I'm not a big fan of new year, new me. I really don’t believe that just because the calendar says 2018 instead of 2017 I’m going to change. I know that January 1-10 is a very inspiring time for people to change their lives however, and I’m cool with being inspired. Sooo I’ve come up with three projects and a few goals for the year.

The first thing I’m making myself (hopefully) do this year is a Project 52. One image with my DSLR each week. Project 52s force you out of your comfort zone, they make you pick up your camera, they make you shoot for you. Most of us photographers often forget why we picked up the camera in the first place. We all start because we want to capture what we love, who we love. We get lost in the business capturing everyone else's lives and completely forget that we have our own right in front of us that deserve some "big camera" photos too. Some weeks I know it will be a battle, but it's worth it. Feel like following along? Follow #mallorys52 on Instagram. Use the hashtag on your own photos too, I want to see what you're up to!

Goal number one for this year? Marry my best friend. Throw a kickass wedding and jump into marriage head first. Spend 2-3 weeks exploring Ireland and Italy with my HUSBAND. Focus on us. This year we are focusing on building an even stronger foundation for our marriage to build off of. First and most important goal for 2018.

Project number 2? Self-portraits. Not selfies. I’m opening myself up in front of the camera. One self-portrait with my DSLR each month. That’s my only commitment for this project. Makeup or no makeup, pretty hair or a messy bun, pajamas or jeans. 12 photos of me.

My next goal for 2018 is a business goal, or two. Dylan and I had a very long talk about what’s to come for us financially wise and we’ve come to one conclusion: you have got to invest in what you love. So I’m tweaking the photo business a little, revamping, relaunching, and rebranding. I’m marketing in areas I’ve never marketed before. I’m shooting things that scare me. I’m not shooting things I don’t love. In 2017 I discovered I don’t like shooting super posed newborns, I don’t like traditional milestone sessions, I really don’t like super posed anything anymore. In 2017 I found my love for shooting what’s real, whether it’s pretty or not. I want to capture the “smiling too hard” and the “lump in your throat” moments. I cannot wait to see how my business will grow.

Along with growing my photography business, I’ve picked up a side hustle: Monat. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a brand of hair care that I tried out in October and have come to love. Not only do I love the products but I love this company. They pay extremely well, they treat you well, they’re constantly offering incentives, and they’re just a baby company. I’ve only been selling for a few weeks now and I already am in love, seriously can’t wait to see where it takes me a year from now. If you’re interested at all in what it’s about or want to join my team, shoot me an email!

My third project for the year is one I should have done a long time ago. I’ve downloaded the She Reads Truth app and I’m doing “The Bible in a Year” plan. They’ve divided the Bible into sections that you can read every day and by day 365 you’ve read the whole thing. Way too easy to not do it. Growing my relationship with God is not something I’m putting on the back burner this year. Last year I leaned on God and went towards him because I had to, because I was struggling, while that’s okay, I don’t want to be the person that only prays when life gets hard. So I won’t be.

This year I’m really trying to let things go. I’m a person who really needs things to go a certain way and when they don’t it really frustrates me. I hate that about myself. I don’t want to be the person that is constantly freaking out on their husband or kids or pets or whoever is in my path when things aren’t going right. So if ya pray, pray that I can change this about myself.

Last goal and the same goal 99% of women out there make every January: lose weight! Wedding body here I come. I’ve never been happy with my body and I’ve always said “well when I get engaged I’ll get the body I want.” Last year I worked my ass off towards this goal and I’m not there yet. Not even close. So this year I’m gonna work even harder to get this, I mean, it’s wedding year!

So there ya have it. It’s in writing. You can hold me accountable. What are your 2018 goals? What projects did you start this year? I want to hear!

hello 2018