Anyway, here is my review of last years goals and a new list for this year:
1. Last year I said my dream was to buy the house we were currently living in and renovate it, but the owners finalized their plans to re-build and we moved out in May. They have torn this house down and built a new one and so far it looks amazing. The views from this house were so fabulous, I can understand why the woman that grew up in it would want to retire there. I’ll have to drive by and take an ‘after’ photo when it’s finished just for fun to show you.
Photo by Maria KillamIn the meantime, we are renting – AGAIN. However it won’t be forever.
2. I said I wanted a paint company to sponsor me and I wanted it to happen now. Well it took the whole year but I have one now and I’m thrilled to announce it’s Benjamin Moore:
Benjamin Moore has 5 corporate websites and I have been in them for a year, however my posts need an update:
Since my entire blog is already like an advertisement for Benjamin Moore, because I know and love their colours, it’s an easy transition for me.
3. I said I wanted my work published 5 times this year and here’s my list of 5:
1. In March the CMG used one of my portfolio photos to showcase their 2010 colour of the year, Mardigras Grape.
2. In April Style at Home published my quote about light colours in dark rooms.
3. In July another quote about a colour appeared In ‘Spaces’ Magazine in Kansas City.
4. One of my projects appeared in September’s BC Home magazine again this year which was so great! I didn’t get the cover like last year but I was still very happy to be included. I just found this article re-printed again today in BC Living magazine on-line.
5. I was also quoted in Floor Focus magazine in their November issue and I just realized I forgot to post about it until I started writing this post. Stay tuned for a post on that one.
4. I said I would schedule a colour course in 2010 and I ended up with three. The first one happened in May, the next one was June and also in September (there are some video clips from the course in this post if you are interested).
My goals for 2009 I posted about here. What stayed on that list for this year was:
1. A new Dining Table and Chairs. Well I moved so that definitely speeded up the process of committing to one. I have new chairs (below) but I still haven’t found the dining table. Well I’ve found it but not for the right price yet.
Photo by Maria Killam
2. Taking a Trip to Italy is still on my list as we didn’t get there this year, yet again:
Image via Velvet & Linen
6. What really lights me up and makes me happy is making a difference in the world. Either through introducing someone to the Landmark Forum, (because participating in those courses gives me the life I have now) or inspiring designers and homeowners who read my blog with colour and design ideas so that the environment around you becomes a harmonious and happy place. When your home becomes a space you love to be in, it makes you happier. Your stress about it goes away and you can focus on how to enhance someone else’s life, because yours is already handled.
7. I’m naming 2011 my “Year of Expansion”. In all areas, business, friendships, partnerships.
Okay, so my trip to Italy is still on the list so I have all my major goals out here for you all to see!
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.
Related posts:
10 Happy Goals for 2009
Review of Last Years Goals and a New list for 2010
The Secret to Having the Life the You that you Want
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Your first paragraph really hit home for me. It is so easy to look at where other people are and want to be there too. My husband keeps reminding me that they too were at some point where I am today. Love your goals and am looking forward to seeing you make them all during the upcoming year!
Hi Maria..this year I stated in my post on New Years Day simply that I felt it was a year of 'hope and new beginnings'. By that I meant a year of extending grace to ourselves and others…giving a chance to us and others to take a new beginning whenever we need one and not think we are tied to our past. Hope…because we need the kindness to extend hope for the future in those areas we can't see a future in and in people we have previously labelled and been critical of.
Maria this year I hope you will be able to take those things that have been accomplished and consolidate so that they can grow for you strongly! Try not to run ahead of yourself because sometimes that causes weaknesses in the foundations of tomorrow.
By the way…why don't you get a local craftsperson to make you the table you desire..sometimes they are cheaper than a well known brand..worth a try?
Congratulations Maria! You deserve it all. xo
Maria, this is too funny, I just posted on what my year is going to be called, " The Year of The Purge"
I have to get organized. I have another post for later in the week that will be showing what has been spinning around in my mind.
I like the fact that you do a concrete list. One with wonderful goals. I am so impressed by all that you accomplished last year and I am looking forward to following along this year!!!
Kathysue
Sounds like you've had a great 2010 and I'm sure 2011 will be just as inspiring. You are motivating me to actually write down my goals for myself and my business. I always find writing things down makes me much more motivated to do them! Happy New Year!
My word for the year is breathe.
Fondly,
Glenda
Excellent! Way to go with your lists! Congrats on Benjamin Moore being a sponsor. Wishing you a happy year ahead and may all your wishes come true.
pve
Congrats on all your successes in 2010… wow! well deserved too.
Go get'em in 2011 too!
xo,
cristin
Hi Maria how great!! You will do it too!!
Come and enter my great giveaway from Blydesign!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Oh, I wish you sucess. I feel that way about my new Blog. Looking what others already have. Check it out if you wish, I would love to hear your opinion. Really the good and the bad.
I know with hard work and determination you can reach some of these goals. You seem so talented and passionate about what you do, so keep up the hard work. Many would love to be in your shoes, so count that a great blessing.
Good luck to you. Really….
I'm an interior designer from Melbourne, Australia – I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it. It's got a bit of everything fashion, interiors, food, travel spots – hopefully you will find something in there that you like.
Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment!
Cheers
Melissah
Hi Maria, wow, I'm inspired, motivated, anxious, overwhelmed, all of that, by your goals, as I think about my own. Putting it all out there is courageous and smart — you hold yourself accountable. You have so much to be proud of, way to go. And the sponsorship is well deserved. You sell their product (which I love too) in your sleep! You said much to make me reflect on what I'm up to. Thank you, as always! Go get 'em in 2011!
I've been reading your blog for – well, years now – and I can see the progression. I was noticing how far I thought you'd come sometime last year. You're right on track! You're always reaching, learning new things to reach your goals…and sharing with us! You're one of my faves!! Keep up the good work!
Maria, I really enjoy your blog and I just had to chime in regarding comparing yourself to others.
I have a son with a multiplicity of special needs. Years ago his school had a nationally known specialist come in to to do an in service for the teachers and parents. He also met one on one with some of the students with unique challenges. When he met with my son he was astonished at how well Christopher was doing.
"You canNOT compare this child to other children," he said, "Assess him against his own progress, but if you compare him to others, he's always going to come up short."
I exhaled deeply and recognized I'd been holding my breath for a really long time. I needed to be told that for my son and also for me.
You've made some great and specific goals for this year and I wish you the very best in achieving them. And I hope you enjoy it.
Your blog has been so helpful to me as I have been planning and designing the rebuild of our home after a house fire. Thank you.
So glad to hear that a book is on your list! I can't wait 😉
Oh my gosh, you're brave! You just committed in front of God and the Internet to post a picture of your abs at the end of the year! That is going to be some serious motivation.
Thanks for sharing your goals, Maria! What I love best about reading other people's goals is that it makes me examine areas that I may have forgotten about, or focus on places that I need to get clearer. I like that so many of your are detailed!
I'm not sure if I'll be able to make your class here in Atlanta, but I'd still ove an opportunity to meet you in person! Hopefully you'll have a meet & greet planned.
Wishing you all the best in 2011,
Dayka
Maria, I love this post and I will have to seriously think about my goals this year. It's almost a mute point, but I think for tomorrow's Tuesday Tea Link Party which I host, I'm going to talk about the huge transition that has taken place in my life when I decided, in May, to be faithful in the 'little' things. That is when my blog got 'focused'. I started blogging what I did and was actively engaged in–my 'real' life. I'm an organizational guru and a homemaking 'diva' (according to you-Ha!–thanks for the vote of confidence!). So instead of trying to be another 'home and garden blog' which I'm not, I decided to blog real life. It was that, or quit blogging. I went from a 'backlog' of unmet goals to total freedom to do what I love. I made many lists..and like a bull-dog, tackled every item (like 'sell my father's house when nothing was selling). It took all summer and a lot of sheer grit–but I SOLD that house after a strenuous remodel. I was absolutely determined and willing to do whatever it takes. In my opinon that's what REAL goal setting is all about. Like you and your flat stomach (oh my–I'm feeling some guilt here!), you have to be a 100% committed if you want to meet the goals you set. But it's life changing when you approach your list from that perspective. I know! I had the best Christmas ever, because I had 'caught up' on life's obligations. This year is going to be a stellar one! I'm sure. And the house painting is very high on that list. Thanks for your encouragement. My homemaking blog has been a vision in my heart for 15 years. I wanted to inspire homemakers everywhere…and now I have a forum to do that.
You are my biggest inspiration. I love how you encourage us to look forward and have a vision.
Thank you for being my friend.
xo
Donna
I've been a follower of your blog for a couple of months now. I know I should have commented! Anyway, I'd just like to say how much I love your yearly goal post, it gives motivation, and great to see things you've accomplished within the year. Good luck and I'll be copying this idea. 🙂
Keep on inspiring Maria!
I linked your blog on mine today – you can read why here: http://sherricassaradesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/blogger-awards-other-ramblings.html
xo Sherri
Year of Expansion, Year of Now -!!! I love them all, makes me wanna use a line like this to motivate me, thing is, I haven't decided what my goals are yet, so perhaps I need to do that first – thanx for a great post – you got me thinking babe!! (ps. Shame about the house being pulled down – it's quite cute!)
Excellent post. A coach is a wonderful thing. I did that 2 years ago, and that is what gave me the courage to get into this business. Your post inspired me to get back to my goals and focus. I love the idea of naming the year…
Also, check out website, 212 or Give More Media…good motivational stuff.
212 is that extra degree that it takes to power a train. Check the video clip http://www.212movie.com
Whoops I think I posted this on the wrong post…so here it is again.
What a great list for the new year. Congratulations on everything you achieved in 2010! I hope 2011 is just as prosperous.
You are a high achiever by nature Maria so you will always strive for even higher goals!
May I congratulate you on your achievements thus far dear friend – you are brilliant and a gem of a person to boot. Thanks for being you – which is a pretty high goal for anyone to achieve in life 🙂
Maria, you are such an inspiration. I'm sure whatever you put your mind to you will achieve, recession or not! Go girl!
Maria,
I've been so busy with my blog but I need to come check yours every time! I love it!
Too sad about your house, but that's Vancouver, right? I used to live there and now I live across the country (Maritimes). I think we'll be back to Vancouver.. I miss there so much.
Congratulations on BM! That's a big thing, Maria! They're lucky to have you!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
PS: I'm pretty sure you know who's Linda Burger, right? West Vancouver. I made a post about her today. If you have a minute, please take a look and let me know what you think. 🙂
I'll do it too. Wonderful post, Maria!
You inspire me! Thank you for sharing and putting into words what so many of us bloggers and designers are thinking.
I know exactly what you mean about feeling like others are ahead of you in the game… but remember for everyone that you feel is ahead of you there are many of us that feel that way about you because you are light years ahead of us.
I admire your work, blog, skills, and design style… you are a bright light that inspires us all! 🙂
Go for it!! I read your blog regularly and find you and your expert information refreshingly honest and straight forward without artifice or self-focus. That's a distinctive quality to applaud!
I love the use of the big yellow vases to offset the dark walls. Really brightens up the whole room with a sunshine feel! Here is to a great 2011!
Maria– What a lovely recap of your successes last year. This year I do wish you the home of your dreams with a hot tub to boot, and that you meet and exceed all your goals!
I know Brendon, (he is very nice), and his wife can help you on that stomach resolution. She owns the Bar Method in Portland, OR and is in the newest Bar Method DVD: Dancer's Body Advanced Workout. But realize people admire you the person, not you the toned tummy, so allow yourself not to be perfect!
I resolve to work on a short list of resolutions and post on my blog Friday!
Loretta
Somehow based on what I have read thus far you have achieved much success and it's only going to continue. I'm with you on losing weight. I'm 5'8" and can get away with a lot but started today and my goal is 26 lbs by end of March. Italy is on my list this year too and so is buying a house..since there is no way I can afford one where I live (like NY City and I missed the time to buy) mine will be a vacation house in Napa since wine is my passion. Can't wait to watch you accomplish your goals and I still think you need to come to LA to do a color seminar. Ann xo
Hmmm…seems to me you've pretty much accomplished what you set out to do…The Italy part would be on the list again…but that is good because it only means that you haven't given up on it yet and it would be such a sweet one to achieve because it would be so much fun…relaxing in Italy and basking in all its splendor and beauty:)
It would be an understatement if I didn't say you're amazing. Frankly, you inspire me and I made a blog post about the new year bringing great things, but I haven't wrote my list of goals. I'm going to do it now!
Maria,
I must encourage you to have your dining table made if you do not find the one with the measurements you desire….
Just had to tell you that….
I had to re-read your impressive list….you go girl!
pve
We all beat ourselves up about where we are vs where we'd like to be. I love how you've put that feeling to words. I love your goals for this year and can't wait to read your e-books.
Maria, it is definitely easy to see all of the shortcomings, yet often difficult to recognize all of the accomplishments. I completely understand what you mean…. I am the same way! However, looking at your list of 2010 goals, I think you should pat yourself on the back and say "Job Well Done!". You deserve it! There is no doubt that by this time next year, there will be a whole new, exciting list of "goals met" to reminisce. I look forward to watching your extraordinary successes in 2011!
Maria, you are always an inspiration (note the end line that I now add to my blog posts) Sorry to be a copycat 😉
This is my year of growth, and actually setting goals and achieving them, up until now I have just been coasting along through life and wondering why nothing very exciting was happening. Now I know why, I hadn't asked the universe to provide me with anything. So during my Christmas break I sat down and wrote out all my goals for 2011, and they say "what you say becomes your truth" so if someone asks you 'How are you' and you reply 'Good, thanks', well life is going to just be pretty mediocre. I'm astonished at the amount of people who when asked 'How's business' they reply "Oh, it's been a bit slow lately" and wonder why it IS slow. What you speak is what you get. When people ask me hows business, I say "Booming!! It's fantastic thank you!" People always want to be around winners, and if they think lots of people are buying from you, they want to have a piece of the action as well.
Go forth and conquer Maria, you deserve all the success in the world, and never, EVER compare yourself to others, because it is all a smoke screen. Some people may look like they have the perfect life, but scratch the surface and you'll find they're in debt, their husbands having an affair etc etc. Just stay true to your own creativity and believe that you have your own unique talent and people will pick up on that and hire you as a designer.
Brilliant list – I am definitely getting that sick pack stomach….it was there when I was 20 now just need it back!! I wanted to go to Singapore again this year so I just booked the flights, don't have the spending money however thought stuff it just have to save supper hard and not go out for dinners as much. And now our family is heading there in April.
I also want to go to Paris and Byron Bay this year however this can be my 2011/2012 plan!!!
Maria– Just posted my resolution (Bliss and Balance) list and linked it up with Mr. Linky.
Now off to read your latest posts!
Loretta
Hi Maria,
I am a business coach and my wife often shares your blog posts with me (my wife is Sheila Zeller and she took your colour course in May). She recently passed on this article because you mentioned not having a coach or someone to hold you accountable … She was curious about my perspective on your review and your goals – she thinks you’re amazing and often comments on your focus and hard work.
I read your post and had a look around your site.
If this is an authentic representation of who you are and where you are going, I have to agree with Sheila that you are remarkable, and doing remarkably well.
The only metric that matters are the goals you set, and meeting or exceeding the expectations set for you by your clients/customers/fans. And most importantly of all, your momentum in fulfilling the vision you have designed for yourself. From the time-line you shared between 2009 to now, you have made great strides, and some of them battling uphill (e.g. Benjamin Moore)!
Nicely done. You are a model for how to do it right! Celebrate that, and then get your next objective lined up to knock down.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
Clemens
Informative post! This is a great share thank you