Hello, 2017! It's nice to finally meet you! And welcome readers, to our first post of the New Year. Last year we profiled a group of creative and talented individuals for our #WeWantToKnow blog series, and will continue to do so this year because there are so many more bloggers, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and all around creatives we want to introduce you to. Since many of us take the time in January to reflect on the previous year and set resolutions for the year ahead, it's only appropriate that our first We Want To Know post of 2017 is all about goal-setting, with tips and strategies from blogger Alexandra Nikolajev of lifestyle blog i'm a little. If you haven't yet set out your resolutions/intentions/goals for 2017, then you'll want to get to know Alex and the advice she has to offer.
Alex started her blog as a place to collect the things she loves and is interested in, such as fashion, beauty, food, home decor, fitness, etc. It was her personal outlet that allowed her to talk a little bit about a lot of things; these 'little' snippets, combined with her nickname, Little Alex (she's 5'1”), led to her blog's title i'm a little. Alex soon recognized that her audience connected with her fashion and street style posts more so than other topics, so for a time she created much of her content more exclusively in this direction. But now, with the turn of the last page of the calendar, Alex has relaunched her site, returning to the core of how and why she started blogging, and has set out a very detailed and methodical plan to achieve all the goals she's set for herself this year. It's not too late to set your own, just follow her advice!
Alex begins by making sure she chooses smart goals – these are goals that are specific, measurable and time-based. (You're more likely to accomplish goals that you can measure your success against later on.) To get an idea of which goals to set, Alex looks back on the previous year and applies the “stop-start-continue” method – that is, she determines what wasn't working and should stop doing, what new things she could start doing, and continue doing the things that resulted in success.
In order not to become overwhelmed, Alex suggests being reasonable about the number of goals you set, perhaps create a list of 10 items, but then really focus on the top 5 that you most want to accomplish. Then, break down those 5 goals into the specific tasks you'll need to do to achieve overall results. Also, be mindful that you sign yourself up for what you can reasonably attain.
Most importantly for staying on track throughout the year, Alex checks in on her goals every three months to assess whether or not she's on target, and will use this time to reevaluate if any changes need to be made.
Alex takes a very business-based approach to goal-setting, and because it's so structured, this method works whether you're setting your blogging goals, work goals, or even personal goals. If you want to accomplish what you plan to go after this year, take Alex's advice. Follow her blog i'm a little on Wantfolio for more info on how she plans her year, and also for exciting new content – expect to see recipes, posts on home organization, decorating on a budget, and more useful info. Also coming soon to I'm A Little: video content and podcasts! So make sure you're following so you never miss a post.
Want more? Here's what We Want To Know about Alex:
I can't start my morning without...coffee and some play time with my pup, Choco.
I have a weakness for...french fries. No matter what restaurant I'm at, I'll always order table fries.
Most people don't know that...I'm a trained singer with the Royal Conservatory of Music. These days my singing is reserved for the shower but I used to perform on stage and in theatre.
Currently reading... The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson. It is incredible so far and I recommend it to everyone!
I want...to be the best version of myself so I can give the best to others.
Thanks Alex, for participating in #WeWantToKnow!
