! Sooo, how great is this weather?!
LOVE YOU! Now send me some ass kicking words, this day is off to a slow start
Look at you go girl!! I love your outlook and spirit, keep it up girl! I think these goals are very realistic and I can’t wait to watch your continued growth and success! 🙂
http://www.thekissingboothblog.com
Thanks girlfriend! As always, I’m so happy that we met…now that I have all this time on my hands…Chicago? 😉
I have no doubt you will do all these things and more. Life has to be stupid to become sweet and you’re WELL on your way!
I appreciate it, Ivy! I loved reading your story so much. It’s crazy to me how many people have been in my position and how wonderfully it turned out in the end. It gives me lots of hope!
Cool photo and such a great post!
Style by Avery
You are taking some great steps!!! I’m sure it feels so overwhelming but I know you can do it!
-Kara
http://www.everydayk.com
I appreciate it, Kara! It’s weird getting into the swing of something new, especially when you don’t exactly know where to start, but I’m getting there 🙂 I hope you’re having a great week!
I would love to hear what feedback you get on becoming an LLC and getting an EIN Number. When I first started out on my own, I just worked as a 1099 (consultant). I loved it, made taxes very easy. I felt that 1099 just being a freelancer with now official business entity was perfect until I got established. Once I got White Oak established (and figured out my services), I formed a LLC and signed up for an EIN number, even though White Oak Creative is party of 1, and I always intend on it being party of 1. I don’t think there is any clear cut answer what you should do. I would reach out to people who are similar. One thing I will note, I’ve always separated work expenses/income from my personal one, and paid myself on a schedule. I consider that financial management part separate from becoming an LLC or not.
Reading this makes my head spin. I’m hoping that when I talk to someone they don’t look at me like I’m crazy when I try to explain myself haha. I’ll keep you posted for sure and I really appreciate you sharing this with me! I think paying yourself on a schedule is a brilliant idea.
I love seeing more blog posts from you! I’m glad you’re turning a down into a positive experience for you. As for the half, I’ve been killing it at my spin and bootcamp classes but running not so much…We’ve got a month to go so time to kick it in gear!
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
Thanks, Annica! Girl, that’s how I was feeling. Spin, Bar Method….I was doing everything but running, but I think I finally found my groove (again) thanks to the nice weather. LET’S DO THIS!!
Jess this is great girl! I feel like you are allowing yourself to really do what you need to do and figure out your best practices. The daily routine is tricky – especially when no one is there to tell you what you should be doing. But, hey! That’s the best part, right!? As for your business questions I would love to chat more about it. But here’s the skinny. I am set up as an LLC, sole proprietorship. I do have an EIN # – the information out there is confusing. But, for my business account to be labeled as an LLC (it doesn’t have to be if you don’t want it too) with my bank I had to have an EIN #. So I got one. But your business account does not have to have LLC on it – just as an FYI. Anyways! Let me know if I can help! xo, Cait
http://www.sophisticaited.com
Slow and steady 😉 haha, it’s very tricky. Luckily, I don’t really care for sleeping in (or my body doesn’t allow me to), but it’s those late afternoon hours that seem to get me. I would love to meet up and talk! I wonder if there is another coffee/t. loft chat happening anytime soon?
You definitely have the right frame of mind when going through this stuff! This is a great time to explore yourself and open up new opportunities! 🙂
Thank you so much, Cassandra! I’m really thankful that I have this time. It’s exactly what I needed 🙂
You are so inspirational, lady!! I know you’ll be able to accomplish amazing things.
xo,
Angela
You’re the best, Angela! Thanks for always being so encouraging!!
This is really inspiring. It’s not until we are put in a certain position that we realize our own strength. You have held such a positive attitude despite your challenges and it’s great to read it through your posts. Keep it up!! =)
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
Agreed!! I appreciate the sweet words, Nancy! I get by with a huge help from my support system and that includes YOU 🙂
Your goals are always so inspirational! It sounds like you are doing really well despite your what else is going on in your life. I’m working on a morning routine – I’ve been getting up at 5:00 am to work on the blog, shower, talk the dog for a walk, breakfast and out the door for work. It’s not super exciting, but I try to work some time in for myself each weekday morning. xo
Thanks, Katie!! That’s so awesome. I always love starting my day with something productive, instead of rushing to work (or at least I used to lol). Even throwing in a load of laundry felt like I had actually got something accomplished. I hope you’re starting to feel better!
this is so awesome and I’ve been dragging my feet about doing an update post. You just gave me a push lol, now setting up a different account for blog income is brilliant.
I’ll be waiting for yours 😉 I’m beginning to realize I should have set up a different account a lonnnnng time ago lol, oops. I’ve heard it helps so much at tax time!
You have such an amazing attitude! And you are making great progress on your goals!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Thanks Miss Nikki!! I sure hope so…I don’t want to let anyone down 😉 Do you have any yoga moves I can do at home to work on my splits? I need some serious work.
I am so glad to hear you are doing well, Jess!
Your spirit is inspirational and as I said before, you will do great things! Sometimes a drastic change like that helps you to really see what you actually want to be doing and extra time on your hands is sometimes great, too!
http://www.lovealwaysliv.com
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it more than you know. I think the extra time is wildly beneficial, it just took some time (how funny) to get used to. See you in a few weeks!
You have such a great attitude about all this. All your hard work is definitely going to pay off!
Elle
GAH, thank you and I sure hope! Writing about it helps to keep me accountable and lords knows I need that! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the weather this week 🙂
Good for you, Jess!
Thank you, Felicia! I feel a bit like a chicken with my head cut off right now, but I’m slowly figuring things out. I hope your week is off to a great start.
Way to hold yourself accountable! I’m all about the goal planning and follow through!
xo Jen
Skirt The Rules
Sorry I missed your comment, Jen! The follow through is the hardest part 😉 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
I’m training for my fourth half right now, and broke the two hour mark on the third – and I’m convinced it was all because of the speed training. So I highly, highly recommend it. Which training program are you following?
I’m using Hal Higdon’s Novice plan this time around. I really should be focusing more on speed work. It’s one of my goals this week! What half are you training for? 🙂
Madison Half Marathon in May – really excited, but glad that there is some time yet. I love Hal Higdon’s programs – doing one of his too!!
Love this – so so so proud of you. Kicking booty and taking names!
You da best, giirrrrrl!! Sorry it took me so long to see this!