2019 was a YEAR! Yes, all caps worthy. It was a year of SO much growth, really getting my footing on my goals and future and digging in roots. My phrase of the year was “level-up” anddd I feel like I did that in just about every way possible. So before we officially say peace out to 2019, here are some of the highlights I want to share!
Leveled the Heck up in our Business
I thought 2018 was a game-changing year at Bold & Pop… and don’t get me wrong, it was, but it turns out it was just the warm-up for what 2019 would bring. We increased our business by another 46% and increased our salaries by a whooping $25k. Holy freaking crap. Not only that but 57% of our business was from repeat clients. They like us, they really like us! Real talk though, we pour our hearts into the work we do for our clients so to work with so many repeat clients in different phases of their businesses or new projects was really exciting. We also increased our website traffic by 22%, grew our #GoingBold Community to over 1,200 members, had our first annual Co-founders retreat + two other trips to work together, and grew each of our local communities in both of our cities. Starting and growing a business continues to be one of the toughest yet rewarding things I’ve ever done and I’m just so dang proud of the impact we’ve been able to have so far and where we’re headed.
Bought my First House
Talk about something I didn’t think was going to happen for at least another year… I bought my first house! Thanks to the extra savings from our business and Mama Duck for helping secure my financing! I know I’ve talked about this a lot, but it’s something I’ve looked forward to for SO long so now that I actually made it a reality…. just so dang happy. Most women dream of their wedding day and all of that jazz…. I’ve dreamt about the day I’d be able to buy a house 😜Mission accomplished!!!
Worked on Becoming a Stronger and Healthier Version of Myself
This was one of the first years I really prioritized self-care, implementing healthy habits, developing systems and actually holding myself accountable and it felt good! I got a little off track with my fitness goals during the house-hunt, but progress is progress! Some of the things I focused on this year was:
Started strength training and daily walks with a weekly goal for each and a journal to keep track of my efforts and keep myself accountable
Prioritized drinking more water throughout the day and started planning meals for the week
Started a regular bedtime routine to try and get more rest and also started reading before bed helping me read over 10 books this year.
Started listing to business/motivational podcasts and e-books during my weekday walks/hikes to expand my viewpoints and life toolbox
Set a hiking goal with my eyes on making it up Mailbox Peak — I didn’t quite hit that one yet but I went on 9/10 training hikes and 11 other local hikes for a total of 20 this year
Started doing monthly intentions worksheets and check-ins for my goals which was SO helpful for accountability
Scheduled one self-care day/month for alone time
Stretched my Boundaries
2019 was a year of doing things I didn’t think I could and also trying new things I didn’t think I would. Last year, I started a goal of trying 5 new things throughout the year and it turned out to be such a good challenge so I continued it this year too. Some things I enjoyed more than others but the key was to stretch my boundaries a little with each, which I think has helped my self-confidence in other parts of my life. A few things on this year’s list included:
Public speaking — which has always been something that terrified me but this year I spoke to the biggest group yet and survived to talk about it after
Meditation — not really my jam but I gave it a swing
Clamming — surprisingly harder than I thought it would be
Horseback riding — I had a lot of fun with that
Shooting — another thing I didn’t think I’d ever try
Worked on Finding more Balance and Prioritizing Relationships
It is reallyyyyy easy for me to get wrapped up in work… I pretty much worked around the clock the first 2 going on 3 years of our business and it’s something that is still easy to fall into. In 2019, we really made a conscious effort to continue to try and have a better work/life balance by shutting things down at the end of the day and we also decided to extend our Summer Fridays beyond just the summer and throughout the rest of the year. I also tried to do a better job of prioritizing time with my family and friends and making plans instead of just talking about making plans. The weeks and months go by so fast and I feel like my efforts really did make a difference. Some of the things I prioritized this year in my relationships were:
Using a shared calendar/list app Cozi to block off time and stay on top of my commitments
Bi-weekly visits to my mom’s to cook dinner, hang out and have some quality time each month
Took advantage of local weekend getaways in the PNW for a change of scenery and went on an anniversary trip to the Methow Valley where I fell in love with the Methow Valley and the North Cascades
Started getting girls days and craft days on the calendar with my friends and planning our next ones at the end of each visit or shortly there after
Grew a lot Personally through Life’s Curveballs
While 2019 was a BOMB year in so many ways, I was also thrown quite a few curveballs in my personal life. It was a year of reallyyyyy stretching my empathy muscle, problem-solving and standing up for myself. And as much as I’m thankful most of it worked out, I’ll be honest it was uncomfortable as heck a lot of times. Two things I hate the most are conflict and when I don’t have any control in a situation and this year was stacked full with both. I’m definitely hoping 2020 has less of those moments, but at the same time, I’m also really proud of sticking it out, finding solutions and growing through it all.
2019, you were a BIG one… A year of firsts, a year of bests, and a year of stretching boundaries but I’m ready for all that the New Year will bring.
