As the fresh crispness of January settles in, many of us find ourselves emerging from the holiday season with a curious blend of refreshed spirit and lingering inertia. It’s a common phenomenon – that post-holiday sluggishness that makes getting back into the swing of things feel like an uphill battle. If you’re nodding along, rest assured, you’re not alone! This period of transition, often dubbed the “January free trial month,” offers a unique opportunity for reflection, recalibration, and setting clear intentions for the year ahead. It’s the perfect time to shed any lingering holiday haze and channel that renewed energy into meaningful goals and exciting new ventures.
In keeping with a cherished annual tradition, I’m taking this moment to outline my aspirations for the year. Reviewing past goal-setting journeys from 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 always brings a smile to my face and reinforces the power of consistent self-improvement. This year, my goal-setting inspiration comes from an unexpected yet perfectly fitting source: a collection of my favorite coffee mugs. Each mug’s unique message resonates with a particular aspiration, creating a fun and relatable framework for my 2018 resolutions.
Despite still navigating a slightly “fuzzy-brained” state – amplified by a dry January and a strict avoidance of added sugar (seriously, a bag of cheesy puffs sounds like a dream right now!) – I’m eager to dive into these commitments. This themed approach not only makes the process more enjoyable but also serves as a constant, tangible reminder of what I’m striving for each day. As you read through, if any of these mugs catch your eye, you’ll find links below the photos where you can discover them for yourself.
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2018 Resolutions: Embracing Growth, Authenticity, and Fun in DIY
The dawn of a new year brings with it fresh perspectives and an invigorated drive to push boundaries. My 2018 resolutions are designed to foster growth in my DIY endeavors, enhance authenticity in my content, and strengthen connections with my amazing community. From visual storytelling to honest self-expression and exciting collaborations, each goal is a step towards making this year the most impactful yet.
More Engaging Video Content for DIY Enthusiasts
One of my primary focuses for 2018 is to significantly ramp up my video content. I’ve been diligently experimenting with various filming techniques, delving into video settings, and immersing myself in the intricate world of DIY videography. This isn’t just about adding a new dimension to my content; it’s about elevating the challenge and providing a richer, more dynamic experience for you, my audience. Transitioning from being primarily behind the camera to regularly appearing in front of it has been a steep but exhilarating learning curve. It pushes me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to refine my presentation skills and engage with projects in a new way.
Video offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the step-by-step process of DIY projects, making complex tasks feel more approachable and inspiring. It allows for a level of detail and real-time interaction that still images and written descriptions sometimes can’t fully capture. Already, I have two brand-new videos in the pipeline, currently in the editing phase, and slated for release within the next month. These initial productions are just the beginning of what I envision as a robust library of DIY video tutorials, tips, and project showcases. If you haven’t yet joined my growing community on YouTube, I highly encourage you to subscribe here to stay updated on all the exciting visual content to come!
Embracing More Real Moments: Authenticity in DIY Blogging
DIY isn’t always glamorous; it’s often messy, unpredictable, and punctuated by moments of pure frustration – and sometimes, colorful language! I’m known for my foul mouth and for frequently sporting paint splatters, sawdust, or even glue in my hair. These are the “real moments” that often get edited out in the pursuit of perfection, but in 2018, I’m committing to showcasing more of this raw, unvarnished reality.
As I approach my eighth year of blogging this April, I’ve had nearly a decade to observe and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the internet. While I deeply cherish the privilege of pursuing blogging full-time, it comes with immense pressure. There’s a constant push to keep up with the latest trends, achieve flawless photography, perfect styling, and maintain a relentless creative output. This often leads to a commoditized blogging environment where individual voices can become indistinguishable. The pursuit of “professional polish” frequently overshadows authentic expression, a trend I’ve grown to resent, even while understanding its economic drivers. The harsh reality is that a lack of this perceived polish can lead to reduced traffic and, consequently, lower income – a difficult truth for anyone relying on their blog for a living.
Managing a successful blog today demands more effort than ever before, and with the exciting addition of video content, my capacity for maintaining a picture-perfect facade is simply non-existent. Not that I ever truly achieved it, but the pressure has always been palpable. My goal this year is to actively resist letting self-consciousness – whether it’s a no-makeup day, feeling awkward on camera, or any other personal hang-up – prevent me from sharing truly cool and valuable content. I’m inspired by blog friends who courageously share something genuinely real, cool, and different. This year, I aim to embody that same spirit, fostering a space where authenticity trumps idealized perfection and where the true, messy, and wonderful process of DIY shines through.
Bringing Back “More Smack Talk” with Dueling DIY!
For those who fondly remember and thoroughly enjoyed the competitive spirit of the staircase and kitchen Dueling DIY showdowns, prepare to be thrilled! Just like the beloved HGTV’sTrading Spaces, this fan-favorite series is making a triumphant return early this winter/spring! The excitement is already building behind the scenes, with the specific room and the formidable battling DIYer already chosen. The preliminary setup and planning are well underway, setting the stage for what promises to be an entertaining and inspiring competition.
I’ll be releasing an official announcement with more detailed information in just a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that! In addition to written updates, I’m also filming exclusive behind-the-scenes content and project updates specifically for my YouTube channel. My vision is to transform this series into a fun, engaging “show” that combines the written narratives with dynamic video elements. Imagine hearing two passionate DIYers trading playful jabs and hilarious commentary while tackling a challenging project – it’s sure to amplify the entertainment factor significantly! Expect plenty of laughs, unexpected twists, and, of course, some seriously impressive DIY transformations. Get ready to enjoy (and hopefully laugh your faces off) as we bring back the competitive spirit of Dueling DIY. <3
Cultivating “More Listening” and Less Judgment
This goal, “More Listening,” might seem to stand in direct contrast to the “More Smack Talk” of Dueling DIY, where I fully intend to bring my A-game and open a can of whoop-a.s.s.! (Yes, it’s ONNNN!) However, bear with me for a moment, because these two aspirations address different but equally important aspects of my life and community engagement. 2017 was undeniably a stressful year for many, and my hope for 2018 is to contribute to an environment of less stress and more understanding.
Beyond competitive fun, this goal is about being a better friend, a more attentive community member, and a more empathetic content creator. It means actively listening – not just hearing – to feedback from my readers and viewers, truly understanding their needs, and responding with genuine consideration. This deeper level of engagement will allow for more meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of collective goodwill throughout the year. It’s about enriching 2018 with genuine connections, thoughtful interactions, and a conscious effort to add to the positive moments, both online and offline. This commitment to listening and reducing judgment has nothing to do with specific DIY projects, but everything to do with making 2018 a more valuable and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
Injecting “More Fun” into Every DIY Project and Collaboration
2018 is shaping up to be an incredibly ambitious and exhilarating year, brimming with opportunities for “More Fun.” While I can’t spill all the beans just yet – some details are still being finalized, others are more exciting to unveil gradually – I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek into one of my major commitments. Next month, I’ll be attending WorkbenchCon, a premier event for makers and DIY creators. But I won’t just be attending; I’m embarking on the exciting challenge of designing and constructing an entire booth for Rust-Oleum!
Admittedly, I’m no “booth-building expert” (and yes, I believe that’s a legitimate specialized skill, which I emphatically do not possess!), but that’s precisely where the fun and learning truly begin. This project is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with an iconic brand and explore a new facet of creative design. I’ll be documenting every step of this journey, from initial concepts to the final build, sharing all the details as they unfold. Expect exclusive sneak previews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and real-time updates on my Instagram stories, offering a raw and honest look at the creative process. This project, among others yet to be revealed, embodies my commitment to finding joy, embracing new challenges, and fostering more fun in every aspect of my DIY life this year.
As I embark on this exciting year, brimming with these refreshed goals, I’m eager to hear from you. What are your aspirations for the coming months? What new challenges are you ready to embrace, or what traditions are you carrying forward? Share your goals and resolutions in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to make 2018 an extraordinary year of growth, creativity, and genuine connection.