Inspired by Jen Levin’s blog, Actor Goals I have for 2015, I thought I would declare some goals too. What a wonderful way to stay accountable! I am committed to living a balanced life and so have divided my goals into 8 areas (an exercise from Courtney Rioux) and will share one of my goals in each area.
1. Career/Business
Book a standout TV credit in a NYC 1hr Drama by April 1st 2015. This was my goal for the fall but I have not achieved it (yet). It is a new year and I have a strong urge to pick a new goal but I know I need to build on the momentum I achieved in the fall and stay focused. I look forward to using Vicky Ayala’s tips on leveraging this new exposure.
2. Family and Friends
Host 4 (or more) parties/gatherings at our apartment in 2015. I love our apartment and love having friends over but don’t prioritize it enough.
3. Finances
I make 50K in residual income in 2015. In case you’re wondering, yes that is a very large number and no, I have no idea how I will make that amount. But it starts by declaring what you want right? Last summer I started educated myself about money. I wanted more financial abundance in my life but really knew nothing about money. I want to continue that and set firm short term and long-term financial goals. Some of my favorite resources are, The Compound Effect, The Courage to be Rich, TheWealthyInverstor.com, and YNAB. I also just started Money Master the Game.
4. Romance/Intimacy
In 2015, my husband and I will have weekly meetings to discuss our focus for the upcoming week and what worked/didn’t work the previous week. I’m type A and have always been very career orientated. Balancing being a wife and actor was easy but it was a dramatic shift when I had my son 4 years ago! Juggling being a mom and an actor can be challenging and my wonderful husband often gets lost in the shuffle. I want to make sure I prioritize our relationship too.
5. Health/Self-Care
In 2015, when at home, I do not eat after 8pm. I definitely have a sweet tooth, which I’m fine with indulging sometimes. However, I eat an early dinner with my son and I’ve developed a bad habit of emotionally and mindlessly eating sweets late at night.
6. Social/Fun
I ride 25 times (or more) in 2015. Outside of acting my other passion is Horse Riding. It is an expensive hobby, especially if you live in NYC. However I want to commit to riding regularly and figure out my budget so I can do so.
7. Personal/Spiritual Development
In 2015, I read or watch self-development every day. I recently completed #MyBigYear with Courtney Rioux. One of the challenges was to commit to self-development every day. It took a while to get into the habit but even on a busy day I could squeeze in a couple of page of a book or a 5min video. I really saw a difference in my day-to-day outlook.
8. Physical Environment (Home/Office)
In 2015 I will deep clean my apartment twice a month and de-clutter once a month. New Yorkers live in small spaces! Sometimes I feel suffocating in overflowing piles of toys, books and clothes. It is such a good feeling to de-clutter and either sell or donate things (not to mention a source of income.) I see a direct correlation, when my apartment is organized I feel infinitely calmer and less stressed. Channeling Maria Kondo, Does it spark joy? will be my new mantra
I will finish with a shout out to Brian Tracy’s book – Goals. It is a fantastic read and filled with Goal strategies, which I plan to implement on the above list!
Happy New Year and Happy Goal Setting! What are some of your goals for 2015? Let me know in the comments below.
About Sarah Louise Lilley
Always up for an adventure- Sarah has crossed the breathtaking Namib Desert on horseback, done a grueling century bike race around Lake Tahoe and run the inspiring NYC Marathon. As an actress she has witnessed crimes twice on Law and Order, had sidesplitting recurring roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and enjoyed numerous jam-packed days on the festival circuit with such films as Blue Road, Zooey and The Date. She’s devoured Japan and Europe with avant-garde luminary Richard Foreman and collaborated with the provocative artist Julia Mandle. She has produced two award winning short films. Her latest, Nothing Happened, has screened at over 30 film festivals including; Cinequest, Berkshires, Bend, Woodstock, Edmonton, Outfest and BFI London. When she is not acting or chasing her 3yr old around the playground, she is trying to figure out when she can go horseback riding again. SarahLouiseLilley.com