College reunion at a roommate’s wedding in California. I’d say this picture sums up the year pretty well

I must say that 2011, although tumultuous because I was at a crossroads in my life (AKA. on the brink of adulthood), was a rather good year for me.

Maybe not in terms of relationships (guilty commitment-phobe) or any grand gestures like a dream move to New York City, but mostly in little things that I know will create stepping stones for bigger ones.

I got a better handle on my anxiety which was ripping me apart from the inside out throughout my senior year of college and some time after graduation.

I did new things I’d always wanted to try, mainly yoga. By the same token I strived to start exercising more.

I got reacquainted with city life – which I never plan to leave ever again. Once a city girl always a city girl.

I landed a full time job where I’m actually learning things that will benefit me as I start creating my career.

My net worth is larger than it’s ever been. It’s not anything astronomical but it’s quite a feat for a girl who loves to shop online and had no concept of budgeting. I started with zero and now have investments, a retirement fund and several high yield savings accounts. I’ve also managed to maintain good credit despite some splurging (i.e. a Macbook and the occasional 3 pairs of Express 6-inch heels).

I also acquired more private writing clients as a result of very hard work and dedication. It’s the same hard work and dedication that has made Grad Meets World a success and has served as a platform to launch an ebook.

I made the best of moving back home. I’ve reconnected with old friends and made plenty of new ones along the way.

I became more comfortable in my own skin again as I learned to separate myself from the mentality I’d acquired at a small conservative college in what was quite frankly the middle of no where. I had lost sight of myself for a while and I’m beginning to get it back.

New Year, New Rules

I worked my ass off in 2011 – not only at my regular job(s) but as a freelance writer and blogger. The success I have encountered has definitely been worth it – and I plan to continue writing – but I’ve reached a point where I can start having some fun again. Spending months at a time working 7 days a week is no way to live. In 2012 I hope to kick back more and enjoy time out with friends more often…maybe I’ll also make room for a boy or two lol.

I also need to finally make up my mind on whether or not to move out. On the one hand I really miss being on my own. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be able to sock away as much money as I do now. Something about unnecessarily spending the money I work hard for drives me up the wall – but of part of me knows it needs to be done at some point. Catch 22 if I ever heard of one – I’m sure there will be a Pro/Con list later on to accompany it.

Last but not least, I will finally get through The Intelligent Investor with no long hiatuses. If I’m going to be investing I best damn learn how to do it well.

2012 Goal Setting Templates, Galore!

If you’re okay with where you are and have no intention of making any kick ass changes, good for you. If you’re a personal development freak like me who gets excited about color coding things then I’ve got a list of templates for you.

Grad Meets World Goal Setting Template

First up is the template I created last year in order to help me set my goals for 2011. It really helped me get a handle on my vision and believe it or not it works! I normally save this for my email list subscribers but hey, new years call for goal spreadsheets.

Get Busy Living’s Year in Review

Benny Hsu is not only a contributor for the Grad Meets World ebook, he’s also a phenomenal personal development blogger. This may not be a goal setting template, but it does help you figure out what went right and what went wrong in 2011. If you need some help figuring out how 2011 turned out then check out Benny’s  free worksheet. I swear it’s a goody.

Nicole is Better’s 6 Step Process to the “Eff Yeah” List

Nicole is one of my favorite bloggers. She’s all about going big and – to quote her – living “a life less bullshit.” She’s also a personal development junkie with a HILARIOUS blog. Of course, it was of no surprise to me that she created a 6 step process to making your very own personal “Eff Yeah” list for 2012.

The Art of Non-Conformity Year in Review

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. It’s that time of year when Chris Guillebeau has publishes his world famous Year in Review. Learn the process, take something from your lessons and strive to make 2012 even better! By the way, if you haven’t read the  Art of Non-Conformity book I highly recommend picking it up! It definitely lit a fire under my ass back in 2010.  (P.S. Jose if you are reading this I promise I’ll give it back someday).

Here’s to making 2012 even better than 2011! Cheers!