New year, same but improved me?

So we're almost two weeks into 2023 and it's finally starting to feel like a new year has begun.

I'm aware not everybody enjoys the sensation of a new chapter unraveling but for me, this is the best time to get ahead.

The last part of 2022 was the most progress I'd made in all of the twelve months.

After taking on an internship in April, the months afterward were dedicated to learning and developing my marketing skills.

Yet, November is when things truly shifted.

Instead of caring what acquaintances and old pals thought, I started my LinkedIn journey.

LI is a lot harder than people think, especially when you're actively trying to build and be a part of a community.

This means daily engagement on others' posts whilst creating high-quality content that will resonate with your audience.

Tie this in with building genuine relationships in the DM's and scheduling coffee chats for networking, as well as juggling a 9-5.

A lot of time and effort is spent on building a personal brand. Believe it or not.

Fun fact: creating a personal brand is the easy part, the hard part is maintaining it.

As well as this, you need to stand out and actually develop your creativity outside of LI.

For me, this looks like working on my blog and creating a new season of my podcast.

Although I'm making it sound like a chore, this is what genuinely excites me. If you can't relate, potentially ask yourself why you want a personal brand.

So, that has been the last three months of a rollercoaster for me.

Now we're in January and you're probably expecting to see some resolutions... so here they are.

My 2023 Resolutions

Personal:

1. Pass my theory and obtain my driving license. 🚗

I started driving lessons in 2022 and had to stop after 22 lessons, due to taking on an internship. Silly past me didn't bother booking a theory test during those lessons so here we are. But I had my first driving lesson last week and another one is scheduled for Sunday 😄

2. Hit the gym at least 3-4 times a week. 🏋️‍♀️

I've been going to the gym since I was 14 after my dad introduced me to weight lifting. Over the years I've on-and-off achieved my fitness goals but it's never lasted long. 2023 is the year consistency and dedication wins!

3. Travel more. ✈️

Last year I physically couldn't travel, due to a lack of funding. £400 a month was rough, let me tell you that. However, I'm in a much better position now. I've just booked my flights to Rome in April, which will be my first solo trip! 🇮🇹

Professional:

1. Build my LinkedIn account to double figures. 📈

LinkedIn has ignited a passion in me, that I last witnessed with my podcasting project in 2021. It's almost an addiction at this point, to continue learning and enhancing my platform. There are a lot more people like me than I initially realised. Those who have just entered the digital marketing space, those who have switched careers, or even those who are struggling to get into the industry.

2. Say yes to more opportunities and take on a bigger challenge. 🏆

I want to look back at 2023 and remember fondly all the projects I got involved with. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I'll be in a completely different circumstance. Maybe even taking on my first client?

3. Build a portfolio of work. 🖌

I'm aware at the moment that I only have my blog, future podcast, and corporate company channels to showcase what I'm capable of. Throughout 2023, I'd like to have a wider range of work behind my name. I really enjoyed writing reviews whilst at uni so maybe this is where I begin that again.

4. Go to a live networking event/party. 💃

We see them all the time on LinkedIn and they're mostly always in London. BUT I'd love to attend one in 2023 and meet some of my favourite creators from LinkedIn! 😊

Those are all the goals I can confidently share on the web. Trust me, there are a few more in the notes app.

I know this blog post pretty much sounds like me, me, me but that's the point. Lol. Future posts will educate, entertain, and all of that. But this one is for me to reflect on in a year's time and compare how far I've come.

If you're still reading, thank you. I hope some of these resolutions inspired you for a successful 2023 and what you could be implementing to make it one!