2018 Goals

I’ve said before that my blog is a work in progress, which is a lot like life. Sometimes, it’s hard but most of the time I really enjoy it. Although blogging isn’t my job, it’s a creative outlet for me. It’s a way to share my love of all things beauty. And as it’s grown, it’s become a way to share personal development and wellness, too. The best way to measure progress? A review. So, as 2018 begins, let’s take a look back at 2017 and what I want to accomplish in the new year.

(I couldn’t find the exact styles online but the calendar and planner are both from Target.)

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a commission if you click and/or make a purchase.

Goodbye, 2017

Last year it was fun to go through highlights from the year so I wanted to it again for 2017.

Most Viewed Post: Photo Focus Foundation

Most Liked Instagram Post

Personal Favorite Post: Wellness

Lifestyle Discovery: Essential Oils

Favorite New Hair Product: Kenra Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Favorite New Beauty Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

Brand I Finally Tried and Liked: First Aid Beauty

Favorite Addition to my Makeup Bag: Tartelette in Bloom

Product That Impressed Me: Essence Princess Lash

Blogger Recommendation That I Love: Stila Liquid Lip

Blogging Big Events

Switched to a self-hosted site in March

Caitlin Cosmetologist turned 2 in June

Added the wellness category in July

Debuted another new logo and updated web design that better represents CC in November

Started (actually) using ShopStyle Collective in December

Continued to learn more about blogging and find my own voice as a blogger

Life Big Events

Left my volunteer role and second job in May

Started a new job that allowed me to pay down some loans in September

Celebrated a year with my boyfriend in October

My family’s New Year’s Day tradition- homemade donuts!

This year we added mimosas. 🙂

For 2018

The past year I focused on development. If I had thought to pick a word for the year, that would’ve been it. It may be kind of boring to pick the same thing for the new year- but that’s what I’m going to do. I spent a lot of time on myself and my blog and I’m really happy with my progress but, I’m not done yet. My goals for this year are really a continuation of the progress I’ve made so far but I’m still excited about them.

Be Present: That may mean that I won’t get a post out. But, it also means that I have more time with the people around me or get to experience things myself and not through my phone. Actually, I wanted this post to be out on January 1st.  But as I spent time with my family and boyfriend eating homemade donuts and talking about life, I decided the final edits could wait.

Be Real: Sometimes I wonder if people really want to read a list of my goals. But, I do think putting them here helps hold me accountable. It’s also a way to be relatable which is something I strive to be.  I want to remind others that no matter what difficulties life may bring, they’re not alone. That they’re beautiful in their own way, in their own season. But, I haven’t found the best way to do that because being vulnerable on the internet isn’t easy and finding the way to incorporate that into a blog isn’t either.

Wellness: If you follow my blog or my Instagram you know that I’ve made wellness a priority. Slowing down and focusing on self-care has been very beneficial. In addition to that, I want to rediscover things I enjoy and make good use of my time rather than running another errand.

Purge: I have too much stuff! I want to keep getting rid of the clutter and things I no longer need to make my living space a more calm environment. As I’m purging I’m finding things I either forgot about or just haven’t used much. Like eyeshadow palettes, or earrings. So, I’m challenging myself to start using them again. 

Blogging: Although these are mostly personal goals, I plan to incorporate them into my blog. I want to continue sharing my journey to help inspire others. I’ll focus on better images and content as well as working to grow my site and social media platforms.

I mentioned that I started making use of ShopStyle Collective to link products in my blog posts and some social media platforms. To clarify, it IS an affiliate program where I can receive a commission but I chose it because I want my readers to easily find the items I’m talking about. While some readers may be really turned off by affiliate programs, there are many positives and I hope you continue to read my posts and click the links that interest you.

So here’s to more- laughter, love, happiness, growth, development or whatever your heart desires. Thank you so much for joining me here on Caitlin Cosmetologist.

I wish you all the best in 2018!